The 2026 "Dependent" Ban: Can I Bring My Spouse on a Student Visa?
The UK and Canada have closed the door for many. Here is where you can still go as a family. Data sourced from: UK Government (Student Visa Family Members), IRCC Canada (Spousal Open Work Permit Updates 2026), Australian Department of Home Affairs (Subclass 500 Financial Capacity), and German Federal Foreign Office (Family Reunion Visa). For many mature students, studying abroad is a family decision. But in 2026, the "Family Route" has become a minefield. The days of bringing your spouse on a standard 1-year Masters course are mostly over in the Anglosphere. At Gnosis Study Stats , we analysed the new "Dependent Visa" rules to see which countries still welcome families. 1. The "No-Go" Zones 🚫 The United Kingdom (The "Strict" Ban) Since 2024, the UK has banned all international students from bringing dependents unless they are on a "Research Postgraduate" course (like a PhD). The Reality: If you are doing a standard 1-year MBA or M...