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Student dependant pass — spouse of Master's or PhD student

MalaysiaFamily

Explore the five recorded questions, answers and sources for this pathway.

Official link

Which family relationships qualify?

This social-visit-pass facility covers a spouse of a Master's or PhD Student Pass holder.

See recorded sources
  • 2.1. Dependents
    2.1. Dependents (Higher Education Institutions) a. Eligible dependents include: b. Spouse c. Biological/step/adopted children under 18 years old d. Disabled children (no age limit, certified by medical specialists) e. Biological parents f. Parents-in-law g. Only Student Pass holders at Master’s or PhD level are permitted to bring dependents to reside in Malaysia. h. Dependents are NOT ALLOWED to work, conduct business, deliver political speeches, lectures, or engage in political activities. i. Student Pass holders under the Language Centre, Training/Skills Centre, and Accredited Centre category are not permitted to bring dependents.

Who may sponsor or bring the family member, and what immigration/citizenship status must that person hold?

The principal must hold the relevant Student Pass and the institution or school must confirm that status, issue an official request and appoint its representative. This accompaniment is limited to Master's or PhD level, not language, training, skills or accredited centres.

See recorded sources
  • 2.1. Dependents
    2.1. Dependents (Higher Education Institutions) a. Eligible dependents include: b. Spouse c. Biological/step/adopted children under 18 years old d. Disabled children (no age limit, certified by medical specialists) e. Biological parents f. Parents-in-law g. Only Student Pass holders at Master’s or PhD level are permitted to bring dependents to reside in Malaysia. h. Dependents are NOT ALLOWED to work, conduct business, deliver political speeches, lectures, or engage in political activities. i. Student Pass holders under the Language Centre, Training/Skills Centre, and Accredited Centre category are not permitted to bring dependents.
  • 4.3. Dependents
    4.3. Dependents/Guardians of Student Pass Holders IMM.12 Form (New Applications) IMM.55 Forms (Renewal Applications) IMM.38 Forms (Renewal Applications) Institution/school representative appointment letter Official request letter from institution/school Confirmation of principal’s Student Pass status Copies of applicant’s passport (all pages; validity at least 18 months) Copies of spouse’s passport (all pages) Copies of principal’s passport (biodata page and current pass) Passport-sized photo (3.5cm x 5cm, white background) A Malaysian Health Insurance Policy or an International Health Insurance Policy that provides personal coverage, recognized in Malaysia, with a minimum coverage period of 12 months Personal Bond form (stamped) Proof of financial capability (latest 3-month bank statements, scholarship/embassy sponsorship letters. Other related documents (Original and Copy): i. Malaysian Birth Certificate / Foreign Birth Certificate and Translation of Applicant’s Birth Certificate / Copy of Court Order (Custody). ii. Marriage Certificate / Marriage Registration (Verification of Proof of Relationship). iii. Divorce Certificate / Divorce Registration Certificate / Death Certificate (if applicable). iv. Adoption Certificate or Certificate of Adoption (if applicable).

What is important for proving marriage, partnership, parentage, custody, dependency or another qualifying relationship?

Applicants must provide the applicable birth, marriage, custody, adoption, divorce or death records establishing the relationship, with originals and copies. Certification and recognised translations are required under section 4.4; PRC nationals have a distinct Malaysian-mission-in-China certification rule.

See recorded sources
  • 4.3. Dependents
    4.3. Dependents/Guardians of Student Pass Holders IMM.12 Form (New Applications) IMM.55 Forms (Renewal Applications) IMM.38 Forms (Renewal Applications) Institution/school representative appointment letter Official request letter from institution/school Confirmation of principal’s Student Pass status Copies of applicant’s passport (all pages; validity at least 18 months) Copies of spouse’s passport (all pages) Copies of principal’s passport (biodata page and current pass) Passport-sized photo (3.5cm x 5cm, white background) A Malaysian Health Insurance Policy or an International Health Insurance Policy that provides personal coverage, recognized in Malaysia, with a minimum coverage period of 12 months Personal Bond form (stamped) Proof of financial capability (latest 3-month bank statements, scholarship/embassy sponsorship letters. Other related documents (Original and Copy): i. Malaysian Birth Certificate / Foreign Birth Certificate and Translation of Applicant’s Birth Certificate / Copy of Court Order (Custody). ii. Marriage Certificate / Marriage Registration (Verification of Proof of Relationship). iii. Divorce Certificate / Divorce Registration Certificate / Death Certificate (if applicable). iv. Adoption Certificate or Certificate of Adoption (if applicable).
  • 4.4. Verification
    4.4. Verification of Relationship Documents Must be certified by foreign missions/embassies in Malaysia if applicant is in-country. For countries without representation in Malaysia, certification must be obtained from the nearest mission or country of origin. Translations must be done by recognized bodies (e.g., ITBM or registered translation centres). Translations from the country of origin must be certified by foreign missions/embassies in Malaysia. For PRC nationals, certification must be obtained from the Malaysian Mission in China. Adoption cases require custody letters and embassy verification. If abroad, certification must be obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the respective country or Malaysian missions overseas.

What important financial, accommodation, insurance or maintenance responsibilities apply?

The application includes the latest three months of bank statements or scholarship/embassy sponsorship letters, recognised health insurance covering at least twelve months, a stamped personal bond, and an applicant passport valid at least eighteen months. The listed social-visit-pass fee is RM90, plus country-dependent visa charges; no maintenance amount is stated.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • No numerical maintenance threshold or accommodation standard is stated.
  • 4.3. Dependents
    4.3. Dependents/Guardians of Student Pass Holders IMM.12 Form (New Applications) IMM.55 Forms (Renewal Applications) IMM.38 Forms (Renewal Applications) Institution/school representative appointment letter Official request letter from institution/school Confirmation of principal’s Student Pass status Copies of applicant’s passport (all pages; validity at least 18 months) Copies of spouse’s passport (all pages) Copies of principal’s passport (biodata page and current pass) Passport-sized photo (3.5cm x 5cm, white background) A Malaysian Health Insurance Policy or an International Health Insurance Policy that provides personal coverage, recognized in Malaysia, with a minimum coverage period of 12 months Personal Bond form (stamped) Proof of financial capability (latest 3-month bank statements, scholarship/embassy sponsorship letters. Other related documents (Original and Copy): i. Malaysian Birth Certificate / Foreign Birth Certificate and Translation of Applicant’s Birth Certificate / Copy of Court Order (Custody). ii. Marriage Certificate / Marriage Registration (Verification of Proof of Relationship). iii. Divorce Certificate / Divorce Registration Certificate / Death Certificate (if applicable). iv. Adoption Certificate or Certificate of Adoption (if applicable).
  • 3.0. Fees
    3.0. Fees a. Student Pass – RM60.00 b. Social Visit Pass for Dependents / Guardians of Student Pass holders – RM90.00 c. Visa – rates vary by country (https://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/perkhidmatan-utama/visa/kadar-bayaran-visa/

How does the application work at a high level, what rights does the family member receive, how long does the status last, and how can it become independent or longer-term where officially stated?

This is the social-visit-pass facility for accompanying dependants. Neither work nor business nor the listed political activities are allowed. The checklist uses IMM.12 for new applications and IMM.55 plus IMM.38 for renewals. It does not state an independent permanent-residence right or a normal grant duration.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • Normal duration and substantive renewal or permanent-residence progression not established.
  • 2.1. Dependents
    2.1. Dependents (Higher Education Institutions) a. Eligible dependents include: b. Spouse c. Biological/step/adopted children under 18 years old d. Disabled children (no age limit, certified by medical specialists) e. Biological parents f. Parents-in-law g. Only Student Pass holders at Master’s or PhD level are permitted to bring dependents to reside in Malaysia. h. Dependents are NOT ALLOWED to work, conduct business, deliver political speeches, lectures, or engage in political activities. i. Student Pass holders under the Language Centre, Training/Skills Centre, and Accredited Centre category are not permitted to bring dependents.
  • 4.3. Dependents
    4.3. Dependents/Guardians of Student Pass Holders IMM.12 Form (New Applications) IMM.55 Forms (Renewal Applications) IMM.38 Forms (Renewal Applications) Institution/school representative appointment letter Official request letter from institution/school Confirmation of principal’s Student Pass status Copies of applicant’s passport (all pages; validity at least 18 months) Copies of spouse’s passport (all pages) Copies of principal’s passport (biodata page and current pass) Passport-sized photo (3.5cm x 5cm, white background) A Malaysian Health Insurance Policy or an International Health Insurance Policy that provides personal coverage, recognized in Malaysia, with a minimum coverage period of 12 months Personal Bond form (stamped) Proof of financial capability (latest 3-month bank statements, scholarship/embassy sponsorship letters. Other related documents (Original and Copy): i. Malaysian Birth Certificate / Foreign Birth Certificate and Translation of Applicant’s Birth Certificate / Copy of Court Order (Custody). ii. Marriage Certificate / Marriage Registration (Verification of Proof of Relationship). iii. Divorce Certificate / Divorce Registration Certificate / Death Certificate (if applicable). iv. Adoption Certificate or Certificate of Adoption (if applicable).
  • 3.0. Fees
    3.0. Fees a. Student Pass – RM60.00 b. Social Visit Pass for Dependents / Guardians of Student Pass holders – RM90.00 c. Visa – rates vary by country (https://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/perkhidmatan-utama/visa/kadar-bayaran-visa/

These are the answers currently recorded in the catalogue. A missing or partial answer is not an eligibility decision.

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