Visa for family of a student

I will start Masters program in UGent in September 2022. I want my husband and 3yo daughter to join me in Belgium as soon as possible. My web search tells me that I need to reach Belgium first to get Residence Permit (Belgian ID) before they can start visa application (Visa D long term stay). The Erasmus program design is such that I will study at Ghent in September to December 2022 then move to Lund in January to May 2023. Afterwards, I will go back to Ghent until I finish the 2nd year of the program.

Based on responses in this forum, best case is 3 months visa approval but it could take longer than that. I'm from the Philippines and I haven't found someone yet who did this same route.  I think requirements from Philippines are pretty much the same: accommodation, proof of subsistence, insurance.

Proof of subsistence – I plan to get certificate from uni for a blocked account (for family, reqt is 1800 euros* 12 months). I got this info from the UGent website.

Insurance – I am covered by the program's insurance but my family is not. I already asked from uni for referral for my family so this is still not yet clear to me. Any leads?

I am considering the following as options and I have questions:

Option A - We proceed with the family visa application ASAP (after I received my RP).

1. Is it feasible for me to find a rental agreement for 4 months (Sept to December) and use it for my family's visa application?
2. In case the process takes more than 4 months, how would it affect the visa processing during the time that I am not in Belgium?
2. If, fortunately, their visas are approved by December (before I leave for Lund), can they fly into Belgium and move to Lund with me in January 2023? How long do they need to stay in Belgium (for arrival processing requirements, RP, etc)?


Option B – Apply for family visa in May 2023 (as soon I am back in Ghent)
1. I am thinking Option B is less challenging and less costly but really a sacrifice for our family. So, we're thinking that they'll visit me in Dec 2022 using tourist visa. Would that affect their family visa type D application in May 2023?


As a mother, I don't want to be away from my toddler for a long time. So, I'm really begging for info and sound advice here. In case you notice anything that I have not yet considered, please let me know. Appreciate your help. Thanks in advance!
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@MJVss

Welcome to the expat.com forum. Congratulations on being accepted at UGent, and good luck with your studies!

Yes, first step is you. Then you do family reunification.

I don't think it matters if your family visits first on tourist visas, there isn't usually an urgent time issue on doing the reunification. However, I think it does depend on how long your permit was issued for/remains valid for. I'd guess yours might be issued for 2 years, the length of the course... and so you would have plenty of time unless you wait well over a year!

I'm not a Belgium specialist, I'm sure others will be along shortly with more helpful guidance than me.

These are the relevant immigration pages:

Student

Family Reunification
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@MJVss my advise:

1. Family reunification visa will take a minimum of 4-5 months for approval.

2. IBZ is very keen on house contract. The house contract must be well intact at least 3 months from the day the application is opened in IBZ, or else, it will not be approved.

3. I don't think you can get a rental contract for less tha 1 yr, and if you do I doubt immigration will honour it for long stay visa approval.


Best to do: submit the family reunification visa application Dec./ Jan. , With a 1 year rental contract ( you can get someone to live in the appartement till you return from Lund). By the time you return in 4-5 months, the reunification visa will be near approval.



Cheers
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@gwynj thanks! Appreciate your response.

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@Adeyola thank you! Sounds like a good plan. Will definitely consider this.

So, there wouldn't be any problem that I'm not in Belgium while their visa is being processed?
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@MJVss no you are not obliged to be around while waiting for their visa to be approved. You just need to be around for police check for your residence permit, which should be concluded before Dec.

Cheers
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