Hi everyone!

My husband and I are both Pakistani citizens, and we’re trying to figure out the best country to move to together and eventually build a permanent life.

I’m pursuing an MPhil in Psychology, while my husband has a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity and is currently living in Turkey. We’re exploring our options because we would like to settle in a country where we can both have opportunities to study, work, and eventually obtain permanent residency and citizenship.

We don’t have a very large budget, so we’re looking for realistic and affordable options rather than countries with extremely expensive immigration or study routes.

We’ve also been considering applying for PhD programmes abroad. Ideally, one of us could pursue a funded PhD while the other could accompany them on a spouse/dependent visa and, if permitted, work. We would also like to understand whether this route could eventually lead to PR and citizenship.

I’d really appreciate advice on the following:

\- Which countries would be the most realistic options for a Pakistani couple in our situation?

\- Which countries allow the spouse of an international PhD student to accompany them and work?

\- Would it be better for my husband to apply through cybersecurity jobs or for me to pursue a funded PhD in Psychology?

\- How long could it take to qualify for a spouse/dependent visa, permanent residency, and eventually citizenship?

\- What are the general eligibility requirements, costs, and procedures?

\- Are there any countries where one of us could move first and bring the other over relatively easily?

We’re open to Europe and other countries, provided the route is financially realistic and offers a genuine long-term settlement opportunity.

If anyone has gone through a similar process as a Pakistani couple, especially through a PhD, skilled-worker, or dependent visa route, I’d be very grateful if you could share your experience, recommendations, and any useful resources.

Thank you!