DIS

Bring Your Family to Canada

You may be eligible to bring your family to Canada if you are an international student holding a valid study permit in Canada under certain circumstances. Canada welcomes international students and supports their family members through generous immigration policies. If you plan to study in Canada, your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children may be eligible to join you. This guide outlines everything you need to know about bringing your family to Canada during your studies.

What is Considered a Family Member?

Under Canadian immigration policy, the following are considered your family members:

  • Your spouse or common-law partner
  • Your dependent children (under 22 years of age and not married or in a common-law relationship)

These family members may be eligible to enter Canada on various permits depending on their circumstances.

Requirements to Bring Your Family to Canada

There are multiple requirements you and your family members must meet if you wish to bring your family to Canada as an international student who holds a study permit. Below is lists these requirements in detail:

Visitor Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Whether your family members need a Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV) or an eTA depends on their nationality:

  • TRV required: Some nationalities must apply for a TRV before entering Canada.
  • eTA required: Most visa-exempt nationals (excluding U.S. citizens) must get an eTA before boarding their flight.

Important: A TRV or eTA must be obtained before entering Canada. Medical exams may also be required and can delay processing.

Bringing Your Family to Canada – Spouse or Partner

Your spouse or common-law partner may qualify for an open work permit. This permit allows them to work for any employer in Canada, without needing a job offer or Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Who Is Eligible After March 19, 2024?

If your spouse applies for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) after March 19, 2024, you must meet these criteria:

  • Be enrolled full-time at a public post secondary institution or a private institution in Quebec that operates under the same rules as a public institutions
  • Be studying in one of these eligible programs:
    • Master’s or Doctoral degree programs
    • Professional degree programs in these fields:
      • Medicine (MD)
      • Dentistry (DDS/DMD)
      • Law (LLB, JD, BCL)
      • Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
      • Optometry (OD)
      • Nursing (BScN, BSN)
      • Pharmacy (PharmD, BPharm)
      • Education (B.Ed.)
      • Engineering (B.Eng., BE, BASc)
  • Hold a valid Study Permit and be actively pursuing your studies

Note: Only spouses of students enrolled in master’s programs of 16 months or longer will be eligible for a work permit.

Documents Required for Spousal Work Permit

Your spouse must include one of these with their application:

  • Valid letter of acceptance from your designated learning institution (DLI)
  • Proof of enrolment letter from your DLI
  • Transcripts from your current program

You must also show proof of your relationship, such as a marriage certificate or joint bank accounts.

Submitting a Combined Application

If your family is arriving together, you can submit one application package. This can include:

  • Your study permit
  • Your spouse’s open work permit
  • Your children’s study or visitor permits

You will need to pay separate processing fees for each permit type.

Applying After Arrival in Canada

If your spouse arrives as a visitor, they may apply for an open work permit from within Canada. In some cases, they can apply at a Canadian Port of Entry. This depends on their nationality and visa requirements.

Bring Your Family to Canada – Accompanying Children

If your children are or will be accompanying you in Canada you must consider these important factors. Whether your child needs a study permit depends on their status and your immigration status in Canada.

If your child is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, they do not need a study permit to attend school in Canada. Likewise, if your child is accompanying a parent who holds a valid study or work permit, they can attend preschool, primary, or secondary school without needing their own study permit.

However, if your child is accompanying a parent who is in Canada only as a visitor, then the child must obtain a study permit to attend school.

In cases where the child is a refugee claimant or is in Canada without valid status, they can usually still attend school without a study permit—provided their schooling has been authorized by IRCC or a school board.

It’s also important to note that children may enter Canada with a visitor record or a study permit. If the child has only a visitor record, they can still study at the elementary or secondary level as long as one of their parents has valid status in Canada as a worker or student.

Note: Children may enter with a visitor record or study permit. If they have only a visitor record, they may still study at primary or secondary levels if their parent has valid status.

Bring Your Family to Canada – Parents

International students may invite their parents to visit Canada. Parents can apply for:

  • Visitor Visa (TRV) if they are from a visa-required country
  • Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if they are from a visa-exempt country

A letter of invitation from the student may be required. Parents cannot work or study during their visit unless they apply for the appropriate permits.

Extending or Changing Conditions

If you plan to extend your stay in Canada, submit an application at least 30 days before your current permit expires.

Each family member must apply separately to extend or change their conditions. This includes:

  • Your study permit
  • Your spouse’s work permit
  • Your children’s visitor or study permits

Ensure all documents are valid and up to date.

Get Expert Immigration Assistance with Dara Immigration Services (DIS)

Are you looking to Study in Canada and bring your family to Canada with you?

At Dara Immigration Services (DIS), we understand that navigating the immigration process can be complex. Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, work permit, study permit, or permanent residency, we will guide you every step of the way. From helping you understand the application process to ensuring all necessary documents are in order, we provide the personalized support you need to succeed.

Don’t leave your future to chance—reach out to Dara Immigration Services (DIS) today, and let us help you take the next step toward your Canadian dream.

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