Study
Bringing a spouse, common law partner, or Family member to Canada
Canada has a generous Immigration policy that allows the family member of the International student to come to Canada to study or work.
Overview
Many foreign nationals who are studying in Canada or who wish to study in Canada may want their family to join them abroad during their study programs. You can submit an application along with your study permit and explain why you want your family member to accompany you. Please note study permit is a temporary resident permit, which means you must make the visa officer believe that you will return to your native country after your studies, so don’t apply to take your whole family member with you.
It is possible to apply for a study permit without your family member, but later submit an amended application requesting authorization of family members to join you in Canada. However, you must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support yourself and your family.
Family Member
Definition of a Family Member
Family member refers to a spouse, Common-law / conjugal partner, and dependent children.
Visitors Visa
You can enter Canada on a Temporary resident visa(TRV) unless you don’t belong to visa-exempt countries like Anguilla, Andorra, etc. A visa cannot be applied for at a Canadian port of entry so you must apply for your visa from the embassy in your country.
Citizen of some countries like Australia, Austria, Bahamas, etc requires an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead of a Travel Residence Visa (TRV).
U.S. citizens are the exceptions who require neither eTA nor TRV.
Spousal work permit timing and application procedure
Canadian visa offices overseas generally, process the work permit application at the same time as a study permit. In these cases, applicants must also include work permit fees along with the study permit fees.
For citizens who don’t require a TRV, this work permit application may be done at the Canadian port of entry.
Minor children and Canadian study permit rules
If any family member of yours is already in Canada, your minor child can pursue his/her education without a study permit at the preschool, primary or secondary level until he/she turns to 18 years of age in their province, however, he/she must apply for a study permit after turning 18 to continue the studies. It can be done from inside of Canada.
Note:- if you’re applying outside of Canada, you’ll need to apply for a child’s study permit at a Canadian overseas visa office
Work Permits for spouses
Full-time students with a valid study permit can help their spouse get a work permit. This work permit will allow the spouse to work and will be valid for the entire length of the study permit. However, you must meet the eligibility requirement to get a permit, the student must be studying full-time and must have a valid study permit at
- A public post-secondary Institution
- A private institution authorized by provincial statute to confer degrees; or
- A private post-secondary institution that operates under the same rule & regulations as a public Institution and receives half of its overall operating budget from government grants.
Applying together
If you are planning to take your family to Canada while your study period, you may consider filling out an application for the entire family. You will need to add additional fees and documents if you have a variety of different permits(spouse work permit, study permit e.t.c)
Can I bring my parents while on a study permit?
Yes, you can invite your parents while on a study permit, You will need a Temporary resident visa (TRV) or an electronic Travel Authorization(eTA), which allows the parent(s) to travel to Canada.
Note:- If you’re a U.S. citizen, you don’t require either of them.
FAQ's
Frequently asked questions
Any questions? We have got you covered
