Lori Meadows
International students in Canada can bring their families to the country, but there are several factors to consider. Canada's immigration policy allows certain family members of international students to join them, but the process and requirements vary depending on the family members' needs and length of stay. Students must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their families during their stay. Family members may require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada, depending on their country of citizenship. Spouses and common-law partners of international students may be eligible for an open work permit, allowing them to work for most employers in Canada. Students should also be aware of the potential impact on housing and health insurance when bringing their families.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can be brought to Canada? | Family members, spouse, common-law/conjugal partner, dependent children, parents |
| What do family members need to enter Canada? | Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), visitor record, study permit |
| What do international students need to demonstrate? | Sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their family, proof of enrolment in a program of study |
| What do family members need to demonstrate? | Proof of adequate funds to support their stay in Canada, proof of student status, invitation letter |
| What are the types of stays? | Short-term (less than six months), long-term (more than six months) |
| What are the work options for spouses or common-law partners? | Open work permit, other types of work permits |
| What are the education options for children? | Elementary school, high school (secondary school), college, university |
| What are the potential challenges? | Misrepresentation, impact on approval of the student's permit, housing and health insurance needs, eligibility criteria for work permits, restrictions on certain occupations |
| What are the potential benefits? | Increased eligibility for permanent residency, access to new immigration programs |
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What You'll Learn
Spouses and common-law partners can apply for an open work permit
Spouses and common-law partners of international students may be eligible for an open work permit in Canada. This permit allows them to work for any employer in Canada, except those listed as ineligible or those that offer escort services, erotic entertainment, etc.
To be eligible for an open work permit, the international student must meet the following criteria: they must have a valid study permit, be physically present in Canada, be enrolled as a full-time student in a PGWP-eligible program at a designated learning institution (DLI), and not be in their last term of study.
Additionally, the spouse or common-law partner must provide proof of the student's enrolment in a program of study. This can include a valid letter of acceptance or proof of full-time student status, such as an admission letter, current enrolment letter, or transcript. They must also include the student's UCI (Universal Client ID) in their application.
Furthermore, if the spouse or common-law partner already has an open work permit and wishes to extend it, they must meet the eligibility criteria and ensure that their permit does not extend beyond the expiration date of the student's study permit.
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Students must prove they can support their family financially
International students in Canada are allowed to bring certain family members with them, including a spouse, common-law/conjugal partner, and dependent children. However, there are a few important things to consider and requirements to meet. Firstly, applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their family members during their first year of study. This is known as 'Proof of Financial Support' or 'Proof of Funds'.
As of 2024, the minimum financial requirement for students has increased to C$20,635, up from C$10,000. In addition to this, family members should show at least C$4,000 for the first family member and C$3,000 for each additional family member, with slightly higher amounts required in Quebec. Applicants can demonstrate their financial capacity in various ways, such as proof of a Canadian bank account in their name with the required amount, proof of a student loan, or proof of funding from within Canada, if applicable. It is beneficial to show funding for multiple years if the programme of study extends beyond one year.
If an applicant's parents or family members are providing financial support, proof of their employment, savings, and business revenue (if applicable) should be included in the application. This can include documents such as corporate reports, taxes, or financial statements. It is important to note that applicants must also demonstrate that they intend to leave Canada at the end of their study programme, and bringing the entire family may raise suspicions about their intentions. Therefore, applicants should carefully explain their reasons for wanting to bring their family to Canada.
When applying for a Canadian study permit, applicants can choose the status that best fits their family member's needs. Family members can either visit for a short time (less than six months) or stay for the entire duration of the student's studies. It is important to note that visitor records generally cannot be extended from inside Canada. If a family member does not receive a visitor record, they can apply for one by extending their status as a visitor. Spouses are not permitted to work under visitor status but can apply for a spousal open work permit if the student's application for a study permit is approved.
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Family members may need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
International students in Canada can bring certain family members with them, including a spouse, common-law/conjugal partner, and dependent children. Family members may need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada as visitors. The need for a TRV depends on the citizenship of the family member in question. Citizens of certain countries do not require a TRV, but as of 10 November 2016, most visa-exempt persons require an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). US citizens, for example, require neither a TRV nor an eTA.
To determine whether a TRV or an eTA is required, you can use the Visiting Canada Tool. If a family member applies for a study or work permit from outside Canada, a TRV or eTA will be issued automatically as part of their application. If they wish to enter Canada as a visitor, they must apply for a TRV or eTA directly. Visitors generally cannot extend temporary resident visas (TRVs) from inside Canada.
When applying for a TRV, family members will need to show proof of adequate funds to support their stay in Canada. In addition to the minimum funds required by a student, family members should generally show at least C$4,000 for the first family member and C$3,000 for each additional family member, with slightly higher amounts required in Quebec. They will also need to show proof of the student's status (e.g. an admission letter, current enrolment letter, or transcript) and an invitation letter written by the student, outlining the family's reasons for visiting Canada.
It is important to note that the decision to issue a study permit to an international student may be influenced by their intention to bring their family to Canada. Visa officers may suspect that students who request to bring their families do not intend to leave Canada after their studies. All study permit applicants are asked to submit a statement explaining why they wish to pursue education in Canada, which can be used to explain why they wish to have their family accompany them. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their family during their first year of study.
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Children can study without a permit, but it is recommended
International students in Canada can bring their family members, including spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children, to the country. However, there are several factors to consider when applying for family members to join. Firstly, international students must decide whether their family members will join them for a short-term visit or for the entire duration of their studies. Short-term visits allow family members to stay in Canada for less than six months. For long-term stays, family members will typically require a visitor record or a study or work permit.
When applying for any of these categories, family members must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves. In addition to the minimum funds required for the student, each family member must show funds of at least C$4,000 for the first member and C$3,000 for each additional member, with slightly higher amounts required in Quebec. They must also provide proof of the student's status, such as an admission letter, and an invitation letter outlining the reasons for their visit.
Children of international students in Canada can study without a permit if they hold only a visitor record or a Canadian entry stamp on their passport. However, it is recommended that they obtain a study permit, as this may be required to receive social services. The study permit is typically held by minor children studying in primary or secondary school, and it allows them to benefit from Canada's exceptional education system.
Additionally, the presence of family members may impact the approval of the student's study permit. Visa officers may suspect that the student does not intend to leave Canada after their studies if they plan to bring their entire family. Therefore, it is essential for students to provide a statement explaining their reasons for studying in Canada and their desire to have their family accompany them.
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Family members must show proof of the student's status
International students in Canada can bring certain family members, such as a spouse, common-law partner, or dependent children, to the country. To do so, the student must first apply for a study permit, which is a temporary resident permit. The student must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their family members during their stay in Canada.
When applying for a study permit, international students can choose to include their spouse on the application. If approved, the spouse will be eligible to apply for a spousal open work permit, which will typically be valid for the same duration as the student's study permit. It is important to note that the approval of the study permit may be affected by the presence of accompanying family members, as visa officers may suspect that the student does not intend to leave Canada after their studies.
Family members of international students may enter Canada as visitors, students, or workers. Each family member, regardless of age, will need their own Canadian immigration document, such as a visitor record, study permit, or work permit. These documents will typically be issued for the same duration as the student's study permit.
When applying for their Canadian immigration document, family members must show proof of the student's status. This can include documents such as an admission letter, current enrolment letter, or transcript. Additionally, the student must write an invitation letter outlining their family's reasons for visiting Canada. It is important to note that family members may also need to provide proof of adequate funds to support their stay in Canada.
Overall, it is possible for international students in Canada to bring their family members to the country, but it requires careful planning and consideration of the various requirements and documents needed.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can bring their family to Canada.
A "family member" typically refers to a spouse, common-law/conjugal partner, and dependent children.
The requirements may vary depending on the specific situation, but here are some general considerations:
- The international student must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their family during their first year of study.
- Family members must show proof of adequate funds for their stay, typically a minimum of C$4,000 for the first family member and C$3,000 for each additional member.
- Family members will need proof of the student's status, such as an admission letter or enrolment letter.
- An invitation letter written by the student, outlining the family's reasons for visiting Canada, may also be required.
- Depending on the country of citizenship, family members may need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
Spouses and common-law partners of international students may be eligible for an open work permit, which allows them to work for most employers in Canada. Minor children of international students may need a study permit to enrol in primary or secondary school.
Bringing family members to Canada can impact an international student's housing and health insurance needs. Additionally, visa officers may suspect that students intending to bring their entire family will not leave Canada after their studies, potentially affecting the approval of their study permit.
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