Bringing Family To Canada As An International Student

Canada's immigration policy allows international students to bring certain family members with them. This includes a spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children. Family members can stay for the duration of the student's study permit, and spouses or partners are eligible for a Canadian work permit. There are several requirements that must be met, including proof of relationship, sufficient funds, and valid visas or travel authorisations.

Spouses and common-law partners can apply for an open work permit

Spouses and common-law partners of international students in Canada may be eligible for an open work permit. This allows them to work for any employer in Canada, except those listed as ineligible or those that offer escort services or erotic entertainment.

To be eligible, the international student must have a valid study permit and be enrolled in a master's degree program of 16 months or longer. The spouse or partner must also provide proof of the student's enrolment in a program of study, such as a valid letter of acceptance from the educational institution.

The spouse or partner must also meet the eligibility criteria for the open work permit, which includes having a valid study or work permit, or temporary resident status that will expire in two weeks or less. They must also have applied for permanent residence under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada class (SCLPC) or the Family Class as a spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner.

The application process for an open work permit involves answering questions to create a personalized document checklist. This includes questions about whether the applicant is the spouse, common-law partner, or dependent child of someone who has or is applying for a work permit, and whether they are applying under an active public policy or pilot program announced by IRCC.

Spouses and common-law partners of international students can also apply for a study permit from outside Canada or within the country if they are accompanying the student as a visitor or worker. They must gain admission to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and follow the standard study permit application process, providing proof of acceptance, identity, and financial support.

Dependent children may need a study permit

International students in Canada are allowed to bring their immediate family members with them for the duration of their studies. This includes their spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children.

If you are an international student in Canada and you want to bring your dependent children with you, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, you must provide proof of your relationship with your children by submitting their birth certificates or adoption certificates. Secondly, you must be able to financially support your children during their stay in Canada. This means having enough funds to cover their living expenses for at least six months.

In terms of education, minor children (usually those under the age of 18 or 19, depending on the province or territory) will need a study permit to enrol in primary or secondary school in Canada. This study permit must be applied for before entering Canada and will be issued for the full length of the intended period of study at a secondary school (a maximum of four years). The child's parent or legal guardian must also prove that the child will have the care and support they need during their stay in Canada. This may involve appointing a custodian, who is a responsible adult that is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and will take care of the child.

However, there are some exceptions to the study permit requirement. Minor children already in Canada may study without a study permit if they are attending preschool, primary school, or secondary school and have a parent who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Additionally, children accompanying an adult with a valid work or study permit may also study without a study permit at the preschool, primary, or secondary level.

Proof of relationship is required

As an international student in Canada, you can bring your family to the country, which may include your spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children. However, you must provide proof of your relationship with your family members.

If you intend to bring your spouse, you will need to submit your marriage certificate, birth certificates of your children (if you have any), and documents showing joint ownership or rental agreements of your home, joint bank or utility accounts, or government IDs with the same address. For a dependent child, you must submit their birth certificate or adoption certificate to prove you are the biological or legal parent.

If your spouse or common-law partner has already entered Canada as a visitor, they may apply for an open work permit online from inside Canada, as long as they meet all the eligibility criteria. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) defines common-law partners as people of the same or opposite sex who are cohabitating and have cohabitated in a conjugal relationship for at least one year. In Canada, a common-law partner is regarded in the same manner as a legal spouse.

If your family is issued with a visitor record, or a study or work permit, it will generally expire on the same date as your study permit. If you need to extend your study permit, you can extend their documents at the same time.

Temporary Resident Visas (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTA) may be needed

International students in Canada can bring their immediate family members, including their spouse, partner, and dependent children, to Canada for the duration of their studies. To do so, they must provide proof of their relationship with their family members, such as a marriage certificate, birth certificates of children, and documents showing proof of cohabitation.

When it comes to Temporary Resident Visas (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTA), there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, citizens of certain countries may require a TRV to enter Canada, while others may be eligible for an eTA. TRVs are typically required for foreign nationals who need visas to enter Canada, whereas eTAs are for those from visa-exempt countries. US citizens, for example, are exempt from both TRV and eTA requirements.

To determine whether you or your accompanying family members need a TRV or an eTA, you can use the Visiting Canada Tool. Additionally, if your family members plan to stay in Canada for less than six months, they may be considered short-term visitors and may require a TRV or eTA, depending on their country of citizenship. It is important to note that visitors generally cannot extend TRVs from inside Canada.

If your family members intend to stay in Canada for an extended period, they may need to apply for a study or work permit, which will typically be valid for the same duration as your study permit. In this case, a TRV or eTA will be issued automatically as part of their application if they are applying from outside Canada. However, if they wish to come as visitors, they must apply for a TRV or eTA directly.

It is important to plan carefully and consider the specific circumstances of each family member when deciding on their status and visa requirements. Additionally, all foreign nationals must have either a valid TRV sticker in their passport or a valid eTA, unless they qualify for an exemption.

Short-term and long-term visits are possible

International students in Canada can bring their immediate family members to the country for short-term and long-term visits. The Canadian government's commitment to family unification means that international students and their families can experience Canadian life together.

Short-term visits

Family members can visit for a short time, typically less than six months. They will need to show proof of adequate funds to support their stay in Canada, such as a minimum of C$4,000 for the first family member and C$3,000 for each additional member. They will also need to provide proof of the student's status, such as an admission letter, and an invitation letter outlining the reasons for visiting Canada.

Long-term visits

Dependent family members may accompany international students in Canada for longer than six months. In this case, a border officer will typically print a "visitor record" for them upon entry to Canada. If they do not receive a visitor record, they can apply for one by extending their status as a visitor.

Canada's immigration policy defines "family member" as a spouse, common-law/conjugal partner, and dependent children. A common-law partner is someone with whom the individual has been in a conjugal relationship and cohabited for at least one year.

To bring a spouse or partner to Canada, international students must submit a marriage certificate, birth certificates of children, and documents showing joint ownership or rental agreements, joint bank or utility accounts, or government IDs with the same address. For dependent children, a birth certificate or adoption certificate is required.

Financial considerations

International students must provide proof of financial resources to support themselves and their families during their stay in Canada. They should bring enough money to cover their family's living expenses for at least six months. If the spouse or partner intends to work in an in-demand occupation, their income can supplement the student's savings.

Frequently asked questions