
Canada's immigration policy allows international students to bring their spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children to Canada. Spouses may be eligible for an open work permit, and children can attend school without needing a study permit. International students holding a study permit can also invite their parents for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), enabling them to visit Canada and stay for up to six months. However, this does not grant them a temporary resident visa. To ensure a smooth immigration process, it is important to provide the necessary documents and demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support their stay in Canada.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can international students bring their parents to Canada? | Yes, but only for a visit. International students holding a study permit can extend invitations to their parents for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This enables parents to visit Canada and stay for up to 6 months. |
| What is the process for inviting parents? | The student can provide documents to help their parents with their TRV application. If they need an eTA, they could consider bringing additional documents as well. |
| Can international students bring their spouse and children? | Yes, international students can bring their spouse and dependent children to Canada. |
| What is the process for inviting a spouse and children? | The spouse of an international student can apply for an open work permit. The student must be studying full-time. The student can submit an application for accompanying immediate family from outside Canada at the same time as their study permit application or can apply for a Study Permit and provide full information about their family who plan to join them at a later date. |
| What is the age limit for children to be considered dependents? | The age of majority varies by province. In Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan, the age of majority is 18, while in British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, and Yukon, it is 19. |
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What You'll Learn
- International students in Canada can invite their parents for a short visit
- Parents of international students in Canada can apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
- International students in Canada can bring their spouse and children
- Spouses of international students in Canada can apply for an open work permit
- International students in Canada can bring their parents as dependents

International students in Canada can invite their parents for a short visit
Canada has a generous immigration policy that allows international students to invite their parents for a short visit. International students holding a study permit can extend invitations to their parents for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This enables parents to visit Canada and stay for up to six months.
It is important to note that this arrangement does not grant parents a temporary resident visa, as is the case with spouses and dependent children. To invite their parents, international students can provide documents to support their parents' TRV application. If their parents require an eTA, they may consider bringing additional documents as well.
Spouses and common-law partners of international students can apply for an open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada without requiring a job offer or Labour Market Impact Assessment. This enables them to gain valuable Canadian work experience and support their families financially.
Minor children of international students can study at the pre-school, primary, or secondary levels without needing a study permit if at least one parent is authorized to work or study in Canada. However, once the child reaches the age of majority in their province, they must apply for a study permit to continue their studies. The age of majority varies by province, with some provinces having an age of majority of 18 and others at 19.
International students in Canada can take advantage of the country's commitment to family unification, allowing their loved ones to be nearby as they pursue their educational goals. By following the necessary procedures and providing the required documentation, international students can ensure that their parents, spouses, and dependent children can join them in Canada, whether for a short visit or an extended stay.
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Parents of international students in Canada can apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
Canada has a reputation for its generous immigration policy, which allows the spouse and minor children of international students to accompany them and experience Canadian life together. International students can also invite their parents to visit them in Canada. While parents cannot be included on the same application as the spouse and children, they can apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).
The TRV is a travel document placed in the passport of a visitor, student, or worker, allowing them to enter or re-enter Canada. It is important to note that the TRV does not grant any status within Canada and is only required for entry. Therefore, once in Canada, individuals are not required to hold a valid TRV. However, it is highly recommended to maintain a valid TRV in case of unexpected travel outside Canada. Obtaining a new TRV from outside Canada can be time-consuming, and individuals may not be able to return to Canada in time to resume their studies or work.
Parents wishing to visit their international student child in Canada should apply for a TRV from a Canadian visa office responsible for their country of citizenship. They must demonstrate that they meet the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. This includes showing sufficient funds to support themselves and any family members during their stay in Canada and their ability to return home. Applicants must also demonstrate that they do not intend to work or study in Canada unless authorized and that they have no record of criminal activity.
The TRV application process can be completed through a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or online. It is recommended to pay biometric fees simultaneously as the application processing fees to avoid processing delays. Additionally, applicants must travel with the necessary documents, including the TRV, to board their flight to Canada. Upon arrival, border services officers will verify the identity of the visitor to ensure they are the same person approved to travel to Canada.
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International students in Canada can bring their spouse and children
Canada's immigration policy allows international students to bring their spouse and dependent children to Canada. This means that the families of international students can benefit from the Canadian experience, and international students can feel welcome in their new home.
Spouses
Spouses of international students can apply for a open work permit, which allows them to work for any employer in Canada without a job offer or Labour Market Impact Assessment. This may exclude certain occupations, such as jobs in schools or hospitals, unless a medical examination is provided. The spousal open work permit is usually valid for the same duration as the student's study permit.
If the spouse already has an open work permit and wishes to extend it, they must meet the eligibility criteria for those who applied before March 19, 2024. Applications made after this date must meet certain conditions for the spouse to be eligible.
Children
Minor children are allowed to attend pre-school, primary, and secondary school without needing a study permit. Once the child reaches the age of majority in their province, they must apply for a study permit to continue their studies in Canada. The age of majority varies by province, with some setting it at 18 and others at 19.
Application Process
International students wishing to bring their spouse and/or children to Canada should include this in their application for a study permit. They must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their family during their stay. They should also be prepared to demonstrate how this will affect their housing and health insurance needs.
If the student is already in Canada, they can submit an amended application requesting authorization to include their family members. However, this can result in misrepresentation, leading to a five-year ban from Canada if the correct procedures are not followed.
Temporary Visits
International students can invite their parents for a temporary visit to Canada. While this does not grant them a temporary resident visa, it enables them to stay for up to six months.
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Spouses of international students in Canada can apply for an open work permit
International students in Canada can bring their parents to the country by extending invitations to their parents for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This enables parents to visit Canada and stay for up to six months. However, this arrangement does not grant parents a temporary resident visa, as is the case with spouses and children.
It is important to note that the presence of spouses and children during an international student's time in Canada may impact their housing and health insurance needs. Additionally, students must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their families during their stay. The possibility of bringing family members to Canada is a comfort to international students, allowing them to experience Canadian life together.
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International students in Canada can bring their parents as dependents
Canada has a generous immigration policy that allows international students to bring their spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children to accompany them during their studies. This means that international students can bring their parents as dependents, provided that they are considered their legal guardians.
International students holding a study permit can invite their parents for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This enables parents to visit Canada and stay for up to six months. However, it is important to note that this arrangement does not grant parents a temporary resident visa, as is the case with spouses and dependent children.
If the parents of an international student wish to stay in Canada for a longer period, they can apply for a TRV, which will allow them to stay in the country as visitors. To support their application, they must demonstrate sufficient available funds to support their stay in Canada. Additionally, they may need to undergo a medical examination, which can add significant processing time to their application.
Once in Canada, spouses of international students are eligible to apply for an open work permit, which allows them to work for any employer in the country without requiring a job offer or a Labour Market Impact Assessment. This can provide financial support for the family during their stay.
It is important to note that the definition of a "dependent child" varies by province in Canada. In Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan, the age of majority is 18, while in British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, and Yukon, it is 19. Minor children who are already in Canada and have at least one parent authorized to work or study do not need a study permit to attend school at the pre-school, primary, or secondary levels.
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Frequently asked questions
International students in Canada can bring their parents to visit by helping them apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This enables parents to visit Canada and stay for up to 6 months.
If your parents require a TRV, you can help them with their application by providing supporting documents. If they need an eTA, they may want to bring additional documents.
Yes, it is possible for your parents to stay longer than 6 months, but they will need to apply for an extension at least 2-3 months before their documents expire.
No, this arrangement doesn't grant your parents a temporary resident visa or work permit.
Yes, Canada's immigration policy allows certain family members, including spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children, to join international students in Canada. Spouses may be eligible for an open work permit, and children can attend school.



































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