Inviting Parents To Canada: A Guide For International Students

Canada has a generous immigration policy that allows international students to bring their immediate family members with them. This includes spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children. Parents of international students can visit their children in Canada with a visitor visa, allowing them to stay for up to six months, with the possibility of extension. However, it is important to note that other extended family members, such as siblings, aunts, and uncles, do not automatically qualify to accompany international students to Canada. To facilitate the process, certain documents, such as proof of financial stability and residential ties to the home country, are required to obtain approval from a visa officer.

International students in Canada can bring their spouse or partner

Canada has a generous immigration policy that allows certain family members of international students to come to Canada to work and/or study. This includes a spouse, common-law/conjugal partner, and dependent children.

If your spouse or partner did not accompany you initially, you can still invite them to visit or stay with you after you arrive in Canada. In this case, they will be eligible for a six-month TRV. However, they may be able to get a visa that’s valid for the remaining duration of your study permit if they submit copies of your study permit, visa, and DLI enrollment letter with their application. If your spouse or partner is from a visa-exempt country and is eligible to enter Canada on an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), they may be able to apply for an open work permit at their port of entry into Canada, provided they meet all the eligibility requirements. Alternatively, if your partner or spouse is coming to Canada as a visitor, they can apply for a spousal work permit from within Canada.

If your spouse or common-law partner already has an open work permit and wants to extend their work permit, they must meet all the same eligibility criteria as those who applied for their work permit before March 19, 2024. If an application is made after March 19, 2024, certain conditions must be met for your spouse to be eligible for an open work permit.

International students in Canada can bring their dependent children

If your child is not of school-going age yet, a visitor visa will be issued for them once your application is approved. If your child is of school-going age, you are legally required to enrol them in school while they are in Canada. In most parts of Canada, school becomes mandatory starting with grade one (at the age of five or six), but in British Columbia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, your child must be enrolled in Kindergarten at the age of five. Although minor children accompanied by a parent who has a study permit or work permit do not require a study permit, it is recommended that you still apply for one. If your study permit is for less than a year or you’re enrolled in a certificate program, you will likely have to pay tuition fees to enrol your child into public school. The fees are set by each school board. For example, the Toronto District School Board and Vancouver School Board have an annual fee of $16,000 for children who don't qualify for free public education. If your child is over 18 but still qualifies as a dependent and intends to attend a Canadian university or college, they'll need a study permit if their study program is longer than six months. To qualify for a study permit, they must secure admission into a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and meet the other eligibility criteria. You can submit their study permit application along with your own.

For your dependent children to accompany you to Canada, you must provide proof of your relationship with them. You must submit their birth certificate or adoption certificate that proves you're the biological or legal parent.

The visa officer will only approve your study permit application and your family's visas if you can prove that you'll be able to financially support your family in Canada. Ideally, you should bring enough money to cover your family's living expenses for at least six months. If your spouse or partner intends to work in Canada in an in-demand occupation, their income can supplement your savings. However, if your spouse or partner will be accompanying you as a student or visitor, or if you have dependent children, you'll likely need to show more funds. Many universities and colleges offer student housing for registered students with families.

International students' parents can visit Canada with a visitor visa

Canada has a generous immigration policy that allows certain family members of international students to join them in Canada. This includes a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner, and dependent children.

Parents of international students can visit their children in Canada with a visitor visa. They can stay for up to six months initially and can apply for an extension to continue staying after this period. To improve the chances of being granted a visa, parents must provide supporting documents. This includes a letter of invitation from the student, confirming the purpose of the trip, how long they plan to stay, and when they plan to leave. It is also important to include a bank statement to prove they can support themselves during their stay.

It is worth noting that other family members, including parents, siblings, aunts, and uncles, do not automatically qualify to join international students in Canada. However, immediate family members, including spouses and common-law partners, can qualify for a Canadian work permit.

International students wishing to bring their family members to Canada must prove they can financially support them and provide proof of their residential and financial ties to their home country.

International students' parents can stay in Canada for six months

International students in Canada can invite their parents to visit them in Canada for up to six months on a visitor visa. This is known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This does not require a temporary resident visa, unlike the process for spouses and dependent children.

To increase the likelihood of approval, students should provide supporting documents. These include a letter of invitation, confirming the purpose of the visit, how long the visit will be, and where the parents will stay. It is also recommended to include a bank account statement and employment letter to prove that the parents will return to their home country. The final decision regarding the approval of a visitor visa is made by an immigration officer.

Canada's immigration policy allows certain family members of international students to come to Canada to work and/or study. This includes a spouse, common-law/conjugal partner, and dependent children. Spouses and partners can qualify for an open work permit, allowing them to work for any eligible Canadian employer for the duration of the student's study permit.

It is important to note that other family members, including parents, siblings, aunts, and uncles, do not automatically qualify to come to Canada with the student. However, parents of international students can still visit and stay in Canada for up to six months with the possibility of applying for an extension.

International students must provide supporting documents for their parents' visitor visa application

International students in Canada can bring their parents to visit them during their studies. The parents of international students will need to apply for a visitor visa or a super visa, depending on their circumstances. A visitor visa is a temporary resident visa (TRV) issued by the Canadian government that allows non-Canadian citizens or permanent residents to enter Canada for a limited period, usually up to six months.

• A letter of invitation from the international student: This letter should include the parent's complete name, date of birth, address, telephone number, and the relationship between the student and the parent. It should also state the purpose and duration of the trip, where the parent will stay, and when they plan to leave Canada.
• The parent's bank account statement: While optional, including this document can strengthen the application. It should include the bank's name and contact information, the name and address on the statement, and at least six months of account details, including balances.
• The parent's employment letter: This letter should be printed on the employer's official letterhead and confirm that the parent will resume their job after their visit to Canada.
• Proof of ties to the home country: This can include proof of property ownership, a job, or family ties in their home country.
• Valid passport: The parent's passport must be valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay in Canada.
• Two passport-sized photographs: These photographs must meet the IRCC requirements.
• Detailed travel itinerary: This should include flight details, accommodations, and activities during their stay in Canada.
• Application form for a visitor visa: This form can be downloaded from the IRCC website.
• Additional medical documentation: Elderly parents may need to provide additional medical documentation to prove their ability to travel and remain healthy during their stay.
• Biometrics: Some visitor visa applications may require biometrics, which will add to the processing time.

It is important to note that the above list may not be exhaustive, and additional documents may be requested depending on the specific circumstances. It is recommended to start gathering the required documents well in advance, as some of them may take several weeks to acquire.

Frequently asked questions