Inviting Parents To Canada As An International Student

International students in Canada can invite their parents to visit, and in some cases, to work and study. Canada's immigration policy allows certain family members of international students to join them in Canada. This includes a spouse, common-law/conjugal partner, and dependent children. International students holding a study permit can invite their parents to visit by providing documents to support their Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) application. This enables parents to visit Canada and stay for up to six months. Spouses of international students may be eligible for an open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada without a job offer. This can increase the chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

International students can invite parents to Canada on a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

International students in Canada can invite their parents to visit them in Canada on a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). This visa allows parents to visit their child for up to six months. To help their parents with their TRV application, students can provide certain documents, such as a letter of invitation, a copy of their study permit, and proof of enrolment. It is important to note that the invitation letter must be written by the individual issuing the invitation and cannot be written by the university.

In addition to the TRV, parents may also need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). To determine whether a TRV or an eTA is required, individuals can use the Visiting Canada Tool. It is important to note that visitors cannot apply for a TRV within Canada and must apply through the visa office serving their country of citizenship.

Spouses and dependent children of international students can also apply for a study permit from either overseas or within Canada. If the international student is accompanied by their spouse, the spouse may be eligible for a spousal open work permit, which does not require a job offer. This work permit will typically be valid for the same duration as the student's study permit.

Inviting family members to Canada can have implications for housing and health insurance needs, and applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their family during their stay. Additionally, students should be aware that including their spouse in their submission to Express Entry may increase their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which is used to assess eligibility for permanent residency.

Spouses of international students can apply for an open work permit

To be eligible, the spouse must be living in Canada on eligible, legal status. If the spouse lives outside Canada, the application may be refused. The spouse must also provide evidence of studying at a Canadian Designated Learning Institute (DLI) and be actively enrolled in classes. Applicants must also demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support their stay in Canada.

If the spouse is already working or studying in Canada, or if they have applied to be sponsored for permanent residence by their spouse, they may be eligible for an open work permit. The application procedure varies depending on the applicant's status in Canada and the stage of their permanent residency application.

It is important to note that the eligibility criteria for spousal open work permits have changed. Applicants must meet the new criteria before submitting their application. The main applicant must also have a valid status in Canada (e.g., student, worker) to submit a work permit application simultaneously with their permanent residence application.

International students can increase their eligibility for permanent residency for themselves and their families

Canada has long been a destination for international students, with the promise of a pathway to permanent residency through its immigration programs. International students in Canada may increase their eligibility for permanent residency for themselves and their families. This is due to their experience studying and working, as well as their language proficiency, which can all contribute to a successful application.

Canada's immigration policy has traditionally been based on economic integration, with a focus on attracting skilled workers who can contribute to key sectors. International students who have graduated and gained work experience in Canada are well-positioned to meet these requirements. Additionally, students who have studied in a specific province or territory may be given preference when applying for permanent residency through that province's Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program is one of the fastest ways to obtain permanent residency in Canada. The eligibility requirements include age, language proficiency, and level of education. A key requirement is that applicants must have at least 12 months of continuous, full-time, skilled work experience in Canada within the previous three years. International students can meet this requirement after graduating and obtaining a post-graduation work permit.

Another pathway to permanent residency for international students is the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program. This program requires applicants to have a minimum of 12 months of full-time, continuous, skilled work experience, completed anywhere in the world. For students who have never entered the workforce, this program is not an option.

It is important to note that recent changes in immigration policies have made it more difficult for international students to obtain permanent residency in Canada. The government's focus on reducing the number of temporary residents and low-wage foreign workers has resulted in tens of thousands of international graduates facing expiring post-graduation work permits and closed doors to permanent residency. However, despite these changes, international students can still increase their eligibility for permanent residency by gaining work experience and improving their language proficiency.

Dependent children can apply for a study permit from overseas or inside Canada

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 you are an international student in Canada with dependent children, your children can apply for a study permit from overseas or inside Canada. If you are applying for a study permit for a minor, you will need to provide a letter of acceptance from the educational institution in Canada that the child is going to attend. This can be either the original letter of acceptance or an electronic version.

Minor children do not need a study permit for programs that are six months or less but may still apply for one before entering Canada. However, minor children who want to study for six months or more must apply for a study permit before entering Canada. This includes minor children who come with parents who already have a valid study or work permit. If you are a lone parent applying for a minor, you may need additional documents when submitting the application.

Minors already in Canada should also apply for a study permit. In some provinces or territories, they may need one to receive social services. However, minors who are already in Canada may study without a study permit if they are attending pre-school, kindergarten, or primary or secondary school and have a parent who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.

If your dependent children are 18 years or older, they must fill out their own copy of the relevant form if a representative is also conducting business on their behalf.

Parents of international students may require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

International students in Canada are allowed to bring their family members, including parents, to the country. However, there are certain requirements that must be met. Firstly, it is important to note that Canada's immigration policy allows specific family members of international students to come to Canada for work or study purposes. In this context, "family members" typically refer to a spouse, common-law/conjugal partner, and dependent children.

If an international student's parent wishes to visit Canada, they may require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). The need for either of these documents depends on the citizenship of the parent. Citizens of certain countries require a TRV to enter Canada as visitors, while others may need an eTA. Since November 10, 2016, most visa-exempt individuals have required an eTA, except for US citizens, who need neither.

To determine whether a TRV or an eTA is required, one can use the Visiting Canada Tool. If a parent requires a TRV, the international student can assist by providing documents to support their application. This may include writing a letter of invitation, which is a requirement by Immigration Canada. The student can also include their study permit, proof of enrolment, and other relevant documents. It is important to note that the student is expected to demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their family during their stay in Canada.

The eTA is an electronic travel authorization that allows visa-exempt foreign nationals to travel to Canada without a TRV. It is linked electronically to an individual's passport and is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. The eTA enables the holder to stay in Canada for up to six months at a time and can be used for tourism, business, or transit purposes. It is important to note that the eTA does not guarantee entry into Canada, as the final decision is made by a border services officer at the port of entry.

Frequently asked questions