Lori Meadows
International students in Canada may be able to invite their parents to visit them, but they will need to apply for a visitor visa. To do this, the student must write a letter of invitation, which must include the visiting parent's full name, date of birth, address, and telephone number, as well as the purpose of the trip, how long they plan to stay, and when they plan to leave. The student may also need to include a copy of their study permit and proof of enrolment. In some cases, a medical examination may be required, and the parent must be able to prove they have strong ties to their home country and will return there after their visit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can be invited? | Family members, spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children. |
| Visitor visa requirements | A valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Citizens of some countries are exempt from needing a TRV or eTA. |
| Additional documents | A letter of invitation, proof of enrolment, and a copy of the student's document(s) proving their status in Canada. |
| Other considerations | Visitors must demonstrate strong ties to their home country and provide evidence of their ability to support themselves financially during their stay. |
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What You'll Learn
Visitor visa for parents of international students
International students in Canada can apply for a visitor visa for their parents. The process involves several steps and requires various documents. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate the process:
Visitor Visa Requirements:
Firstly, it is essential to understand the eligibility criteria for the visitor visa. The visa applicant (the parent) must meet specific requirements to be eligible for the visa:
- Strong ties to their home country: They must demonstrate strong connections to their home country, indicating that they will return after their visit to Canada. This can include providing an employment letter confirming their job back home.
- Financial resources: The visa applicant should have sufficient funds to pay for their air ticket and support themselves during their stay in Canada.
- Purpose of visit: There should be a valid purpose for the visit, and the length of stay must be specified.
Letter of Invitation:
As an international student, you will need to write a letter of invitation to your parents. This letter will accompany their visa application. The letter should include the following information:
- Your complete name, date of birth, address, and telephone number.
- Your relationship to the visa applicant (parent).
- The purpose of their trip and how long they plan to stay.
- Where they will stay during their visit.
- Your offer to cover any expenses, such as plane tickets or accommodation.
- Any other relevant details that support their application.
Please note that some visa offices may require this letter to be notarized by a Notary Public.
Supporting Documents:
In addition to the letter of invitation, your parents will need to provide supporting documents for their visa application:
- Employment letter (if applicable): As mentioned earlier, an employment letter can strengthen their application by showing their intention to return to their home country.
- Your documents as a student: You may be required to provide proof of your student status in Canada, such as your study permit, enrolment letter, or student card.
- Proof of financial support: Your parents may need to demonstrate that they have the financial means to support themselves during their stay.
Visa Application Process:
The visa application process typically involves submitting the application and supporting documents to the appropriate Canadian visa-processing office. The processing times may vary, and additional steps, such as a medical examination, could be required in some cases. It is recommended to refer to the official website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date information and guidelines.
Extending the Visitor Visa:
If your parents wish to extend their stay in Canada beyond the initial period granted by the visitor visa, they may be able to do so. However, they must meet certain criteria and provide valid reasons for the extension. Refer to the official IRCC guidelines for detailed information on extending a visitor visa.
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Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
International students in Canada can invite their parents to visit them in the country, and the parents can apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). A 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 a TRV does not grant any status within Canada and is simply an entry permit.
To apply for a TRV, individuals must meet the requirements for admission to Canada as a temporary resident. This includes demonstrating sufficient funds to support oneself and any accompanying family members during the stay and return trip. Applicants must also show that they do not intend to work or study in Canada unless authorized. In addition, they must abide by the law and have no criminal record.
The TRV application process for parents of international students involves the following steps:
- Application Form and Fee: The application can be submitted through a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or online. The application form must be completed and submitted with the required fee. It is important to note that biometric fees should be paid simultaneously to avoid processing delays.
- Supporting Documents: The application must be accompanied by supporting documents, such as a valid passport, proof of financial means, and a letter of invitation from the student. The letter of invitation should include information required by Immigration Canada and can also include a copy of the student's study permit and proof of enrolment.
- Medical Examination: In some cases, applicants may be required to undergo a medical examination, which can add to the processing time.
- Processing Time: The processing time for TRV applications can vary, especially for applications submitted outside of Canada. It is recommended to apply well in advance of the intended travel date and to refrain from booking non-refundable travel plans before receiving the TRV.
- Previous Passport and TRV: If the applicant has previously held a passport with a valid TRV and has since obtained a new passport, they can continue using the valid TRV until its expiry. However, they must travel with both the old passport containing the TRV and the new passport.
- Travel Documents: Once the TRV is approved, individuals must carry the required travel documents, such as the TRV, study or work permits, or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), when travelling to Canada. These documents will be checked by airline staff and border service officers.
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Documents required for visa application
International students in Canada can invite their parents to visit them. The parents of an international student can apply for a super visa, which allows them to visit their children or grandchildren for up to 5 years at a time with multiple entries for a period of up to 10 years. Here is a list of documents required for the visa application:
- A letter of invitation written and signed by the child or grandchild, promising financial support for the entire duration of their stay in Canada.
- The host child or host grandchild's family composition (dependents, including a spouse, children, or other relatives that are financially dependent on the host).
- One of the following documents to prove that the host child or grandchild meets the low-income cut-off (LICO) minimum: the Canadian or permanent resident spouse or common-law partner of the invitee may co-sign the invitation letter to meet the LICO minimum.
- A valid passport for travel to Canada, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay.
- A completed Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
- Application fee payment receipt, if required to be paid before the interview.
- Proof of financial support, such as bank statements or other financial documents.
- A medical certificate, if required.
It is important to note that some visa offices may require additional supporting documents specific to the applicant's country. Therefore, it is recommended to check the specific requirements for the country from which the application will be made.
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Open work permits for spouses
International students in Canada are allowed to bring certain family members to the country to work and/or study. This includes spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children.
Spouses of international students may be eligible for an open work permit, which allows them to work for any employer in Canada, except those listed as ineligible or those that offer escort services or erotic entertainment. The open work permit does not require the spouse to have a job offer, or a Labour Market Impact Assessment. However, some occupations, such as jobs in schools or hospitals, may be excluded unless a medical examination is provided.
To be eligible for an open work permit, the spouse or common-law partner must meet certain criteria. Firstly, they must be exempt from the requirement of a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada. Secondly, they must provide proof of their relationship, such as a marriage license or certificate, or proof of common-law partnership. Additionally, the international student must meet certain requirements, including having a valid study permit and being enrolled as a full-time student in a master's degree program of 16 months or longer, or a doctoral degree program. The student must also not be in the last term of their study program.
It is important to note that the process of obtaining an open work permit has changed. As of December 23, 2024, applying for a work permit at the land border is prohibited. Spouses or partners are recommended to apply for their open work permit online from inside Canada before their visitor status expires. The application fee for the open work permit is $255, which includes the Immigration Canada application fee and a new fee introduced in February 2015. The processing time for the application can be checked on the IRCC website.
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Invitation letter
International students in Canada can invite their parents to visit them by writing a letter of invitation to accompany their Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) application. Citizens of certain countries require a TRV to enter Canada, and this visa cannot be applied for at a Canadian Port of Entry. In some cases, a medical examination may be required, which can add significant processing time to the application.
The letter of invitation must be written by the individual issuing the invitation, and it should explain how they will support the applicant during their visit. For example, they may offer to pay for plane tickets or accommodation. The letter should also confirm the applicant's valid purpose for visiting Canada and include the following information about the applicant:
- Complete name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Telephone number
- Relationship to the person they are visiting
- Purpose of the trip
- How long they plan to stay in Canada
- Where they will stay
- When they plan to leave Canada
It is important to note that a letter of invitation does not guarantee that the applicant will be granted a visa. The applicant must also convince an immigration officer that they have strong ties to their home country and that they will leave Canada at the end of their visit. They must also demonstrate that they have enough money to pay for their air ticket and support themselves during their stay.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can invite their parents to Canada by applying for a visitor visa for their parents.
You will need to submit a letter of invitation, which must include the following information:
- The complete name, date of birth, address, and telephone number of your parent(s).
- Your relationship to the person.
- The purpose of the trip.
- How long your parent(s) plan(s) to stay in Canada.
- Where your parent(s) will stay.
- When your parent(s) plan(s) to leave Canada.
You may also need to include an employment letter for your parent(s), which should be printed on the employer's official letterhead. Additionally, citizens of certain countries require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.
In your letter of invitation, you should explain how you will support your parent(s) during their stay in Canada. For example, you may offer to pay for their plane tickets or accommodation. You can also include a copy of your study permit and any other evidence that you are a student.
To increase the chances of approval, your parent(s) should be able to demonstrate strong ties to their home country and prove that they will leave Canada at the end of their visit. They should also have enough money to pay for their air tickets and support themselves during their stay.
Yes, your parent(s) can stay with you during your studies in Canada. However, they may need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), depending on their country of citizenship.
