Douglas Olsen
Canada has a generous immigration policy that allows international students to bring their spouses or partners to the country. Spouses and partners may be eligible for a spousal open work permit (SOWP) or another type of work permit. The process for obtaining a spouse visa varies depending on the country of origin, chosen institution, and program of study. Common requirements include proof of relationship, acceptance letters, proof of financial support, valid passports, and sometimes medical and security clearances. Applicants should be aware of the potential impact on housing and health insurance needs, as well as the possibility of misrepresentation if procedures are not followed correctly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can international students bring their spouse to Canada? | Yes |
| What is the type of visa required for the spouse? | Spouse visa/Spousal open work permit |
| What is the eligibility criteria for the spouse visa? | Proof of relationship, marriage certificate, evidence of cohabitation, eligibility criteria set by IRCC |
| What are the common requirements for the spouse visa? | Acceptance letter from a Canadian DLI, proof of financial support, a valid passport, and sometimes medical and security clearances |
| Can the spouse work in Canada? | Yes, the spouse is eligible to apply for a spousal open work permit |
| What is the eligibility criteria for the spousal open work permit? | Valid study permit, physically in Canada, full-time student enrolled in a PGWP-eligible program at a designated learning institution (DLI), not in the last term of the study program |
| Can the spouse apply for the open work permit online? | Yes, if they have already entered Canada as a visitor |
| Can the spouse apply for a study permit? | Yes |
| Can the spouse apply for a temporary resident visa (TRV)? | Yes |
| Can the spouse apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)? | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
- Spouses of international students may be eligible for a work permit
- International students can include their spouse on their application for a Canadian study permit
- Spouses of international students may need to provide proof of their relationship
- Spouse visa applications may take longer to process than student visa applications
- Spouses of international students may be eligible for permanent residency
Spouses of international students may be eligible for a work permit
To be eligible for an open work permit, 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 must also provide proof of the student's enrolment in a program of study, such as a valid letter of acceptance from the designated learning institution.
It is important to note that the spousal open work permit is typically valid for the same duration as the student's study permit. Additionally, the spouse may be required to undergo a medical examination if they wish to work in certain occupations, such as in schools or hospitals.
Including a spouse on an application for a Canadian study permit can impact the approval process. Visa officers may suspect that the student does not intend to leave Canada after their study program, which can affect the decision on whether to issue the study permit. Therefore, applicants should be prepared to demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their family during their first year of study.
Furthermore, having a spouse with work experience and language proficiency in English or French can increase the international student's eligibility for permanent residency in Canada.
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International students can include their spouse on their application for a Canadian study permit
If an international student is accompanied by their spouse, they should be aware of how this will affect their housing and health insurance needs. They should also be prepared to demonstrate additional funds to support their family. To include their spouse on their application, the international student must submit a statement explaining why they want to pursue education in Canada and why they wish to have their spouse accompany them.
Spouses of international students may be eligible for a spousal open work permit (SOWP). As of March 19, 2024, spouses and partners of international students are eligible for a SOWP only if their sponsor is enrolled in a master's or doctoral degree program at a university or polytechnic institution in Canada. There are exceptions for spouses of undergraduate students. Spouses of undergraduate students in specific professional degree programs at a university can also apply for a SOWP.
If the international student has a valid study permit and is eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), their spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit. This means they can work for any employer in Canada, except for those listed as ineligible or those that offer sexual services. Starting January 21, 2025, a spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit if the international student has a valid study permit and is a full-time student studying in a master's degree program of 16 months or longer or a doctoral degree program.
It is generally better for couples to apply for a student visa and spousal work permit together. This is because applying for a student visa takes 2 to 3 months, and if the spouse applies for their work permit after the student has received their visa, they will need to wait several months before being able to join their partner in Canada.
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Spouses of international students may need to provide proof of their relationship
International students in Canada are allowed to bring their spouses to the country. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when doing so. Firstly, it is important to note that including a spouse in the application can impact the approval of the study permit. This is because Canadian study permits are temporary resident permits, and visa officers must be satisfied that the permit holder intends to leave Canada when their permit expires. Including a spouse may raise suspicions about the student's intention to leave, affecting the visa officer's decision.
When applying for a spousal visa, it is essential to meticulously prepare and submit all the required documents. The spouse of an international student may need to provide proof of their relationship with the student visa holder. This can include marriage certificates, photographs, or other supporting documents. Additionally, the spouse may need to provide a valid letter of acceptance from the educational institution where the student has been accepted.
In terms of financial requirements, the student must demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and their spouse during their stay in Canada. This can be done through bank statements, a sponsorship letter, or scholarship details. It is assumed that the spouse will be employed in Canada and contribute financially, so the financial threshold is not excessively high. However, the student must still show that they possess ample funds to cover their expenses and those of their spouse.
Including a spouse in the application can also impact the student's CRS score, which is calculated differently depending on whether an accompanying partner is involved. If the spouse has been living and working in Canada during the student's studies, including them in the submission to Express Entry may increase the CRS score. Additionally, submitting profiles to the Express Entry pool with a spouse can double the chances of receiving an ITA.
It is important to note that if the spouse plans to work in Canada, they may be eligible for a spousal open work permit, which will allow them to work full-time for any employer, except those listed as ineligible or offering specific prohibited services. The eligibility criteria for this permit include having a valid study permit, being enrolled in a master's degree program of 16 months or longer, and providing proof of enrolment in a program of study.
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Spouse visa applications may take longer to process than student visa applications
International students can bring their spouse to Canada, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, a student visa or study permit is a temporary resident permit, meaning that the student must demonstrate their intention to leave Canada after their study program. If a student requests to bring their spouse or family, the visa officer might suspect that the student intends to stay in Canada long-term, which could affect the approval of the study permit.
Spousal visa applications may take longer to process than student visa applications. While there is no definitive processing time for spousal visas, it can vary depending on several factors. For example, spouses destined for Quebec face additional delays, with current processing times of 26 months for in-Canada applications and 37 months for overseas applications. This is due to limited space under the family class to accommodate the demand for Quebec-destined spouses.
On the other hand, student visa applications typically have more defined processing times. However, these can still be affected by various factors, such as the volume of applications received and the complexity of individual cases. In some cases, students may need to apply on paper, which can add 3 to 4 months to the processing time to account for mailing.
It is important to note that the processing time for a spousal visa can be accelerated if the spouse is eligible for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). The IRCC has implemented measures to support and expedite spousal sponsorship applications, and most new TRV applications for spousal sponsorship are now processed within 30 days. Additionally, the approval rate for spousal TRVs has increased significantly, further facilitating access for spouses.
To avoid delays, applicants should ensure they submit a complete application and follow the correct procedures. Amending an application can result in misrepresentation and potential bans from Canada if not done correctly. Applicants should also be prepared to demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their family during their stay in Canada.
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Spouses of international students may be eligible for permanent residency
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.
When applying for a spousal work permit, the spouse of an international student must provide proof of their relationship, such as a marriage certificate or evidence of cohabitation. They must also meet other eligibility criteria set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Starting January 21, 2025, a spouse will be eligible for an open work permit if their partner has a valid study permit and is either a full-time student studying in a master's degree program of 16 months or longer or a doctoral degree program. Spouses of undergraduate students in specific professional degree programs at a university can also apply for an open work permit.
If an international student is approved for a study permit in Canada with their spouse accompanying them, the spouse will be eligible to apply for a spousal open work permit. This allows them to work for any employer in Canada, except those listed as ineligible or those that offer certain services, such as striptease or erotic massages.
Additionally, if an international student and their spouse submit profiles to the Express Entry pool, they can double their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. The spouse's experience may also make them eligible to submit an expression of interest to Express Entry as a principal applicant, further increasing their chances of receiving an ITA.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can bring their spouse to Canada. Spouses of international students may be eligible for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) if their partner has a valid study permit.
The requirements for a spousal work permit include proof of the relationship, such as a marriage certificate, and meeting other eligibility criteria set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Spouses must also provide proof of their partner's enrolment in a degree program.
Applying for both visas together can double the chances of receiving an ITA. It can also increase the applicant's CRS score and reduce the time taken to process the spousal visa.
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