Bringing Your Family to Canada While You Study: Spouse and Dependent Options

Studying in Canada for one, two, or more years is a long time to be separated from your family. Many international students — especially those in longer graduate or professional programs — want to bring their spouse and children with them. The good news: Canadian immigration law does provide pathways for accompanying family members. But eligibility for bringing family to Canada while on a study permit depends on what you're studying and where, and the rules have changed significantly in recent years.

This article explains what options exist, who qualifies, and what each family member would need to apply for.

The Core Question: Does Your Study Level Qualify?

Not every study permit holder can bring a spouse who is eligible to work in Canada. As of writing, IRCC has tied spouse work permit eligibility to the level and nature of the principal applicant's program. The rules have shifted more than once since 2023 — the details below reflect the general framework, but you must verify current eligibility criteria on Canada.ca before applying.

Generally eligible (as of writing):

• Students in Master's or doctoral programs at Canadian universities
• Students in certain professional degree programs (law, medicine, dentistry, etc.) — verify which specific programs qualify
• Students in programs at or above a certain academic level at eligible DLIs

Generally not eligible (as of writing):

• Students in college diploma or certificate programs
• Students in most undergraduate degree programs

If your program does not qualify your spouse for an open work permit, your spouse may still come to Canada as a visitor, but would not be permitted to work.

Option 1: Spouse or Common-Law Partner — Open Work Permit

If you are in an eligible program, your spouse or common-law partner may apply for an open work permit tied to your status as an international student. An open work permit means they can work for any employer in Canada — they are not tied to a specific job or employer.

How to Apply

Your spouse or partner applies separately to IRCC, submitting their own application. Key documents typically include:

• Proof of your study permit and enrollment in an eligible program
• Proof of the relationship (marriage certificate, evidence of cohabitation)
• Valid passport
• Any required biometrics
• Application fee (check Canada.ca for current fees)

Timing

Your spouse's open work permit is generally linked to the validity of your study permit. It expires when your study permit expires (or is no longer valid). If you extend your study permit, your spouse will need to extend their work permit separately.

Entering Canada

Your spouse needs their own authorization to enter Canada — either a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) depending on their citizenship, plus the open work permit. Plan for both.

Option 2: Dependent Children — Studying in Canada

Your dependent children can generally accompany you to Canada while you study. Children of eligible study permit holders may be able to attend school in Canada.

Primary and Secondary School

Children studying at the primary or secondary level (kindergarten through Grade 12) generally do not need their own study permit if their parent holds a valid study permit. However, they must be enrolled at a school.

Confirm this exemption applies in your children's specific situation before assuming it — IRCC rules around dependent children have been clarified and updated over the years.

Post-Secondary Study

If your child is 18 or older and wants to study at a post-secondary level (college, university), they need their own study permit with their own acceptance letter from a DLI, their own proof of funds, and (likely) their own Provincial Attestation Letter.

Financial Considerations: Funds for Accompanying Family

Bringing family increases the financial evidence you must present when applying for your own study permit (or extending it). IRCC adds per-person amounts to the base living cost requirement for each accompanying family member. These amounts change — verify the current figures at Canada.ca.

If you are already in Canada and wish to bring family members who are currently abroad, you must demonstrate that your funds are sufficient to support them, and your family members' applications will be assessed partly based on your financial situation here.

What If Your Spouse Doesn't Qualify for a Work Permit?

If your program doesn't make your spouse eligible for an open work permit, your options are:

• Your spouse comes as a visitor (no work authorization, typically up to six months at a time with possible extensions)
• Your spouse applies for their own work permit based on their own employer and job offer in Canada
• Your spouse applies for their own study permit if they want to pursue education in Canada

None of these are as clean as the open work permit pathway, but they are legitimate options.

Planning Ahead: Apply Early and Together

Family immigration applications take time. If you want your family to arrive in Canada shortly after you do, initiate their applications as soon as your own study permit is approved — or even simultaneously. Delays in your family's applications can result in months of separation.

Frequently asked questions