The process at a glance
- 01Check Eligibility
Verify who qualifies as a dependent
Study permit holders can bring their spouse and dependent children (under 22) to Canada. Spouses may be eligible for an open work permit. Children can attend Canadian public schools free of charge. Proof of relationship and sufficient funds are required.
- 02Apply for TRV
Submit temporary resident visa for dependents
Dependents apply for a temporary resident visa (TRV) from a Canadian visa office abroad. Required documents: study permit holders proof of enrollment, proof of relationship, financial documents showing ability to support dependents, and valid passports. Processing takes 4-12 weeks.
- 03Apply for Work Permit
Spouse applies for open work permit
Spouses of study permit holders may qualify for an open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada. Apply together with the TRV or separately after arrival. An LMIA is not required. Processing takes 2-4 months for the work permit.
- 04Maintain Status
Keep your study permit valid for dependent status
Dependents status depends on the study permit holders status. If the student drops below full-time, graduates, or violates conditions, dependent status ends. Plan transitions carefully — apply for PGWP or change status before the study permit expires.
Overview
Family members of international students in Canada apply for their own temporary resident status. Spouses or common-law partners may qualify for open work permits when IRCC’s current criteria are met; children may need visitor records or study permits depending on age and schooling. Rules change — verify the latest IRCC pages for spouse open work permits and study permit family members before you file.
Eligibility Requirements
The principal study permit holder should be pursuing an eligible program level if the spouse is seeking open work authorization. Provide proof of relationship (marriage certificate or common-law evidence), valid passports, and the student’s LOA or enrolment proof. Medical exams and biometrics may be required. Incomplete relationship evidence is a frequent refusal reason for partner applications.
Application Process for Dependents
Each family member submits the correct IRCC application stream with supporting documents and fees. Inland and outland processing options differ by status and location. Keep digital and paper copies of submission confirmations. If you plan to travel together, align biometrics appointments and decision timelines so no one is stranded without a valid travel document or status.
Rights and Restrictions for Family of Study Permit Holders
A spouse may work only with a valid work permit. Children study according to their own status. Family members must leave or switch status if the student’s study permit basis ends. Working without authorization can jeopardise future permanent residence applications. Track all expiry dates in a shared calendar.
Financial Planning for Families
Budget IRCC fees, biometrics, medicals, larger housing, and provincial health insurance gaps for dependants. Show sufficient funds for the family unit when applications require it. Keep employment offers, if any, consistent with the work permit type granted. Use Canada.ca study and work pages as controlling sources.
A study permit is for one person; bringing your family requires its own application stack — but they can be filed at the same time and ride on the same financial proof.
Spouses, partners, and children of study permit holders
Family members of international students in Canada may apply for their own temporary resident status. Spouses or common-law partners sometimes qualify for an open work permit depending on the study permit holder’s program level and current IRCC rules — verify the latest criteria before filing. Children may need visitor status or study permits depending on age and schooling plans. Each person needs a complete application with relationship proof, biometrics when required, and medical exams if requested. Processing times vary by visa office; apply early if the family plans to travel together.
Maintaining status and avoiding work violations
A spouse’s work authorization is separate from the student’s study permit. Working without a valid work permit is a serious violation. If the student’s study permit is refused, expires, or the student stops studying, family members may lose the basis for their status. Track expiry dates, maintain health insurance, and update IRCC when required. For inland extensions, submit before status expires so maintained status can apply where available. Use IRCC’s official checklists as the controlling document list for your stream.
School enrolment for children and what happens if circumstances change
Dependent children of study permit holders can attend Canadian primary and secondary schools without a separate study permit in most provinces, though individual school boards may request immigration documents and proof of residence. At the post-secondary level, the child typically needs their own study permit. If the relationship between the principal permit holder and the spouse or partner ends, the dependent spouse’s open work permit may become invalid — consult IRCC guidance and, for complex cases, a licensed immigration consultant. Provincial health coverage for dependants varies; apply as soon as eligibility starts and confirm whether the waiting period runs from arrival or from enrolment.
Flashcards
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What you learned
End-of-guide quiz
3 questions
- 01
Your wife will join you while you study a 2-year Master’s at a public university. What permit should she apply for?
- 02
You arrive in Canada in September. Your spouse and child apply 6 months later. Which is the most likely complication?
- 03
Your 19-year-old child applies as a dependent. Which condition matters most?
0 / 3 answered
Official sources
Verify rules, fees, and forms on first-party government sites. This guide is educational and not a substitute for your DSO, solicitor, or licensed adviser.
Procedural deep-dives
For statutes, forms, deadlines, and evidence standards, use these legal owners on MyCaseworks.
- Canada study & PGWP library
Study permit, PGWP, and family sponsorship deep dives.
- PGWP eligibility 2026
Field-of-study and program-length rules after graduation.
- Study permit document checklist
Evidence pack for IRCC study permit filing.
Frequently asked questions
Can my spouse work while I study in Canada?+
Only with a valid work permit. Some spouses of study permit holders qualify for open work permits under current IRCC rules — verify eligibility for your program level before applying.
Do children need their own study permits?+
It depends on age and the type of schooling. Check IRCC guidance for minor children of study permit holders and provincial school enrolment rules.
What if my study permit is refused or expires?+
Family members may lose the basis for their status. Extend or restore status on time, or leave Canada. Get advice quickly if anyone has overstayed.
Get personalized help
Book a consultation or access templates
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