Moving to Canada with your Family on a Study Permit: Everything You Need to Know

Are you considering studying in Canada and wondering if you can bring your family along? 

The good news is, yes, you can. Canada’s immigration policies allow international students to be accompanied by their immediate family members, such as spouses and children.

However, there are several factors that determine whether your spouse will accompany you on a visitor visa or qualify for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP). Here’s everything you need to know about traveling with your family on a Canadian study permit.

Traveling with Family Members: Who Can Join You?

Canada is very big on family unification, and this extends to international students. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), you may be able to bring your spouse or common-law partner, and dependent children with you to Canada. They may be eligible for a study permit, work permit, or visitor visa. It’s essential to submit their applications online when you apply for your study permit. Note that your children must be 21 years old or younger to qualify as dependents. Children can accompany you regardless of the program you’re enrolled in.

Spouse or Common-Law Partner

If you’re in a serious relationship and have been living together, your partner may qualify as a common-law partner. They can travel with you under certain conditions. The program you are enrolled in will determine if your spouse or common-law partner qualifies for an Open Work Permit (OWP) or a Visitor Visa. Spouses may be eligible for a spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP), allowing them to work unlimited hours while you study.

Eligibility for an Open Work Permit

Your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an Open Work Permit if you are enrolled in one of the following programs:

Your spouse or common-law partner are often eligible for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) if you are enrolled in a Master’s, Doctoral, or professional degree program at a university or polytechnic institution. These professional programs can include:

• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD)
• Bachelor of Law or Juris Doctor (LLB, JD, BCL)
• Doctor of Medicine (MD)
• Doctor of Optometry (OD)
• Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm)
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN, BSN, BNSc)
• Bachelor of Education (B. Ed.)
• Bachelor of Engineering (B. Eng., BE, BASc)

Required Documentation

When applying for an Open Work Permit, your spouse or common-law partner must provide:

1. Acceptance letter from your Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
2. Proof of enrollment at your DLI
3. Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, photos, change-of-name publication)

New Immigration Policies

As of January 22nd, 2024, several changes have been implemented by the IRCC for international students planning to study in Canada. These policies will be in effect until 2026 when they will be reviewed. Key changes include:

Students enrolled in private colleges with licensed curriculum are no longer eligible for the Postgraduate Work Permit (PGWP).
One-year Master’s programs are now eligible for a three-year post graduate work permit(PGWP).
Open Work Permits are now available for spouses of students enrolled in Master’s, PhD, or some professional Bachelor’s programs.

For a comprehensive list of Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) that allow you to travel with your family, visit www.unicollegelink.com

If you need assistance with your study permit application or an Open Work Permit application, connect with immigration experts at www.unicollegelink.com/immigration-hub  or send an email to info@unicollegelink.com