Living, studying and working in Canada is a dream of many people. For international students and skilled professionals, having their spouse or family members with
Living, studying and working in Canada is a dream of many people. For international students and skilled professionals, having their spouse or family members with them is often just as important as pursuing their own goals. So, the question is how can they bring their families to Canada? Here is a simple guide on how students and workers can bring their spouse to Canada and what do they need to do in order to qualify.
Visitor Visas for Spouses and Family
If your spouse or family members want to visit Canada, the entry rules depend on your nationality. Some people need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), which must be approved before travel since it cannot be obtained at the border. In certain cases, a medical check is also required, which may extend the processing time.
Travelers from visa-exempt countries do not need a TRV, but since November 2016, most of them must apply for an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before flying to Canada. The main exception is U.S. citizens, who can enter without either document.
To confirm what applies to you or your family, the Government of Canada provides an online ‘Visiting Canada Tool’ that explains the requirements based on your country of citizenship.
Open Work Permits for Spouses and Common-Law Partners of Students
One of the main benefits for international students is that their spouse or common-law partner may qualify for an spousal open work permit (SOWP), which allows them to work for almost any employer in Canada without needing a job offer first.
Who Qualifies in 2025?
Since January 21, 2025, only spouses of students enrolled in the following programs qualify:
- Master’s or doctoral programs of 16 months or longer
- Certain professional degree programs, such as:
- Dentistry (DDS, DMD)
- Law (LLB, JD, BCL)
- Medicine (MD)
- Nursing (BScN, BSN, BNSc)
- Pharmacy (PharmD, BPharm, BSc, BS)
- Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
- Optometry (OD)
- Education (B.Ed.)
- Engineering (B.Eng., BE, BASc)
Who Does Not Qualify?
Spouses of students in undergraduate diplomas, certificates, or other shorter programs are no longer eligible for an open work permit.
Which Skilled Workers Can Bring Their Families to Canada?
Workers in Canada may be able to bring their families, depending on their job and work permit. The principal applicant must be employed in a skilled role under the National Occupational Classification (NOC). This usually means working in TEER 0 or TEER 1 jobs, or in certain TEER 2 or TEER 3 jobs in fields like healthcare, education, construction, or natural resources. In addition, the worker’s permit must have at least 16 months of validity remaining at the time of application. An applicant’s children can accompany them to Canada, and they are allowed to go to school while living there. This applies to many workers, including those on LMIA-based permits, Provincial Nominee Program permits, or Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP).
Steps and Timing to Apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit
A spouse or partner can apply for a work permit in Canada at the same time the student applies for a study permit, or when a worker applies for their own work permit. In this case, both application fees must be paid together. Another option is for the spouse or partner to first enter Canada as a visitor and then apply for a work permit after arrival. For some nationalities, it may even be possible to apply for the work permit directly at the border.
Study Options for Children
If you are bringing dependent children, their schooling in Canada depends on their age and level of study:
- Preschool, elementary, or secondary school: In many provinces, children can study without needing a separate study permit if they are accompanying a parent with valid status.
- Post-secondary studies: Older children, such as those in college or university, must apply for their own study permit.
This system ensures that children can continue their education smoothly while parents complete their studies.
Applying Together vs. Separately
Students and workers in Canada can choose to apply for their family’s visas or permits at the same time as their own application. Doing this together has advantages:
- All family members’ applications are linked.
- Documents are processed around the same time.
- It reduces the chance of delays caused by separate applications.
If you are a student or worker and your permit has already been approved, you can still bring your spouse, partner, or children later. In that case, your family members will need to submit their own applications for the correct visas or permits, such as a visitor visa, study permit, or SOWP, depending on their situation.
Extensions and Changes
If you want to extend your stay or change your permit conditions while in Canada, you must submit a separate application. Check the expiry date on your study permit or work permit and make sure to apply at least 30 days before it expires to avoid any issues.
Can My Parents Come with Me While I Study in Canada?
International students as well as workers in Canada can invite their parents for a temporary visit. To do so, their parents must obtain the proper travel document, which will be either a TRV or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), depending on their nationality.
Conclusion
Bringing your spouse, partner, or children to Canada may seem complex, but with the right guidance, it is quite easy. Whether through a visitor visa, a spousal open work permit, or study options for children, there are clear pathways to keep families together. At CWC Immigration, we make it easier for you to bring your spouse, partner, or family to Canada. From visas to work permits, our team handles the process so you can focus on your studies, work, and enjoy life with your loved ones.