Are you planning to study or work in Canada and want your family to be with you? Great news! Canada allows temporary resident visa (TRV) holders, which include both study permit and work permit holders, to bring their loved ones along.
In this user-friendly guide, we’ll walk you through the process and eligibility criteria for bringing your family to Canada.
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Bringing Your Family on a TRV
Canada is a welcoming country that understands the importance of family. If you’re a temporary resident visa (TRV) holder in Canada, you have the opportunity to reunite with your family while you study or work. Here’s how:
Eligible Family Members
You can bring the following family members with you:
- Spouse
- Common-law partner
- Dependent children
These are the people who can share in your Canadian adventure.
Open Work Permits (OWPs)
Canada offers Open Work Permits (OWPs) to family members, allowing them to work while in the country. Let’s explore how this works for both work permit and study permit holders.
OWPs for Family of a Canadian Work Permit Holder
If you’re coming to Canada on a work permit, you can bring your family along and even help them secure work permits.
Spouse/Common-Law Partner
To be eligible:
- You must work in a job categorized under TEER (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities) 0 to 5.
- You should be the primary applicant on a Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or International Mobility Program (IMP) application with an open work permit.
This means that if you’re employed in a skilled job in Canada, your spouse or common-law partner can also work.
Dependent Child
Children of temporary foreign workers (TFW) who meet the rules mentioned earlier can also get a special work permit.
To be eligible:
- a child must be the child of the worker, the worker’s spouse, or the worker’s live-in partner.
- Your dependent child must be under 22 years old.
- They should be unmarried and without a common-law partner.
- In some cases, a medical examination may be required.
- Children above 22 can still qualify if they’ve been reliant on your financial support due to a physical or mental condition.
This means that if you meet these criteria, your children can join you in Canada and even find employment.
Additional Notes:
- Some dependent children may have eligibility determined by the criteria established before October 23, 2017.
- Dependent children can apply for an OWP either with their parents or separately.
- If an OWP is not possible, your child’s employer may need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
- Check the minimum age requirements for the job type and location in Canada to ensure your child’s eligibility.
OWPs for Family of a Canadian Study Permit Holder
Studying in Canada is a fantastic opportunity, and if you’re a full-time student, you can also bring your family with you to Canada.
Eligibility:
Full-time students with a valid study permit can sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for an OWP.
You must attend one of the following:
- A public post-secondary institution.
- A private post-secondary institution receives half of its budget from government grants.
- A private institution authorized by provincial statute to confer degrees.
This means that if you’re pursuing your studies in Canada, your spouse or common-law partner can explore job opportunities.
Application Process
Understanding the application process is crucial. Here’s what you need to know:
- Canadian visa offices can process spousal open work permits simultaneously with a study permit application.
- Ensure you include processing and ancillary fees for both applications.
- Spouses or common-law partners of international students can also apply post-arrival.
Conclusion
Bringing your family to Canada on a TRV is not only possible but also enriching. Family members can share in your Canadian experience and even contribute to the income. Whether you’re a work permit or study permit holder, Canada has made provisions to keep your loved ones close while you pursue your dreams.
Keep in mind that immigration policies and requirements may change over time. To stay up-to-date and ensure a smooth application process, always check the latest information on the official Canadian immigration website.
By following these steps, you can look forward to a fulfilling journey in Canada with your family by your side. Good luck!
