Bringing your family to Canada when you pursue your studies can be very rewarding. In this handbook, we will ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible, while providing useful tips that will help you along the way.
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Who Counts as Family?
Family means your spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children.
Visa Requirements for Visitors:
Understanding the visa requirements is crucial. Depending on your home country, you may need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada as a visitor. Here are some important points:
- TRV requirements vary by country.
- You can’t apply for a TRV at a Canadian Port of Entry.
- In some cases, a medical examination may be required, extending the application process.
Read More: Canada Expands Visa-Free Travel Program for 13 Countries
Visitor Authorization with eTA:
- Since November 10, 2016, most visitors from visa-exempt countries require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.
- U.S. citizens, however, are exempt from both TRV and eTA requirements.
Work Permits for Spouses:
If you’re a full-time student with a valid study permit, your spouse or common-law partner can apply for an open work permit. Here’s what you need to know:
- The open work permit allows your spouse to work during your study period.
- It doesn’t require a job offer or Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
- Some occupations, like jobs in schools or hospitals, may require a medical examination.
Spousal Work Permit Application Timing:
The timing and process for a spousal work permit can vary. Here are two common scenarios:
Canadian visa offices overseas can process a work permit application at the same time as your study permit application.
Alternatively, your spouse can come to Canada as a visitor and apply for a work permit after arrival. For some countries, this can be done at a Canadian Port of Entry.
Study Permit Rules for Minor Children:
If you, your spouse, or common-law partner are already in Canada, your minor child can study at the preschool, primary, or secondary level without a study permit.
However, once they reach the age of majority in their province, they must apply for a study permit to continue their studies in Canada.
This application can be completed from inside Canada.
Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents:
Canadian Citizen: Children who are Canadian citizens do not require a study permit. Documents such as a passport, citizenship card, or birth certificate are sufficient for enrollment.
Canadian Permanent Resident: Likewise, Canadian permanent residents do not need a study permit. Documents like the Record of Landing (IMM 1000), Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292), or Permanent Resident Card serve as proof of their status.
Foreign Nationals with Visitor Status:
Accompanied by a Parent with Visitor Status: If a child is a foreign national accompanying a parent with visitor status, they will need a study permit. Look for a stamp on the child’s passport or on the parent’s passport indicating the child as a son or daughter.
Alone or with a Parent with a Study or Work Permit: Children traveling alone or with a parent who has a study or work permit do not need a study permit. The child’s passport or inclusion on the parent’s passport is sufficient. There might be a visitor record for the child. (Refer to note below)
Refugee Claimants:
Whether accompanied by a parent or not, refugee claimants do not require a study permit. Instead, they need a Determination of Eligibility letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
A valid passport or any available travel or identity documents are also necessary. These documents might include an expired IRCC document.
In Canada Without Status:
Children in Canada without status can study without a study permit. They can use their passport or inclusion on a parent’s passport as identification. Similar to refugee claimants, there might be an expired IRCC document.
Note:
Children entering Canada may have either a visitor record or a study permit. They are authorized to study without a study permit if they possess only the visitor record or a Canadian entry stamp on their passport.
Applying Together:
If you plan to bring your family to Canada while you study and all of you will be arriving at the same time, you may consider filling out a single application for the entire family.
However, keep in mind that if you have various permit applications, such as your study permit and your spouse or common-law partner’s work permit, you’ll need extra documentation and will have to include additional fees, including the additional fee for the work permit.
Extensions:
Should you wish to extend your stay or change your conditions while you’re in Canada, you’ll need to complete a separate application.
It’s crucial to check the expiry date on your study permit and apply at least 30 days before that date if you wish to extend your stay.
Bringing Your Parents:
While on a study permit, international students can invite their parent(s) to visit Canada on a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
These options allow parents to travel to Canada and share in your educational journey.
Conclusion:
Bringing family members to Canada can always be a sensitive exercise in understanding and dealing with the details demanded under each category. This guide is here to simplify the process for you and your loved ones, making it easier to embark on the journey together.
