How to bring family members to Canada as an international student

The International Student Canada Podcast

How to bring family members to Canada as an international student

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A lot of international students travel to Canada every semester, leaving behind their entire family. Today I will be talking about how international students can bring their family members to Canada and how your family can also support you in Canada.

Outline

1. Introduction – Why students want to bring family

2. Who qualifies as a family member

3. Options for bringing a spouse or common-law partner

   • Spousal open work permit (SOWP)

4. Bringing dependent children

   • Study permit or visitor visa for children

5. Required documents and proof of relationship

6. Step-by-step application process

   • Before arriving in Canada

   • After arrival in Canada

7. Financial requirements and proof of funds

8. How to apply online

9. Processing time and what to expect

10. Tips to increase approval chances

11. Can you invite parents or siblings?

12. Common mistakes to avoid

13. FAQ section

14. Conclusion and encouragement

How to Bring Your Family Members to Canada as an International Student (2025 to 2026 Guide)

Studying in Canada is a life-changing experience, but for many international students, being away from loved ones can be one of the hardest parts of the journey. The good news? Canada allows many international students to bring their family members, including spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children, to join them during their studies.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to bring your family to Canada as an international student, from eligibility and application steps to financial requirements and helpful tips for faster approval.

1. Why Many Students Choose to Bring Family

Balancing studies and family life can be challenging, but having your loved ones nearby can make your transition smoother.

Here are a few reasons international students choose to bring family members:

• Emotional support and stability while studying abroad

• The ability for a spouse to work in Canada and help with living expenses

• Providing children access to Canadian education

• Strengthening family bonds and avoiding long-distance stress

Canada recognizes the importance of family unity, which is why several immigration pathways make this possible.

2. Who Qualifies as a Family Member

Under Canadian immigration law, your immediate family members include:

• Your spouse (legally married partner)

• Your common-law partner (someone you’ve lived with in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 consecutive months)

• Your dependent children (biological or adopted) who are under 22 years old and not married or in a common-law relationship

If your child is over 22 but has a physical or mental condition that prevents financial independence, they may still qualify as a dependent.

3. Bringing Your Spouse or Common-Law Partner

If you’re a full-time student at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and enrolled in a post-secondary program, your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit, commonly called the Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP).

What is a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)?

The SOWP allows your partner to:

• Work full-time for any employer in Canada

• Gain valuable Canadian work experience

• Potentially qualify for permanent residency later through programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Eligibility Requirements:

To qualify:

• You must hold a valid study permit and be enrolled full-time in a public post-secondary institution (university, college, or trade school)

• You must be pursuing a Master or PhD program to be able to bring a spouse and your child or children to Canada

• Your spouse must prove your genuine relationship (marriage certificate or common-law documentation)

• You must show sufficient proof of funds to support both of you

The work permit is usually issued for the same duration as your study permit.

4. Bringing Your Dependent Children

You can also bring your dependent children while studying in Canada. They can accompany you as either:

a. Visitors

If your child is too young for school, they can come to Canada on a visitor record.

b. Students

If your child is of school age (usually 5 or 6 and older), they can attend school in Canada without a separate study permit, as long as you (the parent) are studying full-time with a valid study permit.

However, some schools may request a study permit for record purposes, so it’s good to check with your local school board before applying.

Can My Children Study at College or University?

If your child plans to attend college or university, they’ll need to apply for their own study permit as an international student.

5. Required Documents and Proof of Relationship

To prove your family relationship, you’ll need to include official documents in your application.

For your spouse:

• Marriage certificate (translated if not in English or French)

• Photos of the wedding, shared home, or joint accounts (for additional proof if needed)

• Common-law declaration form (IMM 5409) if not married

For your children:

• Birth certificates

• Adoption papers (if applicable)

• Custody documents if only one parent is coming

Make sure all documents are clear scans and translated by a certified translator if not in English or French.

6. Step-by-Step Application Process

You can apply for your family members to join you before you travel to Canada or after you’ve already arrived.

Option 1: Applying Together (Before Arrival)

If you’re applying for your study permit and want your spouse and children to come with you:

1. Submit your study permit application online.

2. Add your spouse’s open work permit and children’s visa/study permit applications at the same time.

3. Provide a letter of explanation outlining your family’s plans and your financial readiness.

This approach ensures all applications are processed together.

Option 2: Applying Later (After You Arrive in Canada)

If you prefer your family to join you later:

1. Wait until you receive your study permit and start school.

2. Your spouse can then apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit online from outside or inside Canada.

3. Children can apply for visitor records or study permits.

This staggered approach can sometimes be more successful if visa officers need proof that you’ve settled and can support your family financially.

7. Financial Requirements and Proof of Funds

Immigration officers need to see that you can support yourself and your family during your stay.

While the official IRCC doesn’t list exact amounts for family members, here’s a general guideline (2025 estimate):

So, if you’re bringing your spouse and one child, you should show around $27,635 CAD in available funds.

Proof can include:

• Bank statements (last 4–6 months)

• Scholarship or bursary letters

• Proof of income from spouse (if employed)

• GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate)

• Letter of financial support from parents or sponsors

8. How to Apply Online

Applications are done through the IRCC website.
Here’s the basic process:

1. Create an IRCC account (GCKey or Sign-In Partner)

2. Select “Apply to come to Canada”

3. Complete the questionnaire to generate a personalized checklist

4. Upload your required documents

5. Pay the application fee:

   • $150 for a study permit

   • $100 for a visitor visa

   • $255 for a spousal open work permit (including biometrics)

6. Submit biometrics (if required)

7. Wait for a decision

Keep all documents organized and double-check before submission.

9. Processing Time and What to Expect

Processing times vary depending on where you apply from. On average (as of 2025):

• Spousal open work permit: 8–16 weeks

• Child’s visitor visa or study permit: 6–12 weeks

• Applications from inside Canada: usually faster

Once approved, family members will receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction and must present it when entering Canada.

10. Tips to Increase Your Chances of Approval

• Show strong financial proof – officers want to see stability

• Write a clear letter of explanation – explain why your family will accompany you

• Attach proof of ties to home country (for families applying from abroad)

• Maintain your full-time student status

• Avoid last-minute or incomplete applications

If you’re already in Canada, showing proof that you’re studying successfully can also strengthen your family’s application.

11. Can I Bring My Parents or Siblings?

Unfortunately, international students cannot sponsor parents or siblings to live in Canada while studying.

However, they can apply for a Visitor Visa to visit you temporarily.
You’ll need to write a letter of invitation and include proof of your student status, accommodation, and financial readiness to host them.

If you become a permanent resident later, you can then sponsor your parents through the Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP).

12. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not proving a genuine relationship (especially for common-law partners)

• Submitting unclear financial documents

• Forgetting translations for non-English/French documents

• Applying for the wrong visa type for children

• Starting the application too close to the start of your semester

It’s always best to apply 3–6 months in advance of when your family plans to arrive.

13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can my spouse study in Canada while I’m a student?
Yes! Your spouse can apply for their own study permit while in Canada on an open work permit.

Q2: What if my spouse’s application is refused?
You can reapply with stronger financial proof or after showing that you’ve settled in Canada.

Q3: Can my spouse work part-time or full-time?
With an open work permit, they can work full-time for any employer.

Q4: Can my spouse apply from inside Canada?
Yes, if they’re already in Canada as a visitor, they can apply for a work permit from within Canada.

Q5: Do my children get free education in Canada?
Yes, in most provinces, dependent children of international students can attend public elementary and high schools for free.

14. Final Thoughts

Bringing your family to Canada as an international student can make your journey more fulfilling — but it requires careful planning, financial readiness, and strong documentation.

Start by confirming your eligibility, ensuring your school is a DLI, and preparing your proof of funds early. If you’re not ready for them to come right away, it’s perfectly fine to invite them later once you’re settled.

Canada’s immigration system supports family unity, and with the right approach, your loved ones can join you and share in your success story.

Bonus Tip: Once you graduate and apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), your spouse can usually extend their open work permit, and your children can continue studying — keeping your family together as you transition from student life to a Canadian career.

If you are not yet a student in Canada, what are you waiting for? Grab my free checklist, follow it and achieve your dreams. The checklist will be provided below.

http://bit.ly/internationalstudentcanada

If you are applying for your Canadian Student visa, you can use the checklist to avoid missing any documents needed to apply. This podcast answers all the question on “How to bring your Spouse to Canada while studying, Can I bring my parents or guardian while on a study permit in Canada, How to bring your daughter or son to Canada, How does your spouse or common law partner work in Canada?”

If you have any question or support, please do not hesitate to email me at growwithtp@gmail.com