10. October 2025 Admin

Can I Bring My Spouse or Family While Studying in Canada? (2025/2026 Guide)

Many international students dream of studying in Canada without leaving their loved ones behind. The good news is that Canada allows eligible students to bring their spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children during their study period. This guide explains everything you need to know about family accompaniment options, visa types, and application procedures in 2025.

Tip: Ensure your program and institution are eligible under a valid study permit before including dependents in your application.

1. Can I Bring My Spouse or Partner to Canada?

Yes. If you hold a valid study permit and are enrolled full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible to accompany you to Canada. They can apply for an open work permit, which allows them to work for any employer while you study.

2. Benefits of Bringing Your Spouse on an Open Work Permit

Your spouse can work full-time for any employer in Canada.
No job offer is required before arrival.
Work experience gained in Canada can contribute to permanent residency eligibility.
Spouses can pursue their own studies if they later apply for a study permit.

3. Bringing Your Children to Canada

Dependent children can accompany you while you study in Canada. They may study at Canadian schools from kindergarten through high school without a separate study permit. If your children wish to attend college or university, they will need to apply for their own study permit.

Children under 18 or 19 (depending on the province) are considered dependents.
They can attend public schools at no additional cost in most provinces.
Ensure proof of guardianship and relationship documents are provided in your visa application.

4. Required Documents to Bring Family Members

Valid passport for each family member
Marriage certificate (for spouse or partner)
Birth certificates of children
Proof of funds to support all dependents
Letter of acceptance from your DLI
Proof of accommodation in Canada

5. Financial Requirements

To bring your family, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to support everyone during your stay in Canada. The general guideline includes:

Student: Minimum CAD $20,635 per year (outside Quebec)
First family member: Additional CAD $4,000 per year
Each additional dependent: CAD $3,000 per year

These figures vary slightly depending on your province and cost of living, so always check the latest government updates.

6. Application Process

Submit your study permit application along with your family’s applications online.
Attach all required documents and relationship proofs.
Pay the visa and biometric fees for each family member.
Wait for processing — typically 6 to 12 weeks depending on location.
Travel together once all permits are approved.

7. After Graduation: Options for Your Family

If you receive a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after completing your studies, your spouse can extend their open work permit, and your children can continue studying. This setup allows your family to stay together while you gain Canadian work experience or apply for permanent residency.

Conclusion

Bringing your spouse or family while studying in Canada is not only possible but also a great way to experience life together in a new country. With the right documents, proof of funds, and eligibility, your loved ones can live, study, and work in Canada while you pursue your education. This family-friendly policy makes Canada one of the best destinations for international students worldwide.

Explore More Canada Study Guides

Reminder: Always verify eligibility and financial proof requirements on the official IRCC website before applying to bring dependents.

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