Bringing family while studying

Overview

Bringing family while studying

Family members do not receive status automatically with an international student. Each person needs their own temporary-resident application and must qualify for the requested visitor, study or work authorization.

Choose the correct status for each person

A spouse or partner may apply to visit and may qualify for an open work permit only if the principal student’s program falls within the current eligible categories. The rules were narrowed in 2024 and 2025.

School-aged children may need study permits, while younger children generally enter as visitors.

Show a realistic family budget

Add tuition, housing, living and travel costs for every accompanying person. Explain who will care for children and how the household will manage if the spouse cannot work immediately.

Do not build the application on an assumed Canadian salary.

Prove relationships and temporary purpose

Use marriage, birth and common-law evidence that matches the forms. Each applicant must be admissible and must persuade IRCC they will respect the authorized stay.

Applications can be filed together, but one approval does not legally guarantee the others.

Keep expiry dates aligned

Family documents may be limited by passports, the student’s permit or the program end date. Apply for extensions before expiry and watch how graduation changes spousal work eligibility.

A child moving between visitor and student status may need an in-Canada application.