Are you an international student studying in Canada and have a spouse and/or dependent children?

You can bring your spouse and/or dependent children along while studying in Canada. Study permit applications allow you to include family members that will accompany you during your stay.

However, you will be required to explain why you want to have your spouse/children accompany you during your study program.

A ‘family member’ refers to a spouse, common-law partner, or dependent children.

If your study permit application is approved, then your spouse may apply for a spousal open work permit if they want to work.

Who is Eligible for a Spousal Open Work Permit?

A spousal open work permit allows the spouse of an international student to work full time with any employer in Canada. For your spouse to be eligible for this open work permit, you must be enrolled in a full-time study program at a:

• Public post-secondary university
• Private post-secondary school that functions under similar rules and regulations as a public institution and gets 50% of its operational budget from the government
• Private institution allowed to grant degrees by provincial statute

Your children who are minors will not require study permits to enroll at a preschool, primary, or secondary level. However, once they reach the age of majority in their province, they will be required to apply for a study permit to continue their studies.

What is the Process for Requesting Authorization for Accompanying Family Members?

You must include the reason for requesting authorization for accompanying family members in your study permit application.

However, if you fail to do so at the time of your application, you can not amend the application to include the request. This may be considered misrepresentation (providing false information), which may result in a 5-year ban from Canada.

If you are requesting a variety of different permits like a spousal open work permit, then you will need to provide extra documentation.

Can I bring my parents to Canada while studying?

If you are a minor, you can request to bring your parents for 6 months or longer based on your study permit.

Can an international student's spouse work full time in Canada?

If you are enrolled in a full time study program, then your spouse is authorized to apply for an open work permit which means they can work anywhere full-time.

Can I hold a skilled job with a PGWP?

Yes, you can hold a skilled job with a PGWP. PGWP is an open work permit, therefore, you are allowed to work anywhere and for any Canadian employer. However, there might be certain restrictions specific to your permit.

Does a distance learning program make one eligible for a PGWP?

No, a distance learning program does not make you eligible for a PGWP.

Does my PGWP remain valid if my passport expires?

No, PGWPs are valid only up to the expiration date of your passport.

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