Bringing Your Family to Canada While You Study: What International Students Need to Know
Studying in Canada can be a major decision for the entire family. If you have a spouse, common-law partner or children, you may be wondering whether they can come to Canada with you—and whether your spouse will be able to work or your children attend school.
In many cases, family members can apply to accompany an international student. However, approval of the student's study permit does not automatically mean the rest of the family will be approved. Each family member must apply for the appropriate temporary resident status and meet the applicable requirements.
Understanding these rules before applying can help your family develop a more realistic financial and immigration plan.
Each Family Member Needs the Correct Status
Every family member coming to Canada needs the appropriate immigration documentation based on their individual circumstances and what they intend to do in Canada.
Depending on nationality and circumstances, a spouse or common-law partner may require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada and may seek authorization to remain as a visitor or, if eligible, as a worker.
Children may require a study permit or visitor status depending on their age, location and circumstances.
Although family applications can be submitted together, each family member must complete the required application and meet the applicable temporary residence requirements.
This is an important distinction: being the spouse or child of an international student does not automatically provide immigration status in Canada.
Budget for Your Whole Family—Not Just the Student
One of the most important considerations when bringing family members to Canada is the financial commitment.
IRCC requires study permit applicants to demonstrate that they have enough money, without relying on working in Canada, to cover:
tuition fees
living expenses for the student and accompanying family members
transportation to and from Canada for the student and accompanying family members
For programs longer than one year, applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources for the first year and explain how they intend to fund the remaining period of study.
**Updated Financial Requirements for September 2026
For study permit applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026, outside Quebec, IRCC's minimum first-year living-expense requirement is:
1 person: $23,448
2 people: $29,192
3 people: $35,888
4 people: $43,572
5 people: $49,419
6 people: $55,736
7 people: $62,054
For each additional family member beyond seven, add $6,318.
These amounts are for living expenses only. Tuition and transportation costs must be added separately.
For example, an international student travelling with a spouse and one child would have a family size of three and would currently need to demonstrate at least $35,888 for first-year living expenses, in addition to tuition and transportation.
Remember that meeting the minimum amount does not necessarily mean it will cover your family's actual cost of living. Housing, food, transportation, childcare, health insurance and other expenses should all be considered when deciding whether bringing the family at the same time is financially realistic.
IRCC updates these amounts annually, so always confirm the current requirement before applying.
Can Your Spouse Get an Open Work Permit in Canada?
This is an area where the rules have changed significantly.
Being married to, or in a common-law relationship with, an international student does not automatically make someone eligible for an open work permit.
Under current IRCC rules, a spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit when the student has a valid study permit and is studying in:
a master's degree program of at least 16 months
a doctoral degree program
certain specifically eligible programs; or
certain professional university degree programs identified by IRCC, such as medicine, law, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, education, engineering and other qualifying programs.
Eligibility depends on the student's actual program of study and current IRCC requirements.
This is particularly important when planning your finances. Families should not assume that the accompanying spouse will be able to work in Canada and use that future income to fund the student's education or the family's living expenses.
Confirm spousal open work permit eligibility before building employment income into your family's financial plan.
Study Permits for Children of International Students in Canada
Families with school-aged children should also determine what immigration documentation their children require before travelling.
Minor children coming from outside Canada who intend to study for more than six months generally must apply for a study permit before entering Canada. This includes children accompanying parents who are applying for study or work permits.
Different rules can apply to children who are already in Canada.
For example, a minor child already in Canada may be permitted to attend preschool, primary or secondary school without a study permit in certain circumstances, including when they have a parent who is authorized to work or study in Canada. The child must still maintain valid temporary resident status.
Even where a study permit is not mandatory, there can be advantages to obtaining one, depending on the child's circumstances.
Families should also research practical schooling considerations, including local school-board requirements, registration, documentation, location and whether fees may apply.
Present One Consistent Family Plan
When a student and accompanying family members apply, their applications should present a clear and consistent picture of the family's circumstances and plans.
Consider questions such as:
Why is the family travelling together? If the student is travelling first, why will the spouse or children join later? Where will the family live? Who will care for the children? How will the family's expenses be covered? What does the spouse intend to do while in Canada?
The answers should make sense when considered alongside the family's financial documents, employment circumstances, relationship evidence and immigration applications.
Family members must also be disclosed accurately on immigration forms, whether they are accompanying the student to Canada or remaining outside Canada.
Consistency matters. Information provided in one family member's application should not unnecessarily contradict information provided elsewhere in the family's applications.
Should the Whole Family Apply at the Same Time?
There is no single strategy that is right for every family.
For some families, submitting applications together may provide a clear picture of the family's overall plans. In other circumstances, the student may travel first and the spouse or children may apply later.
The appropriate strategy can depend on several factors, including:
available finances
the student's program and length of study
whether the spouse qualifies for a work permit
children's ages and schooling
employment or other responsibilities outside Canada
the family's overall temporary residence circumstances
Avoid choosing a strategy simply because it worked for a friend, relative or another international student. Immigration applications are assessed based on the individual applicant's circumstances.
** Practical Checklist Before Applying
Before submitting applications for an international student and accompanying family members:
📄 Confirm the appropriate immigration document or status for each family member
💼 Verify whether the spouse or common-law partner actually qualifies for an open work permit
💰 Calculate the current IRCC financial requirement based on the total family size
🏠 Budget beyond the minimum requirement for realistic family living expenses
👨👩👧 Prepare appropriate marriage, common-law relationship and birth documentation
🎓 Determine whether accompanying children require study permits
🏫 Review children's schooling arrangements before travelling
📝 Make sure financial documents support the family's proposed plans
🔎 Ensure information is consistent across the family's applications
💵 Do not rely on assumed future employment in Canada to meet the financial requirement
Check the latest IRCC requirements immediately before applying
Final Thoughts
Bringing your family to Canada while studying may be possible, but it requires careful planning.
Each family member has their own immigration requirements, and the family as a whole should have a realistic plan for finances, accommodation, employment and children's schooling.
This is especially important because Canada's international student rules have changed considerably in recent years. Spousal open work permit eligibility is more limited, financial requirements are updated annually, and the requirements affecting students and their families can change.
Before submitting an application, take the time to understand who should apply, what status each family member needs, whether your spouse can work, what documents your children require and whether your financial plan realistically supports the entire family.
Planning these details before applying can help you make informed decisions and avoid relying on outdated information or assumptions.
Learn Before You Apply. Prepare Today. Succeed Tomorrow.
If you are unsure how the current rules apply to your family, professional guidance can help you understand the requirements, identify potential concerns and develop an application strategy based on your circumstances.
Book a consultation with to develop your own strategy today!
This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Canadian immigration policies, eligibility requirements and financial thresholds can change. Individual circumstances matter, and applicants should confirm the current IRCC requirements before applying or making immigration-related decisions.
