Study in Canada and Bring a Family Member or Partner

Study in Canada and introduce your partner or family to the top-notch educational system and friendly environment that awaits you as an international student. In addition to giving top-notch education, Canada also gives students the opportunity to keep strong family ties by providing opportunities for family members to travel with them. Understanding the procedure for bringing a spouse, partner, or child is crucial, regardless of whether you intend to attend a prestigious university or a community college.

Canada is a popular destination for overseas students because of its family-friendly immigration laws, which facilitate the easy integration of relatives. Canada offers several options to make sure your family may stay with you while you study, from dependent kid visas to spouse open work permits.

We’ll walk you through the process of studying in Canada with a partner or family member in this guide, which includes all the important information on visa kinds, requirements, and application procedures. With the correct knowledge, you can guarantee that your loved ones accompany you on the voyage to Canada and that your transfer goes more smoothly.

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A Comprehensive Guide to Study in Canada and Bring a Family Member or Partner

Studying abroad has the potential to change a person’s life, and Canada is becoming a popular choice for students from around the world because of its excellent educational system, friendly laws, and rich cultural diversity. Many students have to say goodbye to their families when they leave their own country. To ensure that they don’t have to go through this big shift alone, Canada offers international students the chance to study and bring their partners or family with them. Because of its flexibility, Canada is the best place for students who want to come here to study, work, and raise a family.

You can learn how to Study in Canada and Bring a Family Member or Partner by reading our comprehensive guide. Along with outlining some of the top places to study in Canada with family, it will cover crucial topics including spouse work permits, visa requirements, and chances for kids to attend Canadian schools.

Top Canadian Destinations for Foreign Students with Families

Selecting the ideal place becomes essential when you decide to Study in Canada and Bring a Family Member or Partner. Canada is a vast and varied nation with cities that provide foreign students and their families with special advantages. The top Canadian cities and universities that offer excellent educational opportunities and a nurturing atmosphere for families are listed below.

1. Toronto

For international students wishing to Study in Canada and Bring a Family Member or Partner, Toronto, the country’s largest metropolis, is a fantastic option. Some of the best universities in the nation, including Ryerson, York, and University of Toronto, are located in Toronto.

Location: Southern Ontario

Top Universities: Ryerson University, York University, and University of Toronto

Tuition: The cost of tuition for international students varies based on the program and university and can range from CAD 25,000 to CAD 60,000 annually.

Toronto’s diversity and easy access to a range of programs geared towards newcomers make it a great place for students with families to attend school. To work while you study, your spouse might apply for an open work permit. Regardless of where you’re from, your family will feel like they belong in this cosmopolitan metropolis. In addition, the city provides kids with top-notch public schools, which facilitates their transition and allows them to pursue their education.

Toronto also boasts a sophisticated healthcare system, and as an international student, you and your family members can access Ontario’s health insurance plan (OHIP), provided you meet the eligibility requirements. The city is a wonderful spot to settle down with loved ones because of its family-friendly attractions, green areas, and public transportation system.

2. Vancouver

For international students who want to Study in Canada and Bring a Family Member or Partner, Vancouver is another popular choice. Vancouver is home to internationally recognized universities like Simon Fraser University (SFU) and the University of British Columbia (UBC), and it is well-known for its breathtaking natural beauty and excellent standard of living.

Location: The west coast of British Columbia

Top Schools: Simon Fraser University (SFU) and the University of British Columbia (UBC).

Tuition: The annual tuition for overseas students varies from CAD 30,000 to CAD 55,000.

Vancouver is a great city for families with top-notch public services and educational opportunities. If you are a parent, there are many conveniently accessible, excellent public and private schools. International students visiting Vancouver with spouses or partners are eligible to apply for an open work permit, which lets them look for jobs in any industry. Spouse career prospects are abundant in the city due to its growing economy, particularly in fields like technology, film, and hospitality.

Families find Vancouver to be a desirable destination due to its outdoor lifestyle and mild climate. International students can participate in the Medical Services Plan (MSP), which covers their families as well, to take advantage of the city’s extensive healthcare system. Vancouver is renowned for its family-friendly communities and dependable, effective public transportation system.

3. Montreal

Montreal offers an exceptional chance for international students to Study in Canada and Bring a Family Member or Partner, if they are interested in experiencing a multilingual atmosphere. Université de Montréal and McGill University, two of Canada’s oldest and most esteemed universities, are located in the city.

Location: Quebec

Top Universities: Concordia University, Université de Montréal, and McGill University

Tuition: The annual cost of tuition for international students is between CAD 17,000 and CAD 35,000.

For international students with families, Montreal is a desirable option due to its reduced cost of living when compared to other major Canadian cities. Despite having differing immigration laws, the province of Quebec offers a number of services to assist foreign students and their families. Your partner or spouse may still apply for an open work permit while you are studying in Montreal, which would let them work for any employer in the city.

The public education system in Montreal is outstanding, and international students’ children can attend classes in either French or English. With its lively culture, charming historical district, and kid-friendly areas, the city is a great place to raise a family.

4. Calgary

Calgary is a strong economic city that is expanding quickly, particularly in sectors like energy, technology, and healthcare. Calgary has great educational institutions as well as family-friendly amenities for overseas students wishing to Study in Canada and Bring a Family Member or Partner.

Location: Alberta

Top Schools: Mount Royal University and University of Calgary

Tuition: The annual tuition for overseas students is between CAD 20,000 and CAD 40,000.

Calgary is renowned for its excellent quality of life and reasonable cost of living. Spouses or partners with an open work permit might find plenty of work in the city. With its family-friendly neighborhoods, excellent public schools, and proximity to natural areas like the neighboring Rocky Mountains, Calgary is a popular choice for international students bringing kids.

The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP), which is available in Calgary, provides healthcare coverage to international students and their families. Families find the city more appealing due to its dedication to safety and effective public transit system.

5. Nova Scotia

Halifax is a fantastic option for students wishing to Study in Canada and Bring a Family Member or Partner because it offers a unique combination of academic brilliance, affordability, and a close-knit community. Halifax may be smaller than places like Toronto and Vancouver, but it still has a lot to offer.

Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia

Top Universities: Saint Mary’s University and Dalhousie University

Tuition: The annual cost of tuition for international students ranges from CAD 18,000 to CAD 30,000.

International students find it simpler to manage their expenses in Halifax because the cost of living is much cheaper than in other cities, particularly if they are supporting a family. With an open work visa, spouses and partners of students can work in a variety of sectors, such as finance, healthcare, and education. Spouses can find plenty of work in Halifax thanks to the city’s broad labor sector.

Children in Nova Scotia are entitled to free public education, and international students and their families can access the healthcare system through the province’s health insurance program. Halifax is a fantastic place for international students looking to study and live in Canada with their families because of its small-town charm and first-rate public services.

Vital Factors to Take Into Account When Studying in Canada with Family

When deciding to Study in Canada and Bring a Family Member or Partner, picking the ideal place is crucial, but there are other crucial factors to think about as well:

1. Permit for Spousal Open Work

It is a big plus to study in Canada with family if your partner or spouse wants to apply for an open work permit. They are permitted to work full-time in any sector while you are studying thanks to this permission, giving your family both much-needed financial support and priceless Canadian work experience.

2. Education of Children

Children under your care are entitled to attend Canadian public schools, frequently for free. The educational system in Canada is renowned for its excellent standards, so your kids can take advantage of it while you’re there. In addition, if you intend to petition for permanent status in the future, your children may have an easier time integrating into Canadian society if they attend school here.

3. Medical Care

Although healthcare coverage varies by province, international students and their families can access Canada’s public healthcare system. Once you’re in Canada, it’s crucial to make sure you and your family are enrolled in the right health insurance plan. The majority of provinces provide international students with health insurance, and some even cover wives and dependents.

4. Monetary Needs

You must prove that you have enough money to maintain your family during your stay in order to study in Canada and Bring a Family Member or Partner effectively. Proof of your ability to pay for tuition, living expenses, and any additional expenditures for your spouse or children is required by the Canadian government. It’s critical to carefully manage your budget and take the cost of living in the city of your studies into account.

5. Choices for Permanent Residency

In addition to its educational offerings, Canada attracts a large number of overseas students who are interested in obtaining permanent residency. After completing your studies, you can obtain Canadian work experience through programs like the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which will qualify you for permanent residency through Express Entry. Your family’s application for permanent residency may benefit from your spouse’s previous job experience in Canada.

I want to study in Canada. Can I bring my boyfriend or spouse with me?

Yes, you are allowed to bring your spouse or partner with you to Canada if you are an international student and have a valid study permit. Spouses or common-law partners may apply for an open work permit in Canada, allowing them to work for any employer without receiving a job offer while they are enrolled in school. The validity of this job permit is concurrent with that of your study permit. In addition to providing financial assistance for your family, the open work permit allows your partner to further their profession in Canada.

The procedure is filing an application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), either after you’ve arrived or typically in addition to your own study permit application. You will have to prove that you have enough money to sustain your partner and yourself while you are in Canada.

I want to study in Canada. Can I bring my kids with me?

Absolutely, you are permitted to study in Canada with your dependant children. Children under the age of eighteen are allowed to travel with you as visitors or with a study permit since they are considered dependents. Your child does not need a separate study permission to attend Canadian public schools if they are of school age.

You can apply for a guest visa for children under 22 years old, allowing them to live with you in Canada while you finish your education. Depending on the province and the particular educational level, children can frequently receive free admission to the excellent Canadian educational system.

Make sure you include documentation of your child’s enrollment in an accredited school and confirmation of your ability to pay for their education when you submit their application.

How do I apply to bring my partner or family to Canada while I’m studying?

In order to pursue your studies in Canada with a partner or family member, you have to go through a certain application process. Apply first for your study permit, and then for a visitor visa or open work permit for your spouse or partner. This can be completed online via the IRCC website, and submitting an application often requires supplying:

A filled-out application
Evidence of the link (spouses’ marriage certificates, for example)
Financial records attesting to your capacity to provide for your family in Canada
A copy of your acceptance letter or study permit from a Canadian university

Your family members will be able to reside in Canada for the same amount of time as your study permit once they have obtained their visas. As processing times can differ based on your home country, it’s critical to start the application procedure well in advance to ensure prompt acceptance.

What financial conditions must I meet in order to bring my family to Canada for my studies?

Indeed, there are budgetary constraints to take into account if you want to study in Canada with your partner or family. You must provide proof to the Canadian government that you have enough money to sustain your family during your visit as well as yourself. These monies have to pay for your dependents’ extra bills, living expenses, and tuition.

The amount of money needed varies according on how many individuals you are bringing. For instance, the required funds are higher than if you were applying alone if you are bringing a spouse or partner and one child. Although the IRCC stipulates the minimum amount of funds needed, it is advised to submit extra to improve your chances of being approved.

You might also be asked to provide documents, such as bank statements, job letters, or evidence of loans and scholarships, in addition to proof of funds.

I want to study in Canada, but may my partner or spouse work a full-time job?

It is possible for your partner or spouse to work full-time in Canada with an open work permit while you are a student. They can work in Canada for any employer with an open work permit even if they haven’t received a job offer. This flexibility gives your spouse or partner the chance to obtain useful Canadian work experience while also assisting families in maintaining their financial stability while residing in Canada.

They can work for the whole time you are pursuing your studies because the open work permit is typically granted for the same amount of time as your study visa. Working full-time can also assist your partner become eligible for permanent residence in the future, particularly if they acquire competent Canadian job experience.

Many partners or spouses also use this chance to boost their own education by enrolling in classes or training courses that could advance their professional chances.

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If I apply for permanent residency after finishing my education, what would happen to my family’s status?

Your family members may apply for permanent residency (PR) with you if you choose to do so after finishing your education. With the help of initiatives like Express Entry and the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), Canada’s immigration system is set up to facilitate the transfer of overseas students and their families to permanent residence.

The open work permit of your spouse or partner may be extended upon the issuance of your PGWP, which is valid for a maximum of three years. You can obtain Canadian job experience during this year, which is frequently necessary for PR programs such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Your family can also be granted permanent residency in Canada by adding them to your application once you are eligible for permanent residence.

One of the key reasons so many overseas students decide to study in Canada with a spouse or family member along is this shift to permanent residence. It will be simpler for you and your family to get permanent residence in Canada because to the immigration laws that are designed to promote long-term presence.