Shortcut to settlement: Canada study abroad with family

Canada study abroad offers opportunities for an advanced learning environment, working part-time and after graduation, potential immigration opportunities. Let's explore the policies regarding studying abroad in Canada with family with LOA Portal!

Can you study abroad in Canada with your family?

Studying abroad in Canada with family allows international students to bring their family members to live in Canada during their study period (for Master's programs) and work. This is an attractive program for those who wish to study abroad with their family, enjoy a high-quality living environment, and open up potential immigration opportunities.

Canada's open-minded study policies allow international students to bring their spouses and children during their study period. The following individuals can accompany international students to Canada:

• Spouse of a Master's level student in Canada
• Children under 18 or 19 years old (depending on the province) 

Canada study abroad with family

Can the children of international students be sponsored to continue their education in Canada?

Conditions:

• International students over 18 years old
• Applicable to all academic levels
• Children under 18 or 19 years old, dependent on their parents' financial status 

International students over 18 years old pursuing all programs like College, University, Postgraduate, or Master's are allowed to bring their children to Canada. Children will apply for Study Permits along with their parents' visa application and receive free education from kindergarten to high school.

Children must be within the specified age range to accompany: under 18 years old in provinces such as Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and 19 years old in provinces such as British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia; territories like Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon.

How can Canadian student visa holders sponsor their spouses?

Conditions:

• Student enrolled in a Master's program
• Proof of spousal relationship

As per changes made by the Canadian Immigration Department on January 22, 2024, Master's students are allowed to apply for an Open Work Permit for their spouses accompanying them to Canada. However, spouses will no longer be allowed to accompany students pursuing College, University, or Postgraduate programs.

The validity period of the Open Work Permit issued to the accompanying spouse depends on the length of the student's course. With this work permit, the spouse of the student can legally live and work throughout Canada.

How much does a Master's degree in Canada cost per year?

Canada Master’s study abroad: Checklist for 2024

Upon completing the course, Master's students will apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to work in Canada for up to 3 years. Spouses of international students are also eligible for an extension of their Open Work Permit during this period. Therefore, studying abroad in Canada for a Master's degree allows families to stay together throughout the study and work process.

Furthermore, for students pursuing programs like College, University, or Postgraduate, PGWP is granted for 1-3 years after graduation, depending on the duration of the course. During this time, students can apply for an Open Work Permit for their spouses.

There are two suitable times to submit the spouse's application:

• Alongside the student's visa application for the Master's program
• After the student has received their Study Permit, then proceed with the spouse's Open Work Permit application

Can parents of Canadian students accompany them?

Parents of Canadian students are not granted work permits when their children study abroad. However, parents can consider tourist visas to stay in Canada for a maximum of 6 months.

Important note when applying for a Canadian study abroad program with family

To ensure the living and studying of the family during the study period, proving financial capability is essential. You need sufficient financial ability to support both yourself and your family throughout the study period.

For financial proof: You need to prove assets and income sufficient to cover living and study expenses for the entire family for at least the first year.

For streamlined financial proof (SDS):

Starting from 2024, a single applicant needs to prove they have CAD $20,635 in a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) in a Canadian bank. If the student travels with family members, this amount will increase:

Conclusion

Studying abroad in Canada with family is an excellent choice for those who want to study with their family in a high-quality living environment and open up potential immigration opportunities. Following recent changes in Canada's study policies, studying for a Master's degree in Canada is the best option for accompanying family members.