Planning to study in Canada with family requires meeting strict visa and financial requirements in 2026-27. This guide breaks down spousal open work permits, child study permits, and updated proof of funds requirements to help your family move together.
Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and is not legal immigration advice. Rules can change quickly; always verify the latest requirements at Canada.ca.
Spousal Open Work Permit Eligibility Rules
Under Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC )rules, Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWPs) are restricted to partners of international students in select advanced programs.
Eligible Programs
Master's degrees lasting at least 16 months
Doctoral (PhD) programs
Select professional university degrees, such as Medicine, Law, and Nursing
Spouses of students in undergraduate or college diploma programs are ineligible for open work permits. They must apply for a Visitor Visa, unless they obtain an independent work permit.
Note: Partners of undergraduate and diploma students can only apply for visitor visas, which do not permit working in Canada.
Required Relationship and Academic Documents for Spouses
To apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP), applicants must submit mandatory documentation proving both active student status and a genuine relationship:
- Academic proof: A valid Letter of Acceptance stating program length (minimum 16 months for Master's), an official proof of enrolment letter from the university registrar, academic transcripts, and a copy of the student permit.
- Relationship proof: Official marriage certificates or statutory common-law declarations proving at least 12 months of continuous cohabitation, joint bank account statements, shared utility bills, residential leases, and joint photos.
Find Eligible Degree Programs in Canada
Explore academic programs across Canadian universities that meet IRCC family accompaniment rules and allow your spouse to join you in Canada.
Find Degree Programs in Canada
Explore eligible Master's and professional programs at Canadian universities.
Bringing Dependent Children and Schooling Requirements
International students can bring dependent minor children to Canada for primary or secondary (K-12) schooling. Minor children already in Canada whose parents hold valid study or work permits do not always require a study permit to attend school, though obtaining one is recommended. Children applying from outside Canada must apply for a study permit alongside the primary applicant's student visa application.
Tip! Accompanying minor children applying for a study permit from abroad do not need a formal school Letter of Acceptance for their initial study permit application.
Proof of Funds Requirements for Families
IRCC requires international students bringing family members to demonstrate sufficient living funds in addition to first-year tuition fees and travel expenses. A single applicant must demonstrate $22,895 CAD in living funds, while additional amounts are required for each accompanying family member.
Studying in Quebec? The amounts in this table reflect federal IRCC requirements for all other Canadian provinces. Quebec calculates its own cost-of-living thresholds through MIFI for all household sizes (starting at $24,617 CAD for a single applicant in 2026). Always check official Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) guidelines prior to applying for your CAQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Generally no, spouses of students in undergraduate or diploma programs are ineligible for Spousal Open Work Permits under IRCC rules.
- They can apply for a Visitor Visa without employment rights to accompany you to Canada, unless they obtain an independent work permit.
- No, accompanying minor children applying for an initial study permit from outside Canada do not require a formal school Letter of Acceptance.
- They can apply using their parent's study permit approval or application details.
- For a family of 3 (student, spouse, and one child), you must demonstrate at least $35,040 CAD in living funds.
- You must also show funds to cover first-year tuition fees and round-trip travel expenses for all family members.
- Yes, Quebec sets its own financial capacity requirements through MIFI for CAQ and study permit applicants.
- Students studying in Quebec must meet the specific Quebec living expense thresholds rather than standard IRCC figures.
Find Family-Eligible Programs in Canada
Explore Master's, PhD, and professional degree programs across top Canadian universities.