Bringing Your Family to Canada in 2027: Rules and Costs

Planning to study in Canada with your spouse or children involves understanding immigration requirements, study and work permits, and proof of funds. In 2027, your spouse or common-law partner's eligibility for an open work permit will depend on your program of study, while accompanying children may need study permits to attend school. This guide explains the key requirements for bringing your family to Canada, including spousal open work permits, dependent child study permits, relationship documentation, and financial requirements for international students with family members.

Spousal Open Work Permit Eligibility Rules

Under Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) rules, Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWPs) allows an eligible spouse or common-law partner to work for most employers in Canada without needing a job offer for a specific employer. However, not every spouse of an international student qualifies.

Under rules effective January 21, 2025, spouses and common-law partners of international students may qualify if the student has a valid study permit and is enrolled in an eligible program.

Eligible Programs

• Master's degree programs lasting at least 16 months.
• Doctoral programs, including PhD programs.
• Certain professional degree programs at a university, including eligible programs in medicine, law, nursing, and other specified fields.
• Certain additional eligible programs, as specifically identified by IRCC.

Spouses of students enrolled in undergraduate degrees, college diplomas, and other programs outside the eligible categories generally do not qualify under the international-student spousal open work permit measure. They may explore visitor status or another work permit category for which they independently qualify.

Required Relationship and Academic Documents for Spouses

If your spouse or common-law partner applies for an open work permit, they must provide evidence that they meet the eligibility requirements, including proof of their relationship to you and evidence of your qualifying studies.

Depending on the application, supporting documents may include:

• Proof of your studies: A valid letter of acceptance, a proof-of-enrolment letter from your designated learning institution (DLI), or transcripts from your current program.
• Proof of relationship: A marriage certificate or documents demonstrating that you meet IRCC's common-law partner definition.
• Additional supporting evidence: Documents requested by IRCC to establish the relationship and confirm eligibility.

IRCC generally defines a common-law partner as someone who has lived with their partner in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 consecutive months. Evidence may include joint leases, shared bills, financial records, and other documents demonstrating cohabitation.

The exact documents required depend on your circumstances. Consult the official IRCC spousal open work permit document requirements and the applicable application checklist.

Bringing Dependent Children to Canada and Schooling Requirements

International students may be able to bring their dependent children to Canada for primary or secondary school. Minor children applying from outside Canada generally need a study permit, even when accompanying a parent applying for a study or work permit. However, they do not need a letter of acceptance from a Canadian school for that initial study permit application. Children already in Canada with a parent authorized to study or work may be able to attend school without a study permit, depending on their circumstances. Check IRCC's guide to studying in Canada as a minor for details.

Depending on the child's situation, supporting documents may include:

• A valid passport or travel document.
• A birth certificate or other proof of the parent-child relationship.
• A study permit application and supporting documents, where required.
• Proof of the parent's study or work authorization, where relevant.
• Custodianship documents or parental consent, if applicable.

Requirements vary by the child's circumstances and province or territory, so review IRCC's guidance before applying.

Proof of Funds Requirements for International Students Bringing Family to Canada

International students must demonstrate that they can support themselves and any accompanying family members without relying on employment in Canada. You must show sufficient funds for living expenses, first-year tuition, and transportation to and from Canada.

For applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026, the federal living-expense amounts for study permit applicants outside Quebec are as follows:

These amounts cover living expenses only. They do not include tuition or transportation costs.

IRCC may accept several forms of financial evidence, including bank statements, proof of a Canadian bank account, scholarship documentation, education loan documents, or evidence of financial support. The documents must establish that the funds are available and that you can meet the costs of your stay.

Review the current IRCC proof-of-financial-support requirements for the latest amounts and acceptable documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions