Can I Bring My Spouse and Children With Me on a Study Permit?
Yes, your family can usually come with you, but what they can do in Canada depends on your program. Your spouse or common-law partner can get an open work permit only if you're in a master's program of 16 months or longer, a doctoral program, an eligible professional degree (such as medicine, law or engineering) or another eligible program. Otherwise, they can come as a visitor. Your minor children can attend preschool, primary or secondary school without a study permit. You'll need to show more money for each family member.
Can my spouse work?
| Your program | Spouse open work permit? |
|---|---|
| Master's degree, 16 months or longer | Yes |
| Doctoral degree | Yes |
| Professional degree at a university (for example MD, DDS, LLB/JD, BEng, BScN, PharmD) | Yes |
| Other programs on IRCC's eligible program list | Yes |
| Most college diplomas, bachelor's degrees and shorter master's programs | No open work permit through your studies; may qualify another way |
When approved, your spouse's permit usually lasts as long as your study permit. These rules have applied since January 21, 2025.
If your spouse doesn't qualify
Your spouse can come as a visitor, apply for their own study permit, or qualify for a work permit another way (for example, with a job offer and LMIA). They can't work as a visitor.
What about our children?
- School: minor children can attend preschool, primary or secondary school without a study permit if they're with a parent who's authorized to study or work in Canada.
- Entry: children still need the right travel document to enter, such as a visitor visa or eTA, depending on their citizenship. Many families apply for the children's documents with the student's application.
- Work permits: dependent children are no longer eligible for open work permits through a parent's study permit.
- College or university: a child going to post-secondary school needs their own study permit.
How much money will I need?
For study permit applications from September 1, 2026, a single student needs at least $23,448 for living costs (outside Quebec), plus tuition and travel. You must show more for each family member who comes with you. IRCC publishes the full amounts by family size.
Applying together
- Check your program against IRCC's eligibility list for spouse open work permits.
- Include your family in your study permit application, or apply for them separately.
- Show proof of your relationship, such as a marriage certificate or proof of 12 months living together.
- Show enough money for everyone coming.
- Plan school registration with your local school board.
Common mistakes we see
- Assuming every master's program qualifies. It must be 16 months or longer, or on the eligible list.
- Showing funds for only the student.
- Children travelling without the right entry document.
- A spouse working without a permit.
Every situation is different. GLC Immigration Consulting can help in three ways:
- Consultation: a one-on-one session with Osaro Ezomo, RCIC, to review your situation and your options.
- Full representation: we prepare and submit your application and act as your authorized representative with IRCC, from start to finish.
- Pre-submission review: you prepare your own application, and we review it for errors, gaps and risks before you submit.
To request full representation or a pre-submission review, or for any other question, email us at hello@gradlifecanada.ca.
Frequently asked questions
Can my spouse work in Canada if I'm an international student?
Only if you're in a master's program of 16 months or longer, a doctoral program, an eligible professional degree, or another eligible program. Then your spouse may get an open work permit.
Can my children go to school in Canada while I study?
Yes. Minor children can attend preschool, primary or secondary school without a study permit if they're with a parent who's authorized to study or work in Canada.
Can my children get open work permits?
No. Dependent children are no longer eligible for open work permits through a parent's study permit.
Do I need more proof of funds if my family comes with me?
Yes. You must show more money for each family member, on top of the $23,448 minimum for one person.
How long will my spouse's work permit be valid?
Usually for the same period as your study permit.
Fact-checked: Based on IRCC's Help your spouse or common-law partner work in Canada (February 3, 2026), Who can study without a permit (September 9, 2026) and Proof of financial support (August 28, 2026). Verified November 8, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and is not legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules change often. For advice on your situation, speak with a licensed immigration professional.
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), licence #R711785. Osaro is the principal consultant at GLC Immigration Consulting in Calgary, Alberta, helping clients with Express Entry, provincial nomination, work and study permits and family sponsorship.
Book a consultation · hello@gradlifecanada.ca