Relocate to Canada with Your Families as an International Student

It is difficult to study abroad while being separated from one’s spouse or children. As long as you obtain a study permit, your immediate family is permitted to accompany you to Canada to attend school. Additionally, if you are an international student, your spouse or companion may be granted a Canadian work permit, which will enable them to secure employment in Canada and assist your family during your academic career.

This post provides you with essential information and suggestions regarding the process of bringing your family to Canada as an international student. It specifies the individuals who may accompany you and the types of visas or permissions that your family members may obtain.

Is it possible to bring my family to Canada with me as an international student?

Your immediate family may accompany you as a student from outside of Canada. Your immediate family is defined as: for this policy.

• Your spouse: The individual with whom you are legally wedded. This individual may be your spouse or husband.
• A person with whom you have lived for a minimum of one year and are married is considered your common-law partner.
• Dependent children: Your children or your spouse’s children are considered dependent if they are under 22 and unmarried. If you have been providing financial support to a child over the age of 22 since before they reached that age, they are classified as dependent.

Your spouse, companion, or dependent children may be eligible to obtain a visitor visa, work permit, or study permit upon the approval of your study permit, allowing them to accompany you to Canada. However, your parents, siblings, aunts, and uncles are not routinely permitted to accompany you to Canada.

Check Also: West University Scholarship in Canada – For International Student

Benefits for Relocate to Canada with Your Families as an International Student

• Environment of Safety: With its high standards of living and low crime rates, Canada is considered one of the safest countries in the globe. The judicial system is fair, and the police are approachable, providing you and your family with peace of mind.
• Infrastructure of Superior Quality: Especially in major urban areas, Canada has a dependable public transportation infrastructure. Modern infrastructure for digital connectivity, roads, and utilities in the nation is in place. You will be granted uninterrupted access to services that simplify your daily routine.
• Preparing for a Move: Although the cost of living is relatively affordable in comparison to other developed countries, it can vary significantly between cities. Toronto and Vancouver are recognized for their exorbitant housing expenses, whereas smaller cities or rural regions may be more cost-effective.
• Winter Weather: Canada is renowned for its frigid winters, with temperatures as low as -40°C in certain regions. If you are relocating to regions such as the Prairies or Northern Canada, it is crucial to be prepared for winter conditions, which may include snowstorms, frozen roads, and extended periods of cold weather.
• Taxes: In Canada, the tax system is progressive, which means that individuals with higher incomes are required to pay a greater amount of tax. Federal and provincial tax rates are implemented throughout the nation. It is crucial to comprehend the tax structure to guarantee that you adhere to Canadian tax regulations.
• Acquire Knowledge of Provincial Distinction: The provinces of Canada have their policies and regulations, which range from healthcare to education. Become acquainted with the regulations, advantages, and variations in the cost of living in your province.
• Language Proficiency: Although Canada is officially bilingual (English and French), it is essential to possess at least one of these languages to engage in employment and communication. French proficiency is particularly critical in Quebec.
• Cultural and Legal Modifications: It is imperative to comprehend Canadian law, including labor laws, tenant rights, and customs. Furthermore, it may require some time to adapt to Canadian culture. The Canadian lifestyle and social norms may differ from those of your native country, despite the fact that it is a welcoming nation.
• Financial Planning: Ensure that your finances are in order before relocating. Establish a Canadian bank account, comprehend the Canadian credit system, and prepare for any initial living expenses. Additionally, certain newcomers may discover it advantageous to consult with financial professionals.
• Social Support and Networking: Establishing a social network in Canada can facilitate your adjustment process. By participating in local community groups, attending meetings, and utilizing online platforms such as LinkedIn, you can successfully integrate into Canadian society.

Tips for bringing your family to Canada as an international student

Being an international student in Canada can be a stressful experience. You experience a sense of belonging when you have kin in Canada. Your family can provide emotional, financial, and household support while you are studying. It is necessary to take certain factors into account when relocating with your family to Canada. Recommendations for relocating with your family to Canada:

1. Prove your relationship

To transport your immediate family to Canada, you will need to establish your relationship. Certain documents, including your marriage certificate, birth certificate, paperwork demonstrating joint ownership or rental agreement of your property, shared bank or utility accounts, or government identification cards with the same address, must be provided if you accompany your spouse. It is necessary to confirm parentage for dependent children.

To study in Canada with your common-law companion, you must produce evidence that you have resided together for a minimum of one year. This evidence may encompass a shared address, proof of financial support or expenses, insurance or other documents that acknowledge your partnership, and the birth certificates of your children.

2. Justify your reasons for bringing your family to Canada

Please provide a detailed explanation in your study permit SOP as to why you would like your partner and children to attend. Your spouse or partner may offer financial assistance, or your children may require both parents. You should also provide evidence of your financial and residential ties to your home country, such as property ownership, and state that your family will return home when your study permit expires.

3. Bring enough settlement funds

The visa officer will approve your study permit and family visa if you can demonstrate that you can provide for your family in Canada. Ensure that you have sufficient funds to sustain your family for a period of six months.

If your spouse is employed in a high-demand profession in Canada, their income can increase your savings. If you have dependent children or your spouse or companion is a student or visitor, you may be required to verify a greater amount of funds.

4. Make sure your family has health coverage.

For the duration of your stay, international students must maintain health insurance coverage through either their university or institution or a private company. However, family members who accompany you are not required to adhere to the same regulations. Healthcare costs in Canada can be quite high if you do not have insurance. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that your family has an adequate amount of private insurance to prevent significant medical expenses. Your spouse may be able to obtain additional health insurance coverage for your family as a result of their intentions to work in Canada.

5. Find suitable accommodation for your family

A family’s accommodation requirements will differ from those of an individual. Numerous universities and colleges provide lodging for students and their families who are currently enrolled. Additionally, you may investigate off-campus housing alternatives that are suitable for your family. For instance, if you have young children, you may wish to identify a neighborhood that is situated near a high-quality public school and has access to adjacent parks and playgrounds.

6. Accompanying family members should start their job search early

Your partner or spouse should begin the employment search in Canada before their arrival. International students’ spouses or common-law partners are not required to have a job offer in order to obtain an open work permit. However, it may require some time to secure a suitable position in Canada if they lack any Canadian work experience. Before relocating to Canada, they should investigate the Canadian employment market, review job postings in their field, compose a resume in the Canadian style, and establish connections.

Your family’s savings can be supplemented by the earnings of your spouse or companion upon their employment. This implies that you may allocate additional time to your studies and reduce your part-time employment. Additionally, their professional experience in Canada will increase the probability that your family will be granted permanent residency if you decide to relocate to Canada.

Can my spouse continue to stay in Canada once I obtain a PGWP?

If you apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after you complete your education, your partner or spouse may be able to renew their spousal work permit and remain in Canada with you. They will be unable to renew their open work permit, regardless of the duration of their PGWP.

A spousal work permit can still be obtained by a spouse who was not in Canada during the time of your education but wishes to join you after your PGWP is approved. They are permitted to remain in Canada until the expiration of your PGWP, as their work permit is valid for the same duration as yours.

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