Bringing A Spouse, Or Family Member To Canada

Except for visa-exempt countries like Anguilla and Andorra, you can enter Canada with a TRV. Visas cannot be obtained at Canadian ports of entry, thus you must apply at your home embassy.

Australian, Austrian, Bahamas and other citizens need an eTA instead of a TRV.

U.S. citizens don't need eTA or TRV.

Full-time students with study permits can help their spouse earn a work permit. The spouse can work with this work permit throughout the study permit. You must be a full-time student with a valid study permit to receive a permit.

(1) A public university

(2) Private institution licenced by provincial law to grant degrees; or

(3) A private post-secondary institution that receives half of its operational budget from government funding and follows the same rules as a public institution..

Canadian visa offices abroad usually process employment and study permits together. These applicants must pay work permit fees along with study permit payments.

Citizens without TRVs can apply for work permits at Canadian ports of entry.

If you plan to bring your family to Canada for your studies, apply together. Multiple permits (spouse work permit, study permit, etc.) require additional payments and documentation.

If a family member is already in Canada, your minor child can attend preschool, primary, or secondary school without a study permit until they turn 18, but they must apply for a study permit to continue.

If applying outside Canada, you must apply for a child's study permit at a Canadian foreign visa office.

You can invite your parents to Canada on a study permit if they have a Temporary residence visa (TRV) or electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

Note: U.S. citizens don't need either.