Canada Student Visa With Spouse and Child

So, you’ve got your heart set on studying in Canada?

Well, maybe the reason for that is the coffee shops, the friendly people, or just the idea of walking through autumn leaves in Toronto or Vancouver. Or for the obvious reason of world-recognised education.

But here’s the thing: you’re not going alone. You’ve got your partner by your side, and maybe even a little one tagging along. 

And guess what? Canada actually lets you bring them. 

Yeah, really. It’s not just a dream. You can apply for a study or student visa, including your spouse and children in the same application.  

No need to wait until you’re settled. No need to scramble later. It’s all part of the plan. And honestly,  that makes everything a whole lot easier.

Can You Bring Your Spouse and Child on a Canada Student Visa?

Absolutely. Canada gets it. Studying abroad is hard enough without having to leave your family behind. 

That’s why they’ve built a relatively smooth system for students who want to bring their families. 

As in, your spouse — whether you’re married or in a common-law relationship — can come with you. And your kids also have this chance. As long as they’re your dependent children, which means under 22, or older but financially dependent due to a disability.

Note: In cases like this, they can apply as dependents on your study permit. 

Trust us, these things are now common, and it’s built right into the process. 

Whereas you don’t need separate visas or complicated back-and-forth documents. 

In fact, you just include them from the start. For this reason, many families find Canada to be one of the most family-friendly countries for international students. 

That is because it’s not just about education — it’s about building a life together as well.

Requirements for Bringing Your Spouse on a Canada Student Visa

Let’s talk about your spouse. 

To bring them along, you need to show that your relationship is real and serious. 

If you’re married, a marriage certificate is the perfect document. That is because it is simple, clear, and official. 

On the other hand, if you’re not married but have been living together like a couple for at least a year, that’s called a common-law partnership, where you’ll need proof of that too. 

In this case, you can think of joint bank statements, shared rent receipts, utility bills in both names, or even photos and letters that show you’ve been building a life together over time. 

Anyway, the key here is consistency. Don’t send in a single photo from a beach vacation five years ago. In fact, show a pattern and continuity because that’s what they’re looking for.

Also, your spouse doesn’t need to be accepted into a school or prove they’ll leave Canada after your studies. 

That is because they’re coming as your dependent, not as a student. 

But here’s the cool part: they can work on a full-time basis with no restrictions. 

Once they get their open work permit, they can take any job anywhere in Canada. 

For that reason, many families find that having a spouse working helps to cover the living costs, which makes the whole student experience way more manageable. 

Plus, it means your partner isn’t just sitting around waiting — they’re building their own path, too.

Moreover, you’ll also need to prove that you have enough money to support everyone. 

We’ll get into the numbers soon, but please note that your spouse’s needs are included in that total. 

So if you’re bringing someone, you’re not just budgeting for yourself anymore. You’re planning for two. And that’s okay. Canada expects this. 

Requirements for Bringing Your Child (Dependent Child Visa Requirements)

Now, onto the kids. 

If you’ve got a child under 22, they’re automatically considered a dependent. 

No extra hoops. Just make sure you have their birth certificate, and if they’re over 18, you might need to show they’re still financially dependent on you — like if they’re in university or have a disability. 

On the other hand, if they’re over 22 and healthy, then they’d need to apply separately, usually as a visitor or student on their own.

In this case, we know that one thing people often worry about is school. 

People have some questions in their minds, such as: Can they go to public school? 

Well, the simple answer to that question is yes. And here’s the best part: they don’t pay international fees. 

If your child is living in Canada with you while you’re studying, they’re treated like a local kid when it comes to schooling. 

Whereas public schools are free for them.

Where you can just enroll them like any other resident. 

Note: That’s a massive relief for families. Imagine not having to spend thousands just so your child can learn math and science. 

However, they’ll still need their own visa — a temporary resident visa or an eTA, depending on their country — but it’s tied to your study permit. 

Therefore, you can apply for them at the same time. 

And if they’re under six, you don’t need to worry about a medical exam unless the visa office asks. 

Conversely, for older kids, they might need one, but it’s usually just a quick check-up. Nothing scary.

Documents Checklist for Student + Spouse + Child

Okay, let’s get practical. 

Here’s what you’ll need to gather — all in one place — so your application doesn’t get delayed. 

First of all, your own stuff: your letter of acceptance from the Canadian school, proof you’ve paid tuition (if required), your passport, and your financial documents. That’s the base.

Now, for your spouse: their passport, proof of your relationship (marriage certificate or common-law documents), and proof you can support them. 

Note: Same financial documents that you’re using for yourself, such as bank statements, scholarship letters, or a letter from a sponsor. In this case, they’ll also need to fill out their own application forms, but they’re linked to yours. Oh, and they’ll need to do a medical exam if they’re from a country that requires it. The same goes for your kids.

For your children: their birth certificates, passports, and photos. 

If they’re over 18, you’ll need to show that they’re still dependent on you — maybe school transcripts or a doctor’s note if they have a disability. 

On the other hand, if they’re under 18, you might need a consent letter from the other parent if you’re not traveling together. 

Whereas even if you’re the only one going, Canada wants to make sure the other parent is okay with the move.

And don’t forget the forms. You’ll need the IMM 1294 for your study permit, then the IMM 5707 for your spouse, and the IMM 5645 for each child. 

They’re all available on the IRCC website. 

Once you get those, fill them out online. And make sure that everything’s signed. 

The reason for this is that a missing signature can hold up your entire application. Trust us — we’ve seen it happen.

Canada Student Visa With Spouse and Child Processing Time

Let’s talk about time now. 

Because honestly, that’s what everyone wants to know. 

So, how long until we’re all on a plane? Well, the answer is unpredictable. 

However, generally, if you’re applying from outside Canada and including your family, the whole process can take around a year. 

On the other hand, it depends on your country, the time of year, and the completeness of your documents. 

For example, if you’re applying from India or the Philippines, it may take a bit longer due to higher volumes. Meanwhile, if you’re from the UK or Australia, it could be quicker.

However, here’s the good news: if you apply online and upload all the necessary documents neatly, you’ll receive faster processing. 

Conversely, the paper applications can take longer. 

So make sure to go digital. And also, if you’re eligible for the Student Direct Stream (SDS) — which is for students from certain countries with strong financial proof — your whole family gets processed faster too. 

That’s a huge advantage. For that reason, if you’re eligible, don’t skip it. It’s designed to help families like yours move smoothly.

And here’s something people forget: your spouse and kids don’t need to wait for your study permit to be approved before applying. 

You can submit it all together. The system links everything. 

So if your documents are ready, hit send as a group. 

That way, once your permit is approved, theirs come with it.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Alright, let’s walk through it.

Acceptance Letter

First of all, you must get your letter of acceptance from the Canadian school. 

This is your foundation. Without it, nothing else moves forward. 

Therefore, ensure it’s official, signed, and confirms your enrollment as full-time. 

Financial Proof

Next, gather your financial proof. 

In this case, you need to show that you can cover tuition, living costs, and return travel for everyone. 

Specifically, for Canada, the government says that you need about $20,635 CAD per year just for yourself. 

But if you’re bringing a spouse, add $6,000 CAD. And for a child, you must add another $5,500 CAD.

So if you’ve got a spouse and one kid, you’re looking at roughly $32,135 CAD for the year. 

Whereas this includes only rent, food, transportation, health insurance, and other related things, except for tuition. 

Therefore, make sure your bank statements show this amount and have been in your account for at least four months. 

Tip: Don’t just deposit it the day before. They’ll check.

Note: The Financial requirements can change according to your date of application.

Study Permit

Now, fill out your study permit application online. 

To do this, you must go to the IRCC website. 

Then, pick “Apply for a study permit.” 

Afterwards, when you get to the section asking about family, say yes — you’re bringing your spouse and children. 

With that, the system will auto-generate the forms for them. 

Whereas you’ll need to upload their documents too, such as passports, photos, birth certificates, relationship proof, and medical exam results if required.

Payments

Once you’ve uploaded everything, pay the fees. 

Your fee is $150 CAD for the study permit. While for your spouse, it is going to be $255 CAD for their open work permit. And $150 CAD for a child for their visa or study permit if they’re over 18. 

Moreover, don’t forget the biometrics fee — $85 CAD per person. 

Note: Children under the age of 14 are exempt from this fee.

Biometrics

After you pay, you’ll get a request for biometrics. 

Then, book your appointment at the nearest Visa Application Centre. 

In this case, everyone in your family needs to go — including kids. 

It’s just fingerprints and a photo, which takes 15 minutes. 

Afterwards, you must wait as you’ll get email updates. 

Note: Check your spam folder. Seriously. Some people miss the notification because it goes there.

Health Insurance

While you’re waiting, start thinking about health insurance. 

Canada doesn’t currently cover international students or their families under public health care right away, but this may change according to the province.

So it is better to look for private insurance. 

For that reason, get it before you land. Whereas some schools offer plans, or you can buy one in advance.

Tip: Make sure it covers your whole family.

Letter of Introduction 

Once your permits are approved, you’ll get a letter of introduction, which you shouldn’t lose.

That is because you’ll need it at the airport. 

In fact, when you land in Canada, the border officer will give you your actual study and work permits.

On the other hand, your spouse will get theirs too. While your kids will get a visitor record. 

Whereas that’s their legal status to stay with you.

Conclusion 

So, there you have it.

As for the rules of the Canadian government, you can complete your studies by having your loved ones with you.

Anyway, the main thing over here is to address all the issues and to submit all your genuine documents.

By doing so, you will be able to spend a stress-free life in Canada while achieving your academic goals.

Therefore, prepare now and start building your next chapter in life.

You got this!

Contact TEVS a Canada student visa consultants in Sri Lanka for more information’s.

Frequently Asked Questions