International Student? Bring Your Family to Canada

Are you an international student living in Canada? Or, maybe, you’re thinking about applying for a student visa and want to know how you can bring your family to Canada? If so, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about how to sponsor family to Canada.

Becoming an International Student in Canada

Moving to a new country as an international student can have a big impact on your life; first of all, you will be starting from scratch – new scenery, new social circles, new cultures, new…. everything! However, with all these new prospects, come endless possibilities for adventure, personal growth, and professional development.

Coming to Canada on a student visa can open many doors. As one of the fastest-growing countries in the world, you are bound to find successful academic and professional pathways. Also, being a fast-growing country, Canada attracts thousands of international students every year. So, you may meet many people that share common grounds with you.

However, if you’re planning to study in Canada for more than several months, even with all these endless opportunities, possible friendships, and adventures, loneliness may find its way to you. It’s a natural part of anyone’s relocation process. You may experience what is known as culture shock in Canada. 

Assuming you have already considered this possibility, we are soon going to explain how you can make your relocation a bit easier, by learning what is family sponsorship in Canada.

Canada’s Student Visa

If you haven’t applied for your student visa yet, keep on reading to get a full overview of what a student visa is, and the difference between a student visa and study permit, to help you make an educated decision moving forward.

Contemplating between the U.S and Canada? Check out our blog: Studying in Canada Vs. USA – Which One Is Better?

If you already have a student visa and you want to know how to sponsor family to Canada, skip ahead to “Be with Your Family in Canada”.

What is a Student Visa?

Canada’s student visa is your ticket to world-class education in Canada. It is normally used for long-term studies (such as a Bachelor’s degree), and you can work up to 40 hours a fortnight.

There is another option to study in Canada, and that is the Working Holiday Visa. On a Working Holiday Visa, you can study for up to 4 months. This visa is available to young adults who are 18 – 35 years old, of eligible nationalities.

Student Visa Vs. Study Permit

The student visa and the study permit are two different things, yet they are necessary for your stay as an International Student. It’s best not to confuse the two documents to ensure a seamless move to Canada. They are both necessary supporting documents during your stay in Canada.

A student visa grants you entry into Canada, and the study permit allows you to study in a Designated Learning Institute (DLI). The study permit states the specific details of your education and/or your chosen program.

Please note that not all educational establishments cater to international students. Only DLIs recognized by the Canadian Government can give you an acceptance letter required for a study permit application.

You can’t enter Canada with a study permit alone. On the other hand, you’re not allowed to study in Canada with just a student visa. So, be sure to have both documents in hand before heading out on your venture.

Be with your family in Canada

Canada offers great support to its international students. From generous scholarships to family sponsorship pathways. These pathways allow international students in Canada to reunite with their families and have them nearby while they explore their new life.

There are pertinent steps and necessary procedures along the way. Different options are available to you. Most importantly, you don’t have to be alone as you complete your education in the Great White North.

Family Sponsorships in Canada

Family sponsorship allows you to legally bring your family to Canada. Canada student visa sponsor requirements guarantee that you can study while your family stays in Canada comfortably; they may work, study, and travel anywhere in Canada on these visas.

If you want to sponsor your parents, you must make sure that they don’t need social assistance from the government. Also, you must be able to support them financially, or, provide evidence that they can sustain themselves during their stay.

If you have a spouse, you must be at least 18 years old and legally married to your spouse. If you have children, they must be of dependent age and unmarried. If they are not of dependent age, there must be a valid condition that makes them dependent on you.

Next, you must provide proficient evidence that you can support your family financially for the length of your study. 

These family sponsorships are integrated into your status as an international student. In some instances, your family can decide on a separate application via other types of visas and available programs. For more information and to check your eligibility, contact Great North Visa today.

Study Permit

For your permissible study in a DLI, you need to apply for a study permit. This document is valid for the duration of your program, plus 90 days of allowance for departure.

A study permit application includes a portion for people who are interested in bringing family during the duration of their studies. These are some requirements for the study permit:

✔︎ Proof of acceptance from a DLI

✔︎ Valid passport or other valid Proof of Identity

✔ Financial support for your studies, living expenses for you and the family you will bring

✔︎ No criminal offense

✔︎ Good health conditions via valid medical examination results

✔︎ Provide evidence that you will leave once you finish your program

The average amount of financial support for every year equals this:

✔︎ For you: $10,000 (excluding tuition fee of your chosen DLI)

✔︎ First family member: $4,000

✔︎ Succeeding additional member: $3,000

During your application for a study permit, you can also include the applications for your family’s visa. If you choose to go ahead while your family follows after some time, they will need approved copies of your study permit, student visa, and passport.

Spousal Open Work Permit

Your spouse can work during your studies. They can apply for an open work permit, a Working Holiday Visa, or other. A valid job offer isn’t necessary to get this kind of work permit. If your spouse opts for an open work permit, its validity will be as long as your studies. This permit will allow your spouse to legally apply for a job in Canada.

If your spouse is more interested in pursuing studies, they can apply for a study permit like you.

Start Your Student Visa or Family Sponsorship Applications!

Feel like it’s time to move onwards? We’re here to help!

Whether you need to apply for your student visa and permit, or you need to start the process for family sponsorship visas, we have the experts to guide you on your journey.

Among our immigration services, we can assist you with matching you with suitable pathways, collecting vital documentation, liaising with your DLI, support around the clock, and more. Get in touch with our experts today, and enjoy your new time in Canada!