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Get timely updates on immigration, work eligibility, and health insurance for international students.
Disclaimer
The immigration information on this page has been reviewed and endorsed by Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) or Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) in compliance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations. However, this is not a legal document and information may change without notice. Always refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date information.
Overview
As international students at TWU, it may be possible for your dependents to come live with you in Canada during your studies as a visitor, student, or worker.
Dependents include:
- Spouses
- Common-law partners
- Dependent children
They can apply when you make your initial study permit application from outside Canada or apply separately to join you after you’ve arrived. Typically, their study permit, work permit, or visitor record will be issued for the same length as your study permit.
If their passport expires soon, they should extend it well in advance since documents cannot be issued beyond the expiry date of a passport.
Each family member, even infants, will have their own Canadian immigration document. It is important that each family member maintains valid status in Canada by either leaving Canada or applying to extend their stay before their status in Canada ends.
Status in Canada
Depending on your dependents’ situation, they could come to Canada as a visitor, student, or worker.
Visitor status
Visitor documents may include any of the following:
- A stamp in the passport (rare)
- A printed document called a Visitor Record
Study permits for your children
A child under the age of 19 in British Columbia is considered a minor child. Minor children applying from outside Canada to accompany a parent who will work or study in Canada for 6 months or longer must apply for a study permit. They do not need to provide a letter of acceptance from an educational institution.
Minor children already in Canada can study without a study permit at the pre-school, primary, or secondary level if at least one parent is authorized to work or study in Canada. In general, having a study permit rather than a visitor record can make the immigration process run more smoothly for accompanying minor children.
Work permit for your spouse or partner
A spouse/partner work permit is an open work permit which allows your spouse or common-law partner to work full-time while you study. Your spouse or partner does not need a job offer to apply for the work permit.
If you're an international student studying full-time with a valid study permit in a program which is eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit, your spouse or common-law partner can apply for a spouse/partner work permit.
If you've finished studies and are applying for the Post-Graduation Work Permit, there are additional requirements you must meet for your spouse or partner to be eligible for a work permit. The spouse/partner work permit will usually be issued for the same length of time as your study or work permit. There are a few options for your spouse or partner to apply for a work permit. Contact the TWU Service Hub to discuss your spouse or partner's circumstances and options to apply for a TRV or work permit.
Health insurance for your dependents
You will need to purchase private temporary health insurance for at least their first 3 months in Canada, such as Guard.me, then apply for the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) once they’ve arrived in British Columbia, if eligible.
Learn about health insurance for international students.
Extending documents for dependents
When you extend your documents, you will likely need to extend each dependent’s status in Canada as well. You can extend their stay at the same time you extend your study permit or apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Be sure to extend the documents for each individual (even infants) before their status in Canada expires.
If you still have questions related to immigration, health insurance, and life as an international student in Canada?
- Workshops and Seminars: Our workshops and seminars are conducted regularly to help international students stay informed and empowered. Link to TWU Calendar.
- Service Hub: For personalized assistance in resolving immigration-related questions, please submit your inquiries through Service Hub. Our team is here to provide specific support and help with any concerns you may have. Please note that TWU RCICs or RISIAs can only advise international students, their spouses, common-law partners, and children. We do not submit IRCC applications on behalf of international students.