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Study in Canada

Bringing family to Canada while you study

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Bringing family to Canada depends on what you study. Check your programme and your money before you promise your family a date.

Spouse or partner: open work permit

Your spouse or common-law partner can get an open work permit only if you are in one of these:

  • a master's programme of 16 months or longer,
  • a doctoral programme,
  • a listed professional degree at a university, such as medicine, law, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, nursing, education or engineering, or
  • an eligible pilot programme.

These criteria took effect on 21 January 2025. The permit is usually valid for the same period as your study permit, and you must send proof of the relationship and of your enrolment.

Money for family

You must show living-cost funds for every family member who comes with you. For applications made on or after 1 September 2026, outside Quebec:

People (including you)Living costs per year
1CAD 23,448
2CAD 29,192
3CAD 35,888
4CAD 43,572
5CAD 49,419

Tuition and travel costs come on top. For larger families, see the IRCC page.

Children and other family

Each person who applies for a study permit needs their own provincial attestation letter, unless they are exempt. IRCC has special rules for minor children studying in Canada, so read that page before you apply for your children. Other relatives may be able to visit: see our Canada visit visa guide.

Official sources

Common questions

Can my spouse work in Canada while I study?
Only in some cases. Your spouse can get an open work permit if you are in a master's programme of 16 months or longer, a doctoral programme, an eligible professional degree or an eligible pilot programme.
Which professional degrees count?
IRCC lists degrees such as medicine, law, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, nursing, education and engineering. Check the IRCC page for the full list.
How much more money do I need to show for family?
For applications made on or after 1 September 2026 outside Quebec, living costs are CAD 23,448 for one person, CAD 29,192 for two and CAD 35,888 for three. Tuition and travel are extra.
Does my spouse need an attestation letter?
Each study permit applicant needs their own letter unless they are exempt. Check the IRCC attestation letter page for your spouse's case.

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