Can my family come with me while I work or study in Canada?

Yes, each person has their own application, but you can submit them together

Each family member who wants a work permit fills in their own form; online, you can submit their application with yours.

“All applicants need to include ... an Application For Work Permit Made Outside of Canada (IMM 1295)”

“To submit your family member’s application for an open work permit with yours, make sure you answer the following questions correctly when you apply.”

“If your family member is applying online separately from you (the principal applicant)”

Possibly, with an open work permit: it depends on your job and your permanent residence plans

“Your family member’s eligibility depends on”

“whether you’re on a pathway to or have already applied for permanent residence”

“what type of worker you are in Canada”

“If your family member is not eligible to apply for an open work permit, they may be eligible to apply for another type of work permit . If they don’t plan to work, they may be eligible to visit or study .”

IRCC: who can get an open work permit as a worker's family member

Possibly, with an open work permit: it depends on what you study

“Starting January 21, 2025, your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit if you have a valid study permit and you’re either”

“If they’re not eligible for this open work permit, they may be able to get another type of work permit .”

IRCC: open work permits for spouses of international students

They may be eligible for an open work permit

“Your family member may be eligible for an open work permit under this measure.”

“Your work permit was issued or approved because you applied for an economic class permanent residence program or pilot.”

“Your work permit must be valid in Canada for at least 6 months after we receive your family member’s open work permit application.”

It depends on your pathway to permanent residence

“You’re on a pathway to permanent residence through one of the eligible streams, but haven’t applied for permanent residence yet.”

“Your family member may be eligible for an open work permit under this measure.”

“Your work permit must be valid in Canada for at least 6 months after we receive your family member’s open work permit application.”

IRCC: the eligible streams

Not with an open work permit as your family member, on what you answered

“This means that as of January 21, 2025, your dependent child, or their dependent child, are no longer eligible for an open work permit under this measure.”

“As of January 21, 2025, your family members are not eligible to apply for an open work permit under this measure.”

“If your family member is not eligible to apply for an open work permit, they may be eligible to apply for another type of work permit . If they don’t plan to work, they may be eligible to visit or study .”

Only with a work permit of their own

IRCC's open work permit for the family of a student is for a spouse or partner. An adult child who wants to work would need to qualify for a work permit in their own right.

“If your family member is not eligible to apply for an open work permit, they may be eligible to apply for another type of work permit . If they don’t plan to work, they may be eligible to visit or study .”

They may study: family members of permit holders may apply for a study permit from inside Canada

“Holders of valid work or study permits and their family members;”

“The following persons may apply from within Canada :”

IRCC: how to apply for a study permit

They may come as visitors

A family member who will not work or study comes as a visitor, with a visitor visa or an eTA if their passport needs one.

“If your family member is not eligible to apply for an open work permit, they may be eligible to apply for another type of work permit . If they don’t plan to work, they may be eligible to visit or study .”

They may come with you; your proof of funds must cover them

A family member who will not work or study comes as a visitor, with a visitor visa or an eTA if their passport needs one.

“living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada and”

“return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada”

Yes, with a study permit applied for before they enter Canada

“Minor children who want to study in Canada must apply for a study permit before they enter Canada. This includes minor children who come with parents who are applying for a study or work permit. In this situation, a letter of acceptance is not required for the child’s study permit application.”

“Minor children under the age of 17 must either ... come with their parent or legal guardian or ... have a custodian in Canada”

IRCC: studying in Canada as a minor

Yes: apply for their study permit with yours, before they enter Canada

“Your children may attend school in Canada. You must apply for their study permit at the same time as your own. If they intend to join you at a later date, they must also apply for a study permit before coming to Canada.”

“Their study permit must also be obtained prior to entering Canada even if it is a renewal or initial application for a study permit.”

IRCC: studying in Canada as a minor

Yes; IRCC advises a study permit even where one isn't required

“Minors already in Canada should apply for a study permit. In some provinces or territories, they may need one to receive social services.”

“Minor children who are already in Canada may study without a study permit if they ... have a parent (biological or adoptive) who is authorized to work or study in Canada, including temporary residents who are”

“Minor children need a letter of acceptance if they’re ... in Canada with a family member and ... that family member had a work or study permit approved before they entered Canada”

IRCC: studying in Canada as a minor

No study permit needed for 6 months or less

“Minor children don’t need a study permit for programs that are 6 months or less , but may still apply for one before entering Canada.”