can parents visit international students

Bringing a Spouse, Common-Law Partner, or Family Members to Canada

Are you thinking about inviting a spouse or common-law partner, or other members of your family, to join you in canada.

Canada’s generous immigration policy allows certain family members of international students to come to Canada to work and/or study. This CanadaVisa page provides you with an overview of how you can bring your family to Canada while you study.

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Table of Contents

Definition of a family member.

• Visitor Visas

Work Permits for Spouses

• Minor Children and Canadian Study Permits

Applying Together

• Does a Child Need a Study Permit?
• Can I Bring my Parents While on a Study Permit?

Contact the Cohen Immigration Law Firm for Assistance

For the purposes of this page, “family member” refers to a spouse, common-law/conjugal partner, and dependent children. 

Visitor Visas

Citizens of some countries and territories require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)  in order to enter Canada as visitors. A visa cannot be applied for at a Canadian Port of Entry, and, in some cases, a medical examination  may be required. This can add significant processing time to your application.

Citizens of certain countries do not need a TRV, but, as of November 10, 2016, most visa-exempt persons require an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) . The main exception is U.S. citizens, who require neither a TRV nor an eTA.

To determine whether you and/or your accompanying family members require a TRV or an eTA, use the Visiting Canada Tool .

IRCC has changed the eligibility criteria for spouses of international students who are eligible for an open work permit.  This open work permit allows its bearer to work for any employer in Canada, and does not require a job offer, or a Labour Market Impact Assessment. Bear in mind, this open work permit may exclude certain occupations (such as jobs in schools or hospitals) unless medical examination is provided. A spousal open work permit for the spouse an international student will usually be valid for the same amount of time as the validity of the student's study permit. 

If an application has been made after March 19th, 2024, the following conditions must be met for your spouse to be eligible for an open work permit:

• a master’s or doctoral degree program in a university or polytechnic institution  or
• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD)
• Bachelor of Law or Juris Doctor (LLB, JD, BCL)
• Doctor of Medicine (MD)
• Doctor of Optometry (OD)
• Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm)
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN, BSN, BNSc)
• Bachelor of Education (B. Ed.)
• Bachelor of Engineering (B. Eng., BE, BASc)
• a valid letter of acceptance from your designated learning institution (DLI)
• a proof of enrolment letter from your DLI
• transcripts from your current program
• You must be able to provide proof of your relationship to IRCC 

If an application for an open work permit has been made before March 19th, then all of the following conditions must be met:

• You (the student) have a valid study permit
• You're eligible for a post graduation work permit (PGWP)
• a public post-secondary school, such as a college or university, or CEGEP in Quebec
• a private college-level school in Quebec
• a Canadian private school that can legally award degrees under provincial law (for example, a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree)

Note : If your spouse or common-law partner already has an open work permit under this stream, and wants to extend their work permit under this stream, they must meet all the same eligibility criteria as those who have applied for their work permit before March 19th, 2024. 

Spousal Work Permit Timing and Application Procedure

Canadian visa offices overseas are generally able to process an application for a work permit at the same time as the study permit application. In such cases, in addition to the study permit processing fees, the applicant(s) must also include work permit processing fees.

Conversely, the spouse or common-law partner may come to Canada as a visitor and then apply for a work permit after arrival. For citizens of countries that do not require a TRV, this work permit application may be done at a Canadian Port of Entry. In some cases, citizens of visa-required countries may also contemplate a Port of Entry application.

Minor Children and Canadian Study Permit Rules

If you or your spouse or common-law partner is already in Canada, your minor child may study without a study permit at the preschool, primary, or secondary level. Once the child reaches the age of majority in their province, however, he or she must apply for a study permit to continue his or her studies in Canada. This application can be completed from inside Canada. Please consult the table below for further information.

When applying from outside Canada, you will need to apply for your child’s study permit at a Canadian overseas visa office.

if you are planning to bring your family to Canada while you study, and you’ll be arriving at the same time, you may consider filling out one application for the entire family. If you have a variety of different permit applications (your study permit and your spouse or common-law partner’s work permit, for example) you will need extra documentation and will need to include additional fees (such as the additional fee for the work permit).

If you wish to extend or change your conditions while you are in Canada, you will need to complete a separate application. Make sure to check the date of expiry on your study permit and apply at least 30 days before that date if you would like to extend your stay.

Does a child need a study permit?

Children accompanying an adult who is in Canada on a work or study permit may study in Canada without a study permit at the pre-school, primary and secondary levels.

Note: The child may have either a visitor record or a study permit when entering Canada. The child is authorized to study without a study permit if he or she has only the visitor record or a Canadian entry stamp on his or her passport.

Can I bring my parents while on a study permit?

While on a study permit, international students can invite their parent(s) to visit on a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) , which allows the parent (s)to travel to Canada. 

Do you need assistance studying in Canada? The Cohen Immigration Law Firm  can help. Cohen Immigration Law offers over 45 years of Canadian immigration expertise.

Please contact us to schedule a free telephone consultation with one of our lawyers.

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Guide to Applying for a Visitor Visa for Parents of International Students

Last Updated on September 28, 2023

Guide To Applying For A Visitors Visa Canada

When it comes to fostering a family connection between international students in Canada and their parents back home, obtaining a visitor visa is a crucial step. This comprehensive guide is designed to navigate the intricacies of this process, ensuring that parents can comfortably visit their children studying abroad.

The visitor visa is a golden ticket that permits parents to spend up to six months in Canada. Should they wish to extend their stay beyond this period, an application for an extension can be submitted. To optimize the success of such applications, it’s essential to provide the necessary supporting documents.

This guide serves as a step-by-step tutorial for international students who are eager to apply for a visitor visa on behalf of their parents.

Eligibility Criteria

Before delving into the application process, it’s essential to grasp the eligibility criteria that parents must meet:

• Valid Travel Document: Possession of a valid travel document, usually a passport, is a fundamental requirement.
• Good Health: Applicants must be in good health, and any medical issues should be declared as required.
• Clean Record: An absence of criminal or immigration-related convictions is a key factor.
• Strong Ties to Home Country: Parents must convince the immigration officer that they have strong ties to their home country, ensuring their intention to return.
• Intention to Depart Canada: Similarly, parents need to convince the immigration officer that they have no intention of overstaying their visa and will depart Canada at the end of their visit.
• Sufficient Funds: Demonstrating the financial capacity to cover travel expenses and support their stay in Canada is crucial.

Applying For Visitor Visa For Parents Of International Students

Compiling Essential Supporting Documents

Enhancing the application with well-organized and accurate supporting documents significantly boosts its strength:

• Invitation Letter: This should be a heartfelt invitation from the international student to their parents, stating the purpose of the visit, duration of stay, and details about accommodations and departure plans.
• Parent(s) Bank Account Statement (Optional but Highly Recommended): Including this can provide insight into the financial stability of the parents. It should include bank name, contact information, account transactions, and balances for the past six months.
• Parent(s) Employment Letter (if applicable): If the parent is employed, a letter from their employer can demonstrate their commitment to returning home. It should mention the parent’s full name, date of birth, job start date, job description, current salary, and contact information for the manager and employer. The letter should be printed on official company letterhead, signed by the employer, and dated within three months of the application.
• Family Information Form (IMM 5645): This form provides essential details about family members and their relationships.
• For Students: Include a copy of your study permit and an official enrollment letter from your educational institution.
• For Post-Graduates: Provide your post-graduate work permit and an employment letter from your employer.

Application Process: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Embarking on the application process involves navigating the following steps:

• Register and Log In: Access the new IRCC portal and create an account. Log in using your credentials.
• Complete the Online Form: Fill out the online application form with accurate information.
• Upload Documents: Prepare and upload all required documents, including the invitation letter, bank account statement, employment letter, family information form, and proof of your status in Canada.
• Pay Processing Fee: Submit the processing fee of $100 using credit cards like Visa®, MasterCard®, American Express®, JCB®, or UnionPay®.
• Include Biometric Fee: To prevent delays, consider depositing the $85 biometric fee along with the processing fee.

The Importance of Due Diligence

While this guide provides comprehensive information, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research and stay updated with the latest requirements before embarking on the application process. Remember, regulations can change, and up-to-date information is vital.

Concluding Visitor Visa Application Process

In conclusion, enabling parents of international students to visit and share in their children’s educational journeys is a meaningful experience. By carefully adhering to eligibility criteria, compiling the necessary documents, and navigating the application process strategically, parents can embrace their children’s academic and cultural pursuits while fostering strong family bonds across borders.

Related Articles

• Canada’s Innovative Approach To Attracting International Students
• Your Guide to Visiting Canada with a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
• How Does the Canadian Spousal Sponsorship Process Work?
• Sponsorship Of Parents And Grandparents News

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Canada Visitor Visa

The Ultimate Guide on Canada Visitor Visa for Parents

While you settle into your temporary home in Canada, the desire to reunite with your parents grows strong. This guide offers a variety of options to facilitate their visit, ensuring that bringing them over becomes a heartfelt and emotional experience.

In the diverse world of Canadian immigration , the idea of bringing your parents to join you holds great importance. Whether you are an international student, a temporary worker, a permanent resident, or a Canadian citizen, there are different ways for you to make this happen. 

It’s essential to understand the specific options and requirements based on your immigration status to ensure a successful reunion with your parents. 

How to Get a Visitor Visa for Your Parents as an International Student

For international students in Canada wishing to bring their parents for a visit, the key lies in obtaining a regular Canada Visitor Visa. This involves a step-by-step process:

• Familiarize yourself with the necessary documentation, including a valid passport, proof of financial support, a detailed letter of invitation, and information about enrollment in a Canadian institution. 
• Crafting a sincere letter of invitation is crucial, clearly outlining the purpose and duration of the visit, along with a commitment to providing support. 
• Financial proof, such as bank statements or scholarship details, is essential to demonstrate your parents have enough funds during their stay. 

The application process, conducted online, involves careful scanning and uploading of documents, timely payment of fees, and submission well in advance of the planned visit to allow for processing time. 

After approval, the parents receive a visa on their passport, permitting them to travel to Canada for the specified period. Upon arrival, a brief interview with immigration officials may occur, remind your parents of the importance of having all necessary documents readily available for a smooth entry process.

If you would like to learn more about the visitor visa, please visit our page: “Visitor Visa.”

Can I Bring My Parents as a Temporary Worker?

Before embarking on the journey to bring your parents as temporary workers , it’s crucial to ascertain eligibility. Generally, temporary workers in Canada need to have a valid work permit. 

To bring your parents, you must explore additional requirements, such as the duration of the work permit and the ability to demonstrate financial stability to support the visiting parents during their stay. Understanding these criteria ensures a smoother application process.

To initiate the process, gather the necessary documentation. This typically includes a letter of invitation detailing the purpose and duration of the visit, proof of the temporary worker’s employment status, financial documents demonstrating the ability to support the parents, and details about the worker’s residence in Canada. Ensuring that all documents are accurate and up-to-date is essential for a successful application.

A Super Visa: An Opportunity for Permanent Residents and Canadian Citizens’ Parents.

The Super Visa is a special kind of Canadian visitor visa meant specifically for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents . What sets it apart from regular visitor visas is the extended stay it offers, allowing visitors to remain in Canada for up to two years without needing to apply for extensions. 

To apply for a Super Visa, you need to show proof of your relationship, including a letter of invitation from your sponsoring child or grandchild, explaining your care plans and details about their household. Additionally, you must demonstrate that you have health insurance from a Canadian provider, valid for at least one year, while your sponsoring family member needs to meet a minimum income requirement based on their family size.

For those who are visa-exempt, meaning they don’t need a regular visitor visa based on their nationality, getting a Super Visa is still advantageous. While visa-exempt visitors usually can stay for up to six months without renewal, the Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to two years at a time. 

The application process is similar for visa-exempt individuals, but successful Super Visa applicants receive a letter authorizing their stay instead of a traditional visa. It’s important to note that even visa-exempt visitors with a Super Visa need to apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) when travelling to Canada by air.

For permanent residents or citizens wishing to bring their parents to Canada indefinitely, the Sponsorship Program becomes the avenue to explore. Through sponsorship, individuals can initiate the process of making their parents permanent residents. This route offers the prospect of long-term family reunification, allowing parents to reside in Canada on a more permanent basis. While the Super Visa provides an excellent solution for extended visits, the sponsorship program caters to those desiring a more enduring and stable arrangement for their parents within the Canadian community.

Ready to embark on the journey of bringing your parents to Canada? 

Contact Canadim today and our experienced team of immigration professionals, to discover the best way to navigate the visa process for your parents. 

Start by filling out our online personal assessment, and we will guide you through every step, ensuring a seamless and successful reunion with your loved ones!

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How to bring your family to Canada as an international student

Living away from your spouse or children while studying abroad isn’t easy. If you plan to study in Canada , your immediate family members can accompany you to Canada for the duration of your study permit . Moreover, as an international student, your spouse or partner is also eligible for a Canadian work permit , so they can find a job in Canada and financially support your family while you study.

This article provides essential information and tips on how to bring your family to Canada as an international student, including who you can bring and the types of visas or permits your family members can get.

In this article:

Can I bring my family to Canada as an international student?

How to bring your spouse or partner to canada as an international student, how to bring your children to canada as an international student, will bringing my family impact my chances of qualifying for a canadian study permit, can my family apply for temporary residence after i submit my study permit application, tips for bringing your family to canada as an international student, can my spouse continue to stay in canada once i get a pgwp, can i bring my parents to canada as an international student.

As an international student, you can bring your immediate family to Canada with you. For the purpose of this policy, your immediate family includes:

• Your spouse: A person to whom you’re legally married, that is, your wife or husband.
• Your common-law partner : An individual you’re in a conjugal relationship with and have been living with for at least one year.
• Dependent children : Your children or your spouse’s or partner’s children, provided they are under the age of 22 and don’t have a spouse or partner. A child over the age of 22 can be considered dependent if they rely on you for significant financial support (and you’ve supported them financially since before they turned 22) or they have a mental or physical condition that makes them unable to support themselves financially.

Once your study permit is approved, your spouse, partner, or dependent children may be eligible for a visitor visa, work permit, or study permit and can accompany you to Canada. However, other family members, including your parents, siblings, aunts and uncles, do not automatically qualify to come to Canada with you.

Once your Canadian study permit is approved, your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible to come to Canada with you as a visitor or work permit holder. If you want your spouse/partner to accompany you when you enter Canada, you must submit your applications together and pay the processing fees for both applications. In your study permit application , you must also mention that your spouse will come to Canada with you.

Open work permit for spouses or partners of international students

As an international student, your spouse or partner can qualify for an open work permit that allows them to work for any eligible Canadian employer for the duration of your study permit. They don’t require a job offer to qualify for an open work permit , and Canadian employers don’t need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to hire them. Moreover, your spouse or partner can work from any location in Canada, switch jobs while their work permit is valid, or even start a business .

How to apply for a spousal work permit

Your spouse or partner can apply for an open work permit from outside Canada along with your application or from within Canada if they accompany you as a visitor initially. 

To apply for an open work permit from outside Canada, your spouse or partner should use the Document Checklist (IMM 5488) to gather supporting documents for their application. Typically, they’ll need to submit their proof of identity, proof of relationship with you, educational credentials, past employment records, and proof of funds. Ideally, you should submit their work permit application with your study permit application. If you’re applying for a study permit through the Student Direct Stream (SDS) , submitting your applications together will also qualify them for faster processing of their work permit. 

If your spouse/partner intends to join you in Canada later, they can apply for their work permit separately. In such a case, they should submit copies of your study permit, visa, and DLI enrollment letter along with their application.

If your spouse or partner is from a visa-exempt country and is eligible to enter Canada on an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), they may be able to apply for an open work permit at their port of entry into Canada, provided they meet all the eligibility requirements.

Alternatively, if your partner or spouse is coming to Canada as a visitor , they can apply for a spousal work permit from within Canada. They will need to submit the application to change conditions or extend their stay in Canada form, along with proof of your enrollment in a DLI, a copy of your study permit, and other supporting documents.

Visitor record for the spouse or partner of an international student

When you come to Canada on a study permit, you can bring your spouse or common-law partner with you as a visitor. If you wish to enter Canada together, you must indicate on your study permit application that your spouse or partner will accompany you to Canada. Depending on your country of citizenship, your family members may require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or eTA to enter Canada. In such a case, you must submit their visa application along with your study permit application. While in Canada on a Temporary Resident Visa or eTA, your spouse or partner cannot work or study in the country.

Ordinarily, visitors can stay in Canada for up to six months at a time. However, your spouse or partner will typically receive a TRV of the same duration as your study permit if you’re entering Canada together.

If your spouse or partner did not accompany you initially, you can still invite them to visit or stay with you after you arrive in Canada. In this case, they will be eligible for a six-month TRV. However, they may be able to get a visa that’s valid for the remaining duration of your study permit if they submit copies of your study permit, visa, and DLI enrollment letter with their application.

Can my spouse study in Canada if I have a Canadian study permit?

If your spouse or common-law partner wants to enrol in a long-term study program in Canada, they must apply for their study permit separately. Your study permit doesn’t automatically qualify them for one. However, they won’t require a study permit to take a short-term course (under six months) in Canada.

Your spouse or partner can apply for a study permit from outside Canada or from within the country if they are accompanying you as a visitor or worker. To be eligible for a Canadian study permit, your spouse or partner will have to get admission into a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and follow the regular study permit application process. Applicants from 14 countries, including India, China, Pakistan, and Brazil are also eligible for faster processing of study permits under the Student Direct Stream (SDS) . 

When applying for a study permit, your spouse or partner must submit proof of acceptance into a Canadian DLI, identity proof, and proof of financial support in the form of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) , bank statements, scholarship or education loan documents. 

International students with valid study permits can bring their dependent children with them for the duration of their stay in Canada. While filling out your study permit application, you’ll need to indicate that your child will accompany you. If your child is not of school-going age yet, a visitor visa will be issued for them once your application is approved.

If your child is of school-going age, you are legally required to enrol them in school while they are in Canada. In most parts of Canada, school becomes mandatory starting with grade one (at the age of five or six), but in British Columbia , New Brunswick , and Prince Edward Island , your child must be enrolled in Kindergarten at the age of five. Although minor children accompanied by a parent who has a study permit or work permit do not require a study permit, it is recommended that you still apply for one.

As an international student, your child may be eligible for free public schooling in the province you live in. However, tuition policies vary across the country, so check with the school board in your Canadian city. In Ontario and British Columbia, for instance, your children can attend a public school for free if:

• As the parent, your study permit is valid for at least one year,
• You’re enrolled in a study program that leads to a degree or diploma, 
• Your DLI is publicly-funded (in some cases, degree programs from private post-secondary institutions are accepted), and
• You reside in the province.

If your study permit is for less than a year or you’re enrolled in a certificate program, you will likely have to pay tuition fees to enrol your child into public school. The fees are set by each school board. Toronto District School Board and Vancouver School Board, for example, have an annual fee of $16,000 for children who don’t qualify for free public education.

If your child is over 18 (but still qualifies as a dependent) and intends to attend a Canadian university or college, they’ll need a study permit if their study program is longer than six months. To qualify for a study permit, they must secure admission into a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and meet the other eligibility criteria. You can submit their study permit application along with your own.

Although you’re allowed to bring your immediate family to Canada while you study, in certain cases, it can affect the outcome of your study permit application. For instance, if the visa officer is not convinced that you have enough resources to support your family in Canada or that you’ll have sufficient reason to return to your home country after graduating, your study permit application may be rejected .

However, as long as you can prove that your primary reason for coming to Canada is to study and that you and your family won’t stay in Canada illegally after your visas expire, you can still qualify for a Canadian study permit. Be sure to explain your reasons for wanting to bring your family with you in your statement of purpose (SOP) .

If you intend to bring your family to Canada while you study here, you should ideally submit their visitor visa or work or study permit application along with your study permit application. However, if you didn’t submit all your applications together, they can still apply for temporary residence later by:

• Amending your study permit application : You can amend your application before it is approved, but adding accompanying family members while your application is being processed may be considered misrepresentation. Make sure you can justify the delay in submitting your family members’ applications, and update your statement of purpose to state why your family will be joining you in Canada. 
• Submitting their application after your study permit is approved : Once your study permit is approved, your spouse or partner can apply for an open work permit or visitor visa or you can apply for a visitor record for your children. This can be done before or after you move to Canada for your studies. You will have to provide your school enrollment letter and a copy of your study permit as supporting documents for their applications.
• Accompanying you as a visitor and later applying for a work or study permit : If your spouse or partner moves to Canada with you on a visitor visa but later decides to work here, they can get their status changed and qualify for an open work permit. If your accompanying child reaches the age of majority while your study permit is valid, they can apply for a study permit from within Canada after they’ve been accepted into a Canadian university or college.

As an international student in Canada, your life can get stressful and busy. Having your family in Canada can help you feel more at home. Your family can support you emotionally, with household work, and even financially while you focus on your studies. However, there are certain things you’ll need to keep in mind while bringing your family to Canada. Here are some tips to help you bring your family to Canada, and support them:

Prove your relationship

For your immediate family to accompany you to Canada, you must provide proof of your relationship with them. If you intend to bring your spouse along, you’ll need to submit your marriage certificate, birth certificates of your children (if you have any), and documents showing joint ownership or rental agreement of your home, joint bank or utility accounts, or government IDs with the same address. For a dependent child, you must submit their birth certificate or adoption certificate that proves you’re the biological or legal parent.

If you plan to bring your common-law partner along while you study in Canada, you must submit proof that you’ve been living together for at least one year, such as common address proof, proof of shared expenses or financial support, insurance or other documents that recognize you as common-law partners, and birth certificates of your children, if any.

Justify your reasons for bringing your family to Canada

While applying for your study permit, make sure your statement of purpose (SOP) explains why you want your partner and children to accompany you. For instance, your spouse or partner could support you financially, or your children may require the supervision of both parents. You should also clarify that your family intends to return home when your study permit expires, and provide proof of your residential and financial ties to your home country, such as proof of property ownership.

Bring sufficient settlement funds

The visa officer will only approve your study permit application and your family’s visas if you can prove that you’ll be able to financially support your family in Canada. Ideally, you should bring enough money to cover your family’s living expenses for at least six months. You can use Arrive’s calculators to estimate your cost of studying in Canada and your family’s cost of living in your future city to create an accurate budget.

If your spouse or partner intends to work in Canada in an in-demand occupation , their income can supplement your savings. However, if your spouse or partner will be accompanying you as a student or visitor, or if you have dependent children, you’ll likely need to show more funds.

Find suitable accommodation for your family

Housing needs for a family will be different from those of an individual. Many universities and colleges offer student housing for registered students with families. You can also explore off-campus accommodation options that suit your family’s needs. If you have young children, for example, you may want to find a neighbourhood with a good public school and access to parks and playgrounds.

Ensure your family members have health coverage

As an international student, you must have health insurance through a private provider or through your university or college for the duration of your study period. However, the same rules don’t apply to accompanying family members. Healthcare costs in Canada can be quite high if you’re uninsured, so make sure your family has sufficient private insurance to avoid unforeseen medical bills. If your spouse intends to work in Canada, they may be able to get additional health coverage benefits for your family through their employer.

Accompanying family members should start their job search early

If your spouse or partner plans to work in Canada, they should start their job search before arriving in Canada . Spouses or common-law partners of international students don’t require a job offer to qualify for an open work permit, but it can take time to find suitable employment in Canada, especially if they don’t have Canadian work experience. Ideally, they should research the Canadian job market , review job postings in their industry, craft a Canadian-style resume , and start networking well before moving to Canada. 

Once your spouse/partner lands a job, their income can supplement your family savings, allowing you to cut down your part-time work hours and devote more time to studies. Plus, their Canadian work experience will also improve your family’s chances of qualifying for permanent residence if you decide to settle in Canada.

Enrol your children in school

If your child is of school-going age in your province, you’re legally required to enrol them in school. Minor children are entitled to public education without a study permit, provided they are accompanied by a parent who is authorised to study or work in Canada. However, you should apply for a study permit for teenage children so they can enrol in secondary school co-op programs, get summer jobs, and access social services. If your child will come to Canada after you’ve started your studies, they might need a study permit to enter Canada. You should also explore childcare options if your children are too young for school or if your spouse/partner will be working.

If your child is over the age of majority in your province (but still qualifies as a dependent), they may need a study permit to attend a university or college in Canada. This application can be submitted from outside or within Canada, provided they have been admitted into a Canadian DLI and are enrolled in a study program that’s over six months long.

If you plan to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after your studies, your spouse or partner may be eligible to renew their spousal work permit and continue to stay in Canada with you. Their open work permit will only be renewed for the duration of your PGWP.

If your spouse wasn’t in Canada while you were studying but wants to join you once your PGWP is approved, they can still qualify for a spousal work permit. The duration of their work permit will be linked to yours, and they can remain in Canada until your PGWP expires.

While you’re in Canada on a study permit, your parents can apply for a visitor visa (TRV) if one is needed, and visit you. However, your study permit does not automatically make them eligible for a work or study permit in Canada. With a TRV, your parents can stay in Canada for up to six months at a time.

Bringing your family along while you study in Canada can work to your advantage. Not only does it stop you from worrying about your loved ones back home, your spouse can also work in Canada to supplement your family income. It can also enable your children to experience the education system in Canada. If you plan to settle in Canada eventually, bringing your family with you while you study gives them time to adapt to Canadian culture.

Things our lawyers want you to know

This article offers general information only and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author(s) as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or its affiliates.

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Disclaimer: This article offers general information only and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author(s) as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or its affiliates.

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Bringing family with you on a Canadian student visa

Can international students bring family or dependants with them to canada.

Lisa Brunner

There are many moving parts to consider when it comes to applying to have your family join you as an international student in Canada, but it is possible with careful planning.

You can choose to apply to have your family join you for either a short visit or to stay for the entire length of your studies. If approved, your family can either come to Canada at the same time as you or after you arrive.

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Before applying to bring your family with you to Canada as an international student, there are three main things to consider.

Everything international students need to know about student visas in Canada Everything you need to know about studying in Canada Scholarships in Canada for international students

1. Choose a Canadian status

The first step is to decide which status best fits each family member’s needs:

• Short-term -  This allows family members to visit for a short time (less than six months). For example, your parent may come for your graduation ceremony.
• Long-term -  Some dependant family members may wish to accompany you as a visitor for longer than six months – for example, your young child not yet attending school, or your spouse or common-law partner . In this case, a border officer will typically print a “visitor record” for them upon entry to Canada. If they do not receive a visitor record, they can apply for one by extending their status in Canada as a visitor . Your spouse or common-law partner is not permitted to work under visitor status.
• A study permit is typically held by your minor children (aged up to 18 or 19,  depending on your province or territory ) who study in Canada, for example in primary or secondary school. Minor children outside Canada need to apply for a study permit before entering Canada . Although some minor children already in Canada may study without a study permit , holding a study permit is recommended and may be required to receive social services.

If your spouse or partner hopes to work in Canada, they may be eligible for a work permit if you are studying full-time at an eligible institution . There are two ways to apply:

• Before entering Canada -  In this scenario, your spouse or partner must apply for a work permit from outside Canada either together with your study permit application, or after your study permit is approved.
• After entering Canada -  If your spouse or partner first entered Canada as a visitor, they can then apply for a work permit from inside Canada .

You need to choose your family’s status carefully because there are some important differences. Visitors, for example, generally cannot extend temporary resident visas (TRVs) from inside Canada .

When applying for any of these categories, your family will also need to show proof of adequate funds to support their stay in Canada. In addition to the minimum funds you need as a student, family members should generally show at least C$4,000 for the first family member and C$3,000 for each additional family member , and slightly more in Quebec .

Family members will also need to show proof of your student status (eg an admission letter, current enrolment letter or transcript) and an invitation letter, written by you, outlining your family’s reasons for visiting Canada.

Remember, just because your family is eligible to apply for a status does not necessarily mean that they will be approved. If your family is issued with a visitor record, or a study or work permit, it will generally expire on the same date as your study permit. If you need to extend your study permit, you can extend their documents at the same time.

2. General entry requirements

In addition to having a valid status while in Canada at the time of entry, all foreign nationals must either:

• Have a valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) sticker in their passport, or
• Have a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), or
• Qualify for an exemption (eg, US citizens ).

To check whether you need a TRV or an eTA to enter Canada, you can take this quiz . You can also check if a previous eTA is still valid .

If your family member applies for a study or work permit from outside Canada, a TRV or eTA will be issued automatically as part of their application. If they want to come to Canada as a visitor, they must apply for a TRV or eTA directly.

Some family members may also need to take a medical exam or give biometrics , so make sure you’re aware of how long this may take when considering timings.

Note that this guide is accurate at the time of publication; however, check for updates with  Application to study in Canada . Originally published on 23 July 2021 and updated by Grace McCabe on 9 October 2023.

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Inviting Your Family to Canada

If you would like to invite your family members to visit/work/study in Canada while you are studying, you can provide the following documents to support their applications:

Letter of Invitation

To invite your family members, you should provide your family with the following documents:

• You should draft the invitation yourself and make sure your letter includes all the required information.  Read more about Letters of Invitation at the Government of Canada website .
• A photocopy of your passport
• A photocopy of your study permit
• A photocopy of your work permit (if applicable)
• Enrollment letter from the ask.uwindsor.ca
• Transcript from the UWinsite student portal
• Proof of Financial Support (optional, only required if you will cover the invitee's expenses in Canada)

Visiting Canada

If your family members are required to have a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada, they should prepare their application based on  the requirements and instructions of the country from where they will apply .

Working in Canada

If you are a full-time international student, your spouse may be eligible to apply for an open work permit.  Your spouse can apply for the work permit from overseas or inside Canada.

Studying in Canada

If your spouse and dependent children wish to attend educational institutions in Canada for more than six months, they can apply for a study permit from either overseas or inside Canada. 

Attending Convocation

If you would like to invite your family members to attend your convocation, you can submit a request for the convocation letter once your status in UWinsite is "approved" for graduating. To make the request submit a request through ask.uwindsor.ca. You will be charged $15 on your UWinsite account for the letter. You are also required to write a letter of invitation yourself; instructions for writing an invitation letter can be found above. Please note that the University provides this letter as a courtesy. The convocation letter is not a required document but acts as a supporting document for your application.

If you are unable to access your convocation letter, you may consider using the enrolment certificate that has your program completion and convocation date listed on it.

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Inviting Your Family

Invitation Letter

If you are inviting your family to visit you, you can write them a letter of invitation to accompany their Temporary Resident Visa (i.e. Entry Visa) application.  Please note:  Immigration Canada requires the individual issuing the invitation to write the letter; McGill cannot write this letter on your behalf.  

Here is a Sample Invitation Letter  for reference.

In addition to the information required by Immigration Canada  , you can also include a copy of your Study Permit as well as any other evidence that you are a student at McGill (e.g. copy of student card, proof of enrolment from Minerva).

Inviting your Spouse:

If you are inviting your spouse to stay with you during the duration of your studies, he/she may be eligible apply for an Open Work Permit based on your full-time student status, valid Study Permit and program/level of studies.

Inviting Dependent Children:

More detailed information about inviting your family - including dependent children and childcare options - can be found on our Bringing Family website .

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Can My Family Come With Me While I Study in the States?

Please note, this content may be outdated. Visit Study in the States'  Students , Schools and Blog pages for more timely information on this topic.

• Dependents may depart and re-enter the United States with proper documentation;
• Dependents may not work and are not eligible for social security numbers;
• Dependents may study full-time in a primary or secondary school to meet the compulsory education requirements for minors in the state where they reside;
• Dependents can engage in study at an SEVP-certified school in the United States as long as they are enrolled in less than a full course of study. Read more about this in the Adjustments to Designated School Official Limits Frequently Asked Questions .
• Dependents should obtain an updated Form I-20 from the DSO if any Form I-20 information for the F-1 or M-1 student or dependent changes; and
• Dependents may file for a change of status (via Form I-539, "Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status" ) to F-1 or M-1 status if the adult dependent wants to study full-time.

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International Student: Can I bring my Family with Me while I Study?

Have you always wanted to study abroad in a new country? If yes, then you should pursue your dream. There are several benefits of studying abroad . In fact, moving to study abroad may be one of the most educationally stimulating, fulfilling and interesting experience of your entire life .

However, while it may seem easy, you may have some doubts, but you shouldn’t worry! Everyone does. Moving abroad to study, especially when you have a family, is a huge step and one of the most life-changing decisions that you will ever make.

Benefits of Bringing your Family with you When Studying Abroad

You shouldn’t give up on your dream to study abroad just because you’re a parent. Most students prefer to continue their studies abroad due to independence and cultural diversity. Additionally, you can also obtain your degree in less time through an accelerated program, which is a major benefit if you have a family. Having a child shouldn’t stop you from advancing your career since there are ways to overcome common obstacles.

How Moving Abroad with your Family will encourage you

Become a role model.

Children look up to their parents. If you want to raise your children to become better people and want brilliant careers for them, you should also be able to accomplish that for yourself. Being ambitious doesn’t mean you’re egoistic, but a hardworking and focused person who wants to be a better provider to those depending on you.

While it’s not impossible to continue your education abroad after your children are all grown up and can take care of themselves, it can be difficult to make the most of past times. You will most likely not have the necessary energy and motivation, as well as the funds to move to a new environment and leave everything behind. The more your children grow, the higher the risk that they would want their lives to change drastically. However, it’s never too late.

Take Care of Yourself Now and For the Future

You will have your hands full when raising your children, yet after they get older, they will take control of their lives, and you will be left with nostalgia. However, with your own career, you won’t be left empty-handed. Your children will be busy with their lives, and you will be busy with yours as well.

Housing Options

Most study abroad programs have a variety of living arrangement options. While not all options are available at all locations, it’s important that you understand your preferences and some of the situations that you can find as you study abroad. Also, ensure that you know what each program will arrange before you make your choice. Below are some of the accommodations options you’ll find

Apartment: Finding and renting an apartment is an independent option for housing that is suited for students that are more comfortable creating their personal experiences abroad. For students not accustomed to this kind of freedom, it can be quite an isolating experience. However, for those with families, this can be a good option.

Host families: Also referred to as homestays, they are a good option for international students. You will be placed with a family and live in their home during your study program. This housing option will provide you with a real-life experience of the local culture and language. In most cases, international students develop close relationships with their host families, but sometimes it can present privacy challenges, especially for families.

Other housing options: You could find yourself in a multi-family home with other international students or renting a single-family home in the area where you study.

Whether you’re married or a single parent, you can move with your family abroad to study. With the ECPI University campus housing assistance program, you can be sure to find not just a place to put your suitcases, but a place to call home. Contact one of our helpful admissions advisors if you have any questions regarding housing options.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make !

DISCLAIMER – ECPI University makes no claim, warranty, or guarantee as to actual employability or earning potential to current, past or future students or graduates of any educational program we offer. The ECPI University website is published for informational purposes only. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained on the ECPI.edu domain; however, no warranty of accuracy is made. No contractual rights, either expressed or implied, are created by its content.

For more information about ECPI University or any of our programs click here: http://www.ecpi.edu/ or http://ow.ly/Ca1ya .

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Visitor Visa For Parents Of International Students-Know Here

• 28 May 2022, 10:13 AM EDT 30 June 2023, 10:12 AM EDT

Parents of international students can come to visit them in Canada with a visitor visa.

Your parents can stay in Canada for six months on visitor status. Furthermore, they can apply for an extension to continue staying after 6 months .

Additionally, to improve your parents’ or family members’ probability of being admitted to Canada, you must provide some supporting documents.

This article will help you understand how international students can apply visitor visa for their parents.

Extend Visitor Visa Stay After 6 Months: Here Is Full Guide

Eligibility

Visitor visa applicant should have/fulfill following criteria:

• A valid travel document, like a passport
• Be in good health
• No criminal or immigration-related convictions
• Convince an immigration officer that visa applicant has strong ties with home country.
• Convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit
• Enough money to pay for air ticket and support their stay in Canada

List of supporting documents

• Complete name, date of birth, address and telephone number, your relationship to the person.
• The purpose of the trip, how long the person plans to stay in Canada, where the person will stay, and when the person plans to leave Canada.
• Parent(s) Bank Account Statement (Optional, but highly important to make case strong): It should contain Bank name and contact, name and address on the statement, and at least 6 months of account details, including balances.
• Date, no earlier than 3 months before you apply and confirmation that you have a job with the employerFull name, date of birth, date the job started, brief description of the job, current salaryContact information of your manager, phone number, email address employer information, company name, address, street, city, state/province, country
• Signature of employer. Manager or human resources contact should print their name and sign the letter.
• Family information form (IMM 5645)

TRV For International Students & Workers-Why & How To Apply!

Here Is How To Extend Visitor Visa In Canada!

Additional Supporting Documents

Include documents demonstrating your status in Canada, such as:

• Study permit and an official enrolment letter from your school or college; or 
• Post-graduate work permit and employer letter confirming your job

If you completed your program, provide: 

• a copy of your study permit
• an official letter of completion
• If you applied for your PGWP but have yet to receive it, share the Letter of Confirmation that IRCC sends to confirm that your application was received.

How To Apply

You can apply online via new IRCC portal . There are three easy steps:

• Create an account on new IRCC portal and sign in
• Complete the online form and upload your documents
• Pay $100 processing fee using credit card or prepaid card from Visa®, MasterCard®, American Express®, JCB® and UnionPay®.

It’s usually advisable to deposit $85 biometric fee along with processing fee to avoid delays.

Note: This article is for informational purposes, so please do your due diligence before applying.

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC

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Advice for College Students Studying Abroad, and Their Parents

Students take challenges along when they spend a semester abroad and need to be prepared to take care of themselves in a new setting and a new language.

By Perri Klass, M.D.

As our children grow up, we learn the shifting mix of emotions that accompanies sending them off on their own — to camp, to college, on a variety of adventures. Study abroad for American college students has become more common — it’s about one in 10 college students now — and common in Europe as well, where the European Union operates the Erasmus program , which gives many students the chance to study in other countries.

I’ve had the great good fortune over the past year to interact with American college students studying in Berlin, Florence, Shanghai and Paris, and as a group they are deeply conscious of the privilege and very determined to make it count. I’m writing this, in part, to students who may be going abroad soon, offering a few before-you-go thoughts, but also to their parents, to say, trust them, believe in them — and help them think things through before they go.

I spoke with European clinical psychologists and wellness counselors who work with American students studying abroad, and one started by commenting on the American students’ sense of focus and awareness of their goals in life, which she found generally stronger and more consistent than among people their age in Europe.

At the same time, she said, that can backfire in terms of feeling under pressure. “I see many students under immense pressure,” she said. “People get anxious about a B-plus, not just uncomfortable, but anxious.” Some students, she said, seem to feel, “either I am the best, or I am nothing.”

As all experienced travelers know, while your voyaging may take you to new thoughts and new feelings, you also take yourself with you wherever you go, so the situations that challenged you or worried you at home will still loom in a new setting and a new language.

That psychologist also noted — with a mix of admiration and concern — that among American college students, she encounters the sentiment that “free time is a waste of time.” In America, she said, there must be “a different work-life balance than we have over here.”

If you are a parent of a college student who is getting ready to go abroad, it can be an opportunity to tell your own stories of youthful adventures, or at least, those you are willing to have go public (hitchhiking through Europe together in 1976-77 was the great guarded secret of my own marriage, the absolute don’t-do-as-we-did, and I mention it only because our children have expressed shock and horror that we ever did such a thing).

But you should also honor the modern study-abroad experience, and think with your child about how to get as much out of it as possible — and acknowledge that even for sophisticated and serious students, it can be intense, and sometimes challenging.

Discuss what supports and props your student has relied on for doing well academically, managing socially and generally staying healthy and happy in the first years of college. Many of the same stresses — and many of the same supports — will be there in a study-abroad setting, and it’s very much worth talking this through beforehand.

Any student with a medical problem, of course, should bring along relevant records, should ask about the availability of specialists if they’re needed, and should perhaps see if a home doctor would be willing to be called by a foreign doctor if problems arise.

A student who needs academic accommodations should make sure that those are arranged for the new setting. And a student who has benefited from regularly seeing a counselor should find out what will be available abroad, and if the counselor works in the college health system, should consider getting a specific referral and introduction.

Anyone on prescription medications, especially for mental health indications, should think through carefully the complexities of bringing an adequate supply, and should not take for granted that the same products will be available abroad. For example, medications for attention deficit hyperactivity may not be available for people over 18 in European countries.

I promise, none of these questions will be surprising or new to any college or university health system in a school that regularly sends students abroad.

And then — yes, you knew it was coming — there’s the alcohol issue. Many American students feel, rightly, that they get lumped into a cliché of too-much-drinking, especially by the European press. But it is also true that for some, being in a place where they are suddenly of legal drinking age presents temptations. It’s worth a conversation about drinking as an adult, in accordance with your family values and standards.

It’s also true that any city with many foreign students is likely to foster a certain number of not necessarily savory establishments catering in particular to those students. These are often the places where the ill-intentioned and the predatory hang out, looking for victims.

And remember — you know this, but I have to remind you — that after age 18, your child is entitled to full medical confidentiality under HIPAA . It’s up to you to discuss, ahead of time, how much you want to be in the loop if there are illnesses and problems, because it will be up to your child to contact you directly, when the time comes, or to give permission.

Older people, that is, the American parents (and sometimes grandparents) who visit students while they are studying abroad, or stay in close communication with them from home, and wait for their holiday visits, are often inclined to see these students as remarkably fortunate. There’s the I-never-got-to-do-this speech, or sometimes a speech about how smooth the way has been made for today’s students.

Why, when I was your age, we slept in barracks in the hostel. If we wanted to call home , we waited on line in huge post offices for a few minutes in a little phone booth.

It’s true that there were no cellphones when parents of today’s college students were young, and yes, you had to change money to a different currency in every European country (and you had to do it during bank hours), and no, there was no network of super-cheap budget airlines, more’s the pity.

The implicit moral might seem to be that today’s college students, with organized programs and strong supports in place, are somehow missing out on some essential element of discomfort and misery that is necessary for that real down-and-out-in-Paris-and-London travel experience.

But the somewhat moving reality, I think, is that study abroad for most college students remains a powerful and even transformative experience, that foreign countries and foreign cultures continue to surprise you and inform you and shake you up. That’s why students go, and that’s why the experience helps them grow; you bring yourself along, wherever you go, as travelers have always done, but you also come back changed and amazed and aware that the world is both very big and very small.

A Guide to Parenting Now

Some anxious parents are choosing “sleepunders” picking kids up just before bedtime  — or even staying over with them. Here are the pros and cons to that approach.

Many parents feel the need to stuff their children’s days full of activities to keep them entertained and engaged. But boredom has its virtues .

Being a modern parent means juggling many opinions on how to do it correctly. The good news is that there’s no one way to do it right .

Parental burnout is real. Take this test  to clarify how depleted you feel — so hopefully you can get the help you need.

More American women are having kids later in life. We asked mothers who had children after 40  to share their experiences.

Millennial parents, guided by influencers, are now proudly try-hard, and they're embracing a new “gentle parenting” approach .

International Programs

Inviting parents, friends, and other non-dependent relatives to the u.s., what kind of visa should my relatives obtain.

Most visitors should apply for a B-2 visitor visa at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in order to enter the U.S. as a tourist. Review the Department of State site for more information on this type of visa.

However, some individuals may be eligible to enter the U.S. on the Visa Waiver Program (see below) instead.

Parents and siblings of people in F-1 or J-1 status are not eligible for F-2 or J-2 status. Forms I-20 and DS-2019 are not issued to invite parents, parents-in-law, or siblings. If you wish, you may send your relatives a copy of your I-20 or DS-2019 form, but they should not submit it to the consular officer unless asked for it. Do not send your original I-20 or DS-2019 to your parents, other non-dependent relatives, or friends. You should keep the form yourself. If you wish to invite your spouse or children, please review Inviting Your Spouse and/or Children to the U.S.

What documents do my relatives need to obtain a B-2 visa? ISSS recommends that your relatives take the following documents with them to the U.S. consulate:

• An invitation from you : Write a letter in English to your relative, stating (1) whom you are inviting, (2) the purpose of the visit (for example, vacation, attend graduation, meet a new baby), (3) the dates (even approximate dates) of the visit, (4) what financial support you are offering (for example, cost of travel, room and board)
• Evidence of financial support : If you are going to provide any financial support for the visit, you need to furnish your relatives with appropriate documentation. This could be a letter verifying employment and/or a bank statement showing not just your current balance(s), but also the history of the account, making clear that the current balance is not the result of a recent, large deposit. Include information about the date the account was opened and the average monthly balance. You may also need to submit Form I-134 Affidavit of Support . If your visitors will pay for their expenses themselves though, you are not required to complete Form I-134.
• Visa application form, along with photographs
• Evidence of ties to the home country: The reason U.S. consular officers most frequently deny B-2 visa applications is lack of evidence of strong ties to the visitor’s home country. Under U.S. law, consular officers are not supposed to issue a B visa if they do not believe the applicant has ties that will bring them back home. Go here for more information on this matter and denials .
• Support letter from ISSS : U.S. consular officers sometimes ask B-2 visa applicants for a letter certifying that the people inviting them are in fact a current student or scholar in the United States. If you need such a letter, login to your iHawk account (click the blue login button) using your HawkID and password. Go to "Other Services" and complete the e-form "Invitation Letter Request." After completing this e-form request in iHawk, please visit  ISSS walk-in advising hours  to meet with an ISSS advisor to review your request. If there are no questions, an invitation letter will be issued. You can then send the letter to your relatives. Generally though, this document is not required for your relatives to obtain a B-2 visa. 

How long can people in B-2 status stay in the United States?

The length of a visitor’s initial permission to stay in B-2 status is determined by the officer at the port of entry. The maximum initial period is six months. People who want to remain longer need to apply for an extension . There is no specified limit on the number of extensions allowed. Be aware that the USCIS requires at least four months to process an application for extension in B-2 status. That does not mean your visitors need to apply for an extension four months in advance. Their obligation is to make sure the USCIS receives the extension application before their current stay expires .

 What is the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?

The Visa Waiver Program allows visitors from certain countries to visit the U.S. for pleasure or business up to 90 days without a visa. For a complete list of participating countries, please visit the Department of State site. Visitors must meet certain visa waiver requirements to participate in the program. Eligible visitors do not need to visit a U.S. consulate and apply for a visa prior to visiting the U.S. Visa waiver travelers will instead be required to register their travel plans in the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) a minimum of 72 hours prior to departure.

Individuals who enter the U.S. on the Visa Waiver Program are not eligible to change status; nor may visitors apply for an extension of their stay beyond 90 days. Individuals who previously experienced visa denials or who believe they might be ineligible for a visa should contact their local U.S. embassy or consulate prior to traveling on the Visa Waiver Program.

Health Insurance Reminder

Be sure your visitors have health insurance that will cover them while in the United States. Most guests will require “major medical coverage,” which is health insurance that goes into effect if they are unexpectedly hospitalized as a result of an accident or an illness. Most local healthcare providers in the Iowa City area do not accept foreign health insurance plans. Without coverage, your guests could experience financial devastation if hospitalization becomes necessary.

Can B-2 or WT visitors enroll in a degree program?

All visitors in B-2 or WT status who entered the U.S. are restricted from enrolling in a degree program. Such enrollment will constitute a violation of status and could result in serious consequences. It is also extremely difficult for visitors in B status to change to F-1 status while in the U.S. If you have a relative who is considering the possibility of applying for a degree program in the U.S., please contact an ISSS adviser for information on the best course of action to be taken, preferably before they come to the U.S.

Can B-2 or WT visitors work while in the U.S.?

No, visitors in B-2 status or WT (Waived Tourist) status may not work in the U.S. during their visit.

Biometric Data and the US-VISIT Program

In 2004, visa officers at U.S. consulates and immigration officers at U.S. Ports of Entry began gathering "biometric" data. This data is collected when persons apply for both non-immigrant and immigrant visas and upon entering and exiting the U.S. Biometric data, in this case, simply refers to the photographs along with digital "inkless" fingerprints. This information is kept electronically by the U.S. government, and is included in the SEVIS tracking system. The intent of the U.S. government is to have an electronic tracking system of non-citizen's entries and exits to and from the U.S.

One thing ISSS wishes to point out to students and scholars and their visitors is that precise entry and exit information will be kept electronically. This means that anyone who "overstays" his or her visit to the U.S. will have that information immediately available to immigration officers. If you have visitors come in B-1 or B-2 status, or who may come on the Visa Waiver program, remember that they are allowed to be in the U.S. only until a specific date (usually 6 months, but sometimes less), which is stamped in the passport upon entering the U.S. If the B visitor does not leave the U.S. by that date, they will be considered to have "overstayed" the visit to the U.S. (unless steps were taken to extend their visit before that date). Consequences of overstaying a visit to the U.S. may vary from a "review with immigration officials to removal from the United States or even a bar from future entry, depending on the individual circumstances."

International Programs at the University of Iowa supports the right of all individuals to live freely and to live in peace. We condemn all acts of violence based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, and perceived national or cultural origin. In affirming its commitment to human dignity, International Programs strongly upholds the values expressed in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights .  

• Faculty & Staff

Invite Family Members to Visit the U.S.

During your studies at UW you may want to invite your parents or other family members to visit.

Letter of Invitation

To facilitate their visa interview process you should do the following:

• Many sample letters can be found by searching “sample letter visitor visa graduation” online.
• Include an Enrollment Verification to confirm your student status. Graduate students who hold an RA/TA appointment may want to also attach a departmental funding letter.
• If you are graduating and they are traveling to attend your commencement ceremony, provide details of the Commencement Ceremony .
• For additional information about U.S. consulate/embassy locations and application procedures, review the U.S. Department of State visa information .

Providing your family members with this documentation may improve their chances of obtaining a visa; however, there is no guarantee a visa will be issued. The success of their request for a visa lies in their ability to prove that they have no intention of staying permanently in the U.S.

Please note that ISS advisers are unable to write a letter of invitation for your family members.

For students registering for courses starting in September 2024, UBC has switched to a new system, Workday . Please check your email for setup instructions. Summer Session students should continue using SSC .

• Student Services
• International Student Guide
• Immigration

Documentation for your family

Faqs for international students.

Get timely updates on immigration, work eligibility, and health insurance for international students.

• Applying for your dependents to join you in Canada

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:

Common-law partners

• Dependent children

They can apply together at the same time 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.

Canadian immigration policy considers a common-law partner in the same manner as a legal spouse. Common-law partners are people of the same or opposite sex who have lived together continuously  in a conjugal, marriage-like relationship for at least one year.

Be sure to attach proof of your common-law relationship as supporting documentation, along with a notarized Statutory Declaration of Common Law Union [IMM 5409] (pdf) form.

• Travel documents for your family

Depending on their country of citizenship , each family member may need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV, or “entry visa”) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) which allows them to travel to Canada. US citizens and lawful permanent residents of the US are exempt. TRVs and eTAs are travel documents only and do not provide status in Canada.

If your family members apply for a study permit or work permit from outside of Canada , the TRV or eTA is provided automatically. Find out if your family needs a TRV or eTA .

Learn about how to apply for their TRV if required.

It may be possible for your family members to come live with you in Canada for the duration of your studies. In most cases, “family” includes spouses, common-law/conjugal partners, and dependent children . If your family members enter Canada without you, they may be admitted on visitor status for up to six months.  Family members most often apply to come initially as visitors. They may need to pass a  medical examination  in advance.

Visitors admitted for six months or less are not eligible for  the BC Medical Services Plan  (BC’s provincial health insurance plan). Therefore, if they plan to stay longer than six months, you should apply to extend their stay as soon as possible.

Visas for family members

Depending on their country of citizenship, they may need to apply either for a  Temporary Resident Visa  (TRV, or “entry visa”) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) that allows them to travel to Canada. If they apply for a study permit or work permit from outside of Canada, the TRV or eTA is issued automatically. If your family members will accompany you to Canada, they can either apply at the same time as you or join you after you have arrived.

To improve the probability that your family members travelling without you are admitted to Canada as visitors for the length of your study permit, be sure to send them copies of your study permit, Temporary Resident Visa (if you have one) and passport for them to present to the authorities at the Canadian port of entry (airport or border crossing).

Study permits for children

Minor children (under the age of 19 in British Columbia)  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.

Minor children applying from  outside  Canada to accompany a parent for work or study in Canada for 6 months or longer must apply for a study permit. In general, having a study permit (rather than a visitor record) can make the immigration process run more smoothly for accompanying minor children.

Note that minor children who are accompanying a family member  who has applied and been approved for a work or study permit before entering Canada   do not need to provide a letter of acceptance from an educational institution . 

You should bring two years of official school records for your children, in English or with a certified English translation. You may also need immunization records since birth and their original birth certificate.

Please see  Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's guidelines on minor children  for more information.

Extending documents for family members

When extending documents, each dependent (including children) requires their own valid document to stay in Canada. Extend their documents before the expiry date and pay the appropriate fee for each person.

Visitor documents may include a verbal confirmation from an officer of how long their status is in Canada, a stamp in the passport (very rare), or a printed document called a visitor record. An Canada Border Services Agency stamp allows the visitor to remain in Canada for six months from the date of entry; the same is true if there are no stamps. If the officer writes a date under the stamp or issues a visitor record, they must leave or extend their stay by the date provided.

• 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

Whether or not a passport is stamped, visitors can remain in Canada for six months from the date of entry. However, if the officer writes a date under the stamp or issues a Visitor Record, the visitor must leave or extend their stay before the date provided.

Unless your dependents are coming for a short visit, they should request a Visitor Record upon entry to Canada with an expiry date that matches your study permit.

If your dependents enter Canada with you, they will typically be issued Visitor Records for the same length as your study permit.

If your dependents enter Canada without you, they may be admitted as visitors for up to six months. To improve the likelihood that their visitor record is issued for the same length as your study permit, send them copies of your study permit, Temporary Resident Visa (if you have one), passport and a current UBC letter of enrollment indicating the expected completion date of your studies (from the Student Service Centre  or your advising or graduate program staff) for them to present to the Officer on arrival. 

Visitors admitted for six months or less are not eligible for the BC Medical Services Plan , BC's provincial health insurance plan, and you should purchase private temporary health insurance for the duration of their stay—see below for more information on health insurance. If your family plans to stay longer than six months, you should apply to extend their stay as soon as possible and before their visitor status expires.

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.

You should also bring the following documents for your children:

• 2 years of your child's official school records, in English or with a certified English translation
• Your child's immunization records since birth
• Your child's original birth certificate

Read more information on what a minor child needs to study in Canada if they’re not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Children usually start elementary school in the year they turn 5 years old. If your child is not yet school aged, they do not require a study permit and should apply for a Temporary Resident Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization, if required. You should request a Visitor Record for them when entering Canada. 

If your child is 19 or older, they will need to apply for their study permit independently. If they meet the definition of a dependent child , you can submit their Visitor Record application together with your study/work permit application.

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. The spouse/partner work permit will usually be issued for the same length of time as your study or work permit.

As of March 19, 2024, only spouses or common-law partners of students in some programs can apply for an open work permit. Your spouse or common-law partner can apply for a open work permit if you're an international student who:

• is studying full-time (or will study full-time once you begin studies in Canada)
• Has a valid study permit (or is applying for a study permit from outside Canada at the same time as the work permit)
• Is in a master’s degree, doctoral degree, or professional degree program which is eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) (or will be when you begin studies in Canada). Graduate certificates and diplomas are not master’s degrees and thus do not qualify for this. 

If your spouse or common-law partner already has a spouse/partner open work permit, they can apply to extend their work permit so long as you have a valid study permit, are studying full-time, and are eligible for a PGWP. You can extend your study permit and your spouse/partner’s work permit together in one application. Contact International Student Advising for support. 

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. Contact International Student Advising for support. 

There are a few options for your spouse or partner to apply for a work permit. Contact International Student Advising to discuss your spouse or partner's circumstances and options to apply for a TRV or work permit.

From outside Canada

They can apply at the same time you apply for your initial study permit in one application, or separately after you’ve arrived in Canada with a copy of your study permit or PGWP. Contact International Student Advising for support if you are transitioning to the PGWP and your spouse wants to apply for a work permit since there are additional requirements .

Review the spouse/partner work permit tutorial for inside Canada applications, then review the IRCC work permit outside of Canada guide since the application will be slightly different. Be sure to include any additional documents required by the visa office in the "Client Information" section—after selecting "online," select your country under the "where are you applying from" section then see the visa office instructions PDF.

It is important to provide an explanation and supporting documents to satisfy the officer that they have ties to their home country and will leave Canada by the end of their authorized stay. Find other helpful tips, such as how to prepare a letter of explanation, in our initial study permit tutorial required documents page.

Upon arrival in Canada: for Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) holders and US citizens and permanent residents only

They can apply for a work permit at the airport or border crossing when entering Canada if they are TRV-exempt and have an eTA or are a US citizen or lawful permanent resident of the US. If they are from an eTA expansion country they are not eligible to apply for a work permit upon entry to Canada. See full details of who can apply upon entry . They will need to bring all printed documents and forms with them following the ‘from outside Canada’ section above. Visa office specific documents are not required. If the officer approves the application, the work permit will be issued immediately.

After they arrive in Canada

They can apply from inside Canada if they have valid visitor or student status. They can apply separately with a copy of your study permit or PGWP or at the same time you apply for a study permit extension. Contact International Student Advising for support if you are transitioning to the PGWP and your spouse has a work permit since there are additional requirements .

If they are from a country which requires a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), they will need a valid TRV to travel to Canada.

It could also be possible to apply at the US border after entering Canada (“flagpoling”); however there are risks involved. Contact International Student Advising for support.

• 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 iMED , then apply for the Medical Services Plan (MSP) once they’ve arrived in British Columbia, if eligible. MSP fees are based on whether your dependent has status as a visitor, student, or worker. You might also be eligible to enroll your dependents in the AMS/GSS Health and Dental Plan . For iMED and AMS/GSS Health and Dental, check the dates by which you can add dependents. 

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). Contact International Student Advising for support if you are transitioning to the PGWP and your spouse has a work permit since there are additional requirements .

Be sure to extend the documents for each individual (even infants) before their status in Canada expires. Applications must be submitted before 11:59 pm UTC (not local time) on the date their status expires to remain in Canada under maintained status . 

Follow the links for more information on how to:

• Extend their stay as a visitor
• Extend their stay as a student
• Extend their stay as a worker 
• Extend their Temporary Resident Visa in Canada (for study or work permit holders only)

Visitors are not eligible to apply for a TRV in Canada, and will need to apply through the visa office serving their country of citizenship. Contact International Student Advising for support.

• Inviting your family to visit you in Canada

If a family member such as a parent requires a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) and wants to come visit you in Canada temporarily—for example, to attend your graduation ceremony—you can provide documents to help them with their TRV application.

If they need an Electronic Travel Authorization  (eTA), they could consider bringing additional documents as well.

Read the guide

The information on this page may change

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.

• Additional resources
• Resources for students who are parents
• Childcare and school registration
• BC Newcomers’ Guide
• Travelling to Canada Guide

Find everything you need to know about life as an international student at UBC's Vancouver campus.

View the guide

• If you have questions

You can connect with  International Student Advising for questions related to immigration, health insurance, and life as an international student in Canada.

On this page

6 Questions All Parents of Students Studying Abroad Should Ask

Parents of students studying abroad are often nervous about what to expect. put your mind at ease by planning ahead..

For parents of students studying abroad, watching your child prepare for the adventure of international study can bring a mix of emotions. You are excited for them, but also nervous and unsure of what to expect. Below, we’ve gathered some common questions from parents of international students studying in the USA. 

1. What travel documents does my student need?

Your student will need three documents to enter the United States – a passport, a visa, and an I-20 form. Getting each of these documents takes time, so make sure you and your student plan accordingly. Here are the requirements:

• Passport Your student must have an up-to-date passport that will not expire while the student is in the U.S.
• Visa An F-1 student visa is needed for international students at American colleges and universities.
• Form I-20 Your university will provide this form to your student. It proves he or she is authorized to study in the U.S. Your student will be asked to present their I-20 form at customs.

Parents of international students can travel on standard B-2 visas. Remember, you will also need an up-to-date passport. Even if you do not plan to travel with your child to the university, it is a good idea to have your own passport in case of an emergency.

Read our international student travel checklist

2. Will my student be welcomed in the United States?

Many American universities and colleges have students from all over the world. This means that even though your student may be far from home, they are not alone. Trust that the school your child attends knows how to support international students. In fact, many have designed specific programs and outreach campaigns especially for students studying abroad, like #youarewelcomehere .

If your student faces a challenge like trouble with a roommate , a difficult class or depression, encourage them to get in touch with their international student office. The counselors in these departments are trained to help students like yours have a positive college experience.

3. Will I be able to keep in touch with my student?

Yes, absolutely. The internet makes communication between international students and their families a lot easier. You can communicate with your student via text chat, video chat platforms like Skype or over the telephone. Make sure your student has an international cell phone plan so they can easily call you. Time differences can make calling home tricky, so before your student leaves home, schedule a weekly phone call that works for both time zones.

4. How can I support my student?

Your child might feel lonely, but probably not at first. Students usually are busy and excited at the beginning of the semester. They are having new experiences, meeting new people and getting comfortable in their new environment. Most students will not get homesick right away because they have too much to do.

After a few weeks, though, you may notice that your student calls home more often or seems more withdrawn. This is a great time to send a care package. Then, when you do talk to your child, encourage your student to get involved and make friends on campus. There are many clubs, organizations and events that can help students feel more connected to their campus community.

5. What if an emergency happens?

Although emergencies are unlikely, it is still a good idea to be prepared . If your student is sick or injured while studying abroad in the USA, they can go to the campus health center or the emergency room at a local hospital. Campus or local authorities can then notify the international student office, which will get in touch with you.

Make sure that both your student and their international student office have reliable contact information for you and other family members. Know that, in the United States, hospitals and other health care institutions must follow privacy regulations that restrict the release of health information. Your student may need to sign a waiver form before their health and personal information can be released to parents or other family members.

6. What other resources are available for parents of students studying abroad?

Each school will be different! If you have questions about the university or what life is like for your child as an international student, you can reach out to the school’s international student office. The staff in these departments at U.S. universities have helped thousands of international students and parents of students studying abroad with the college experience.

You can also ask about onboarding information and parent orientation activities. Some universities offer special orientation sessions where they provide tips for parents of international students.

Remember, as the parents of international students, this is an exciting time for your family. Prepare in advance for your child’s journey, stay in touch with them while they’re on campus, and get to know the school’s international student office, and you’ll set your student up to succeed.

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COVID-19: A Guide for International Students in Canada Arriving from Abroad

Note: Below is a document to put in place a consolidated set of guidelines to support the return of international students and outline the roles and responsibilities of Designated Learning Institutions, Provinces and Territories, and the Government of Canada.

This document is aligned with advice published by the Public Health Agency of Canada and complementary to that advice, with each Department / Agency responsible for its own advice, with cross-references to the other. PHAC advice pertains to public health measures, whereas Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada advice focuses on the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders in the international education sector with respect to managing public health risks associated with COVID-19.

Section 1: Introduction

The following document provides information on the COVID-19 pandemic, and outlines the roles and responsibilities of Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs), Provinces and Territories (PTs), and the Government of Canada with respect to the safe arrival and stay of international students in Canada.

The information and guidance provided here are meant to supplement protocols and plans in place or being established at the PT and/or institutional levels (see Part 4 – roles and responsibilities ). A general principle is provided to promote racial equality, diversity, inclusion and respect (see Part 5 - Fundamental Values for Race, Cultural Diversity and Inclusion ).

This guidance should be read alongside the Public Health Agency of Canada’s (PHAC’s) institution readiness requirements, which support PTs in confirming that DLIs have appropriate measures in place to ensure international students can meet the obligations under the Quarantine Act and are ready to safely welcome international students. These guidance documents entitled: Guidance for Post-secondary institutions during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and Guidance for Schools Kindergarten to Grade 12 , outline the recommended public health measures applicable to all students in a Kindergarten to Grade 12 (K-12) and post-secondary setting in Canada, as well as relevant guidance from provincial/territorial health authorities.

Section 2: What is COVID-19 (coronavirus)

COVID-19 is a viral infectious disease that can vary in severity, with some individuals having very mild, or no symptoms, others may develop a respiratory illness, such as pneumonia, and some may develop severe and life threatening multi-system disease. COVID-19 has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), meaning it is circulating globally, and there is little to no population immunity to the disease. Most people who are infected with COVID-19 will have a mild illness and will recover on their own. Some people who have more severe cases of COVID-19 will require care from a health care provider or hospitalization. COVID-19 may be diagnosed by a health care provider based on signs and symptoms, and/or confirmed through laboratory tests.

For more information about COVID-19 and its signs and symptoms, consult the Government of Canada website .

Section 3: What you need to know before leaving your country

Any international student and accompanying immediate family members with symptoms that could be associated with COVID-19 will not be allowed to board their flight to Canada. If symptoms possibly associated with COVID-19 are present upon arrival in Canada, a health assessment will be performed by a PHAC quarantine or screening officer and the individual(s) may not be allowed to enter Canada, or if necessary, the individual(s) may be transported to a hospital for a medical examination.

Currently, international students may enter Canada for the purposes of pursuing primary or secondary school curriculum or a program of post-secondary study that has been confirmed by a province or territory as ready to safely host international students subject to conditions set out in the Quarantine Act, and Emergency Orders: Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Mandatory Isolation) and Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States) . The list of provincial or territorial approved institutions will be published on the IRCC website and international students are encouraged to verify that their institutions are on that list prior to travelling to Canada. Footnote 1

International students are required to hold a study permit or study permit approval, noting that a study permit alone is not a travel authorization and the international student must attend a DLI that a province or territory has determined as having appropriate measures in place to ensure students can meet the obligation under the Quarantine Act with respect to mandatory isolation or quarantine. IRCC will communicate with international students once travel authorization has been granted and remind them that this authorization may be cancelled if the circumstances in their destined DLI or PT changes (e.g. an outbreak). Among other requirements to be granted entry to Canada, an international student will be required to demonstrate to a border services officer that they are entering Canada for non-discretionary purposes and that they are studying at a listed DLI . If these requirements are not demonstrated by an international student upon arrival, they may be refused entry.

Accompanying immediate family members may also be allowed to enter Canada to accompany international students. This could include a student’s spouse or dependent child(ren), or in the case of a minor who is coming to study in Canada, a parent or legal guardian who will provide care during the quarantine period and/or remainder of stay in Canada. They must show that their reasons for travel are non-discretionary/non-optional, for instance, helping the student get established in Canada.

In accordance with the requirements set out in the Emergency Order under the Quarantine Act , all travellers entering Canada are required to undergo the necessary health checks, must wear a non-medical mask or face covering during travel, including to their place of quarantine, and they must quarantine (if asymptomatic) or isolate (if symptomatic) for 14 days upon arrival in Canada, in accordance with the requirements set out in the Emergency Order. Upon arrival, international students must be able to demonstrate that they have a plan in place to support their initial 14-day mandatory quarantine or isolation period in Canada as well as submit the required contact and address information.

International students should remember that it is a requirement to enter Canada with a plan for quarantining for at least 14 days in advance of their first day of their program of study or primary or secondary school curriculum in order to be in compliance with the existing Emergency Order under the Quarantine Act , requiring mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival. It is the student’s responsibility to respect the following guidelines and that there are appropriate arrangements in place during their quarantine, which includes:

• ensuring they have individual accommodations, monitoring for symptoms,
• avoiding public and shared spaces, arranging to have access to basic necessities (e.g., food and medicines),
• physical distancing from others, and
• avoiding contact with people who are at higher risk for severe illness (i.e., older adults, individuals who have underlying medical conditions or are immunocompromised).

As such, hostels and residences with shared living accommodations are not acceptable for quarantine or isolation. International students living with a homestay provider, host family or a custodian will need to self-isolate from other members in the accommodation or home, which would involve having a separate bedroom and washroom (if possible), physical distancing from all household members, and frequently disinfecting high-touch surfaces.

Minors are not exempt from mandatory quarantine requirements. The parents or guardians of a minor travelling alone to Canada must also ensure that the appropriate arrangements have been made before departing from their home country and that the minor will be able to care for and support themselves during the 14-day mandatory quarantine period while living with a homestay provider, custodian, host family, hotel or in other accommodations.

Before arrival, the parent or guardian must understand Canada’s protocols to safely quarantine (self-isolate) or isolate for the required period. This means that their child must quarantine in a place that meets public health requirements, and that their child is well-equipped with the necessities (food, medication, medical access) to quarantine while in Canada in the care of a custodian and/or homestay provider, or another family member.

International students should confirm their eligibility for health-care coverage in Canada and, if not covered, they should make arrangements to purchase comprehensive private health insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage, before departure.

All students are responsible for following the requirements of federal quarantine, and other COVID-19 guidelines and advice as issued by the Government of Canada, the province or territory, the municipality where the student will reside, or issued by the institution where the student will study.

Failure to comply with this Order is an offense under the Quarantine Act . Any international student and/or family member who are found to be in violation of the mandatory 14-day quarantine period may be penalized under Canadian law. Maximum penalties include a fine of up to $750,000 and/or imprisonment up to six months. Further, a person who causes a risk of imminent death or serious bodily harm to another person while willfully or recklessly contravening the Quarantine Act or the regulations could be liable for a fine of up to $1,000,000 or to imprisonment of up to three years, or to both. Spot checks will be conducted by the Government of Canada to verify compliance. We note that in addition to the offences under the Quarantine Act , international students and their family members may face consequences under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, including prohibition of entry to Canada, loss of status and possible removal from Canada. These rules apply to international students who are minors as well. PT public health authorities and local officials also have the ability to enforce their own quarantine requirements.

Upon arrival, border services officers will assess the circumstances surrounding the student’s travel. Students are strongly encouraged to make use of the ArriveCan App ( iOS ,  Android  or  web format ), which makes it easier to provide mandatory information upon entering Canada, reduces processing times and points of contact at the border, and provides the Government of Canada with voluntary updates on the student’s quarantine compliance and the development of any symptoms during the 14-day quarantine.

During their stay in Canada, all international students and accompanying immediate family members must continue to comply with the federal, provincial and territorial laws and regulations, as well as the guidelines established by local authorities and their respective institutions.

Section 4: Roles and Responsibilities

Designated learning institutions.

Learning institutions are designated to host international students under the authority of the province or territory in which they operate. A DLI may host international students and issue letters of acceptance (LOAs) to applicants destined to a Canadian primary or secondary school or a post-secondary education program. Upon receipt of an LOA from a DLI in Canada, a student abroad is eligible to apply for a study permit from IRCC.

Under the current COVID-19 circumstances, as long as the institution is published on IRCC’s list of PT approved DLIs re-opening to students arriving from abroad, the institution is providing the student with assurance that it can welcome them into their program of study or primary or secondary school curriculum because they have the appropriate measures in place to ensure students can meet obligations under the Quarantine Act . Students can apply for a study permit with an LOA from an institution not currently on the list of DLIs re-opening to students arriving from abroad and commence online studies at the DLI, provided that this option is available to them. For these students, travel to Canada to study in person will be delayed until the DLI has the appropriate measures in place to be on IRCC’s list of PT approved DLIs re-opening to students arriving from abroad.

In the context of COVID-19, DLIs are expected to have specific plans in place to manage their operations that align with PT business resumption plans related to managing the risks associated with COVID-19 and guidance issued by the Government of Canada and the local public health authority. DLIs are expected to abide by the public health protocols, orders, and guidance that are in effect, and are subject to PT oversight of their institutional plans. Any changes within the institutions should be communicated to the province or territory to ensure that the institution can remain on or should be removed from IRCC’s list of PT approved DLIs re-opening to students arriving from abroad.

DLIs are expected to have plans in place to provide necessary information and support to international students destined to their institution in order to help them understand and manage current health restrictions and guidance. This guidance should be available to, and applicable for, international students and accompanying immediate family members, whether living on-campus or off-campus, including living with homestay or custodian.

DLIs are expected to recognize that a student who is new to Canada, or the specific community where they will be living and studying, may not be familiar with the resources available to them. International students should be provided with support resources and orientation information that not only helps them familiarize themselves with their new community, but also provides information on how to comply with current public health requirements, including expectations while in the 14-day mandatory quarantine period upon their arrival. Any information is expected to be provided to international students prior to their departure from their home countries, and upon arrival, as appropriate. Resources or information provided should include:

• Information related to legal requirements of the 14-day mandatory quarantine period after arrival in Canada, as well as respecting jurisdictional COVID-19 protocols;
• Assistance in developing quarantine plans in advance of their arrival to Canada, including providing options for transportation to their place of quarantine; confirming agreements and assisting students with hotels, homestay, custodian or other accommodations; and communicating that only individuals who lived together in the same household (e.g., family members) in the country of origin will be permitted to quarantine together in the chosen accommodation in Canada;
• Provision of transportation or information regarding transportation requirements from the airport, or initial point of arrival in the local community, to their place of quarantine (e.g., hotel, residence, or other commercial housing, homestay provider, dormitory or custodian);
• Assistance acquiring the necessities required for the 14-day mandatory quarantine period (e.g., food and/or meals, medications, personal hygiene items, and locating a doctor for medical services), or identify an individual or organization who can perform this function so that new and returning students, as well as those living on-campus or off-campus or those living with a homestay provider or custodian are able to safely observe the 14-day mandatory quarantine period;
• Assistance acquiring provincial health care coverage, or identifying providers that will offer comprehensive health insurance that will cover outpatient and inpatient treatments and include consultations, medical tests and hospital stays during COVID-19; and
• Provision of information on physical and mental health supports, and other supports available to international students.
• Monitoring for symptoms before, during, and after their arrival in Canada
• Staying home/avoiding travel if ill
• Physical distancing
• Frequent hand hygiene
• Respiratory etiquette
• Environmental cleaning
• Non-medical masks/face coverings
• Avoiding contact with populations at high-risk for severe COVID-19 disease and outcomes (e.g. older adults, individuals who are immunocompromised and/or with underlying medical conditions).

Aligned with the business resumption plans and public health requirements in their jurisdictions, DLIs are expected to have identified plans in place for the safe operation of their institutions, and the continued monitoring of potential COVID-19 outbreaks. This would include measures such as:

• Implementing protocols during the 14-day mandatory quarantine period to monitor the health and well-being of international students (e.g., periodic check-ins) and reporting potential violations to the relevant public health authorities;
• Ensuring plans are in place should a student become symptomatic or is suspected of having been in contact with someone with COVID-19, including notifying the jurisdictional and local health authorities and education ministries, custodian, homestay provider or host family responsible for the care and support of a minor, and safely transporting the symptomatic/exposed international student if requiring hospitalization;
• Ensuring plans are in place should a student in quarantine require medical care for an issue not related to COVID-19 (e.g., a physical injury or emotional distress);
• After the 14-day mandatory quarantine period, ongoing monitoring of the health and safety of students, outreach to international students to ensure they are familiar with Canadian public health expectations and practices, as well as protocols for infection prevention or control and management in the event of an outbreak, or if a student requires medical attention; and,
• Developing contingency plans, in collaboration with local and provincial/territorial authorities to safely house international students in the event of an outbreak, or if it is determined that an institution’s plans are not sufficient to meet federal, provincial, territorial or local public health requirements.

Provinces and Territories

Recognizing the jurisdiction that PTs have over education and their responsibilities with respect to public health, each jurisdiction is expected to have collaborated with its DLIs and local public health authorities to ensure that each institution has developed appropriate business resumption plans and strategies to ensure the health and safety of Canadians and its residents. The Government of Canada does not have jurisdiction over DLIs, and therefore it is incumbent on the PTs to work closely with local public health authorities and institutions to ensure the health and safety of international students and Canadians. The public health readiness requirements provided by PHAC will support PTs in confirming that the DLIs in their jurisdictions are ready to safely welcome international students.

PTs also have the responsibility to monitor compliance and enforce their own public health orders with respect to international students and DLIs.

It will be important for PTs, working with the DLIs and local public health authorities in their jurisdictions, to recognize the unique needs of international students, particularly those who are entering Canada or living abroad for the first time. This includes ensuring that plans are in place to support the arrival of students, notably to ensure that they have the necessary orientation and supports to live safely in their new communities, both during their initial arrival when they are observing the mandatory 14-day quarantine period as well as the remainder of their stay in Canada.

Recognizing PT roles in health, all jurisdictions will be responsible to ensure that protocols are in place around infection prevention, reporting and mitigation in the event that any future outbreak of the virus occurs and informing PHAC and IRCC to remove these institutions from IRCC’s published list of DLIs re-opening to students arriving from abroad as they are no longer deemed equipped by the province or territory to accept international students.

PTs are to confirm readiness of DLIs to operate in the context of COVID-19 and specifically to host international students, including by identifying a list of institutions within the jurisdiction that can be considered to have been approved for this purpose in accordance with public health requirements and business resumption plans.

Government of Canada

The Government of Canada is responsible for the issuance of study permits (IRCC) to international students who have a valid letter of acceptance from a DLI and meet all eligibility and admissibility requirements, and for their admission to Canada.

IRCC will inform the international student through push notifications of their ability to travel based on whether a designated learning institutions has been confirmed by the province or territory as ready to host international students. International students (foreign nationals) who hold written notification from IRCC confirming the approval of their study permit application to be issued a study permit, and a letter of acceptance issued by a DLI approved by the province or territory as being ready to welcome the safe arrival of international students at the post-secondary or primary or secondary level, will be permitted to travel to Canada by air carriers (Transport Canada authority). Upon arrival at the Canadian port of entry (typically an airport for non-US travellers), these international students may be permitted entry to Canada and be issued their study permit following an examination by Canada Border Services Agency as long as they satisfy the Border Services Officer that they have met entry requirements.

The Government of Canada is also responsible for the imposition of the mandatory 14-day quarantine/quarantine period established under Emergency Orders made pursuant to the Quarantine Act (see Section 2 ), as well as compliance monitoring and enforcement. A border services officer or PHAC quarantine or screening officer will assess every traveller entering Canada and ensure that they have a suitable plan for quarantine, and will follow up with individual travellers as required.

International students permitted to enter Canada are considered temporary residents under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulation. The Government of Canada is responsible for the enforcement of the mandatory immigration conditions that all temporary residents and persons temporarily authorized to enter must comply with under any order or regulation made pursuant to the Quarantine Act . As such, the Canada Border Services Agency, is responsible for seeking removal orders for international students who fail to comply with the above mandatory conditions.

The Government of Canada will coordinate information sharing internally within federal Departments and be responsible for managing and updating IRCC’s list of DLIs re-opening to students arriving from abroad with institutions that are ready to receive international students and those that should be removed. The Government of Canada will also ensure that information sharing with PTs continues, through fora such as the Federal-Provincial Consultative Committee on Education-Related International Activities, regarding the International Student Program and to support the arrival of international students to Canada.

As part of information-sharing, the Government of Canada will solicit from PTs periodic reports on the performance of DLIs with the public health and student safety requirements set out in this guidance document. This will allow for adjustments to guidance and policies as necessary and ensure international students are updated about their status in returning for studies at a confirmed DLI on a PT-approved list.

Section 5: Fundamental Values for Race, Cultural Diversity and Inclusion

PTs, and the DLIs within their jurisdiction are expected to recognize their roles with respect to advancing racial equality, respect, cultural diversity and inclusion on post-secondary campuses and primary and secondary schools that will host international students who are minors.

This should include building into business resumption plans, strategies that protect the international student population from discrimination and harassment. PTs and DLIs should perform ongoing monitoring to ensure that local communities and campuses are safe and welcome places for international students, free of any biases or racism that may be associated with COVID-19.

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How to Bring Your Family to Germany on a Student Visa

Starting your studies in Germany as an international student means you might be able to bring your family with you. If you meet certain requirements and have a German residence permit, you can have your spouse and children join you while you study.

• International students in Germany can bring family members, including spouses and children, through the German Family Reunion Visa, while citizens from certain countries may enter without a visa but require a residence permit.
• Spouses, children under 16, and occasionally other family members like parents or extended relatives, can join the student in Germany, subject to specific conditions and requirements.
• Students must have a valid residence permit, sufficient living space, adequate health insurance, financial stability, and for some family members, proof of German language skills, to sponsor family members.
• Applications for the Family Reunion Visa must be made in the applicant’s home country or place of legal residence. The application requires an appointment, submission of documents, and, after arrival, applying for a German residence permit.

What Is the German Family Reunion Visa?

The German Family Reunion Visa (Visum zur Familienzusammenführung) is a special permit that allows the non-EU/EEA family members of foreign students in Germany to join them. 

Designed to keep families together, this visa enables close family members to live in Germany while the student is enrolled in a study course under the condition of holding a German residence permit for study.

Who Needs a German Family Reunion Visa to Join You During Your Studies?

Apart from citizens of the EU, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway, or Switzerland, anyone else wishing to join you during your studies in Germany needs some type of residence permit. 

Nationals from certain countries, which will be listed in the table below, can enter Germany without a visa but must secure the appropriate residence permit once they arrive. Nationals of any other country need to apply for a German Family Reunion Visa.

Which Family Members Can Apply for a German Family Reunion Visa?

The following members of your family are eligible to join you in Germany while you’re studying here:

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• Spouse/civil partner
• Children under 16
• Children over 16
• Biological and adoptive parents of German or foreign adult or minor children in Germany.
• Adult children wishing to join their parents in Germany.
• Minor children aiming to reunite with adult close family members in Germany.
• Extended family members such as siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Prerequisites to Get a German Family Reunion Visa

To bring your qualifying family members to Germany while you’re studying as a foreigner, the following essential conditions need to be fulfilled:

General Requirements

To reunite with third-country nationals in Germany:

• Sponsors need a valid residence permit.
• Sufficient living space. Allocate about 12 square meters for each adult and 10 square meters for a child under 6 (babies up to 2 years old not included).
• Adequate health insurance. You can use “family insurance” to cover your family’s health; just show your insurance policy and a letter stating your family member will be added once they arrive.
• Financial security. Your income should cover your family’s needs independently, without resorting to public assistance. The amount depends on your family size and circumstances, and the Immigration Office (Ausländerbehörde) evaluates it on a case-by-case basis.
• German language skills . Some family members must demonstrate German language knowledge before receiving their visa and participate in integration courses upon arrival in Germany.

Your husband or wife is additionally subject to the following conditions to join you:

• Both you and your spouse must be at least 18 years old.
• Must show basic German skills (A1 level) with a test or through an interview at the embassy (EU or partner country citizens exempt; additional exemptions also available ).
• You should be married before getting your German Student Visa. For same-sex partners, your relationship should be officially registered before receiving the visa.

Children under 16 can move to Germany to join you without needing to meet extra conditions. This also applies to children older than 16 if they relocate to Germany within six months of their parents’ move.

However, if they are 16 or older and wish to come to Germany after this six-month window, they must either:

• Demonstrate German language proficiency at the C1 level as per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, or
• Prove they can easily adapt to life in Germany, such as having attended a German-speaking school outside of Germany or growing up in a German-speaking home.

Parents or Other Members

This category includes a wide range of family members who may be eligible to join you in Germany to prevent significant hardship. These cases are evaluated individually and such members gain family reunion visas on very rare occasions. 

Some circumstances that could lead to family members being able to join in Germany include:

• Needing family support due to illness, disabilities, or psychological needs.
• Situations where family care can only be given in Germany, such as for special care needs.
• Well-being and care needs of minor children, depending on their age and situation.

In such cases, we recommend considering legal advice, as circumstances allowing family reunions in Germany vary and are complex.

How to Apply for a German Family Reunion Visa?

To apply for a German Family Reunion Visa, you must submit an application in your home country or the country in which you are legally residing. You’ll need to book an appointment in advance and provide all required documents during your visa interview. Appointments are usually booked online.

Upon arrival in Germany, within the initial 3 months, you must apply for a German residence permit at the local Immigration Office, using many of the same documents submitted for the visa application along with proof of current residence in Germany.

If your country doesn’t have a German embassy or consulate, you may need to apply for a German visa through the embassy or consulate of another country that represents Germany’s interests in your location.

Click here to find the nearest German embassy or consulate, and follow their instructions for more detailed information.

Note: Please be aware that in some countries (e.g. Pakistan), there’s a high demand for visa appointments, which could mean waiting times of up to a year. It’s crucial to book your appointment well in advance to avoid lengthy delays in your application process.

Visa Requirements for the German Family Reunion Visa

The documents needed to apply for a German Family Reunion Visa for each family member joining you are as follows:

Required Documents for Your Spouse

If you’re applying for the German Family Reunion Visa as the spouse of an individual holding a residence permit in Germany, you have to provide the following documents:

• Applicant’s valid passport (issued within the last 10 years and minimum one-year validity) + A4 size copy of your passport’s data pages
• Fully completed, signed, and printed application forms .
• Signed visa declaration .
• Completed contact information form (find it in the forms section).
• Two/three recent biometric photos ( see here for more details).
• Birth certificate.
• Proof of financial means (provided by the spouse or yourself).
• Copy of spouse’s valid German residence permit.
• Copy of spouse’s passport’s data pages.
• Certificate of residence (Meldebescheinigung) of the spouse living in Germany (no older than six months).
• Proof of marriage (birth certificate, marriage contract, and marriage certificate/registration).
• Proof of A1-level German knowledge (“Start Deutsch 1” from Goethe-Institute, “Start Deutsch 1” from telc GmbH, “Grundstufe Deutsch 1” from the ÖSD).
• Travel health insurance valid for 90 days (recommended).

In the case of previous marriages:

• Divorce decree of former marriage(s), or
• Death certificate of former spouse(s).

Required Documents for Your Child

Children planning to join their parent(s) in Germany must apply for the Family Reunion Visa with the documents below:

• Applicant’s valid passport (issued within the last 10 years and minimum one-year validity) + A4 size copy of your passport’s data pages.
• Fully completed and printed application forms , signed by all persons with parental rights.
• Signed declaration .
• Proof of financial means (provided by the parent).
• Copy of parents’ valid German residence permit.
• Copy of parent’s passport’s data pages.
• Certificate of residence (Meldebescheinigung) of the parent(s) living in Germany (no older than six months).
• Proof of marriage of parents (birth certificates, marriage contract, and marriage certificate/registration).

In the case of bringing a child to Germany without the other parent:

• The parent in Germany must prove sole custody with a custody order, or 
• A declaration of consent must be signed in person at the German Mission by the parent remaining in the home country.

In the case of children over the age of 16 and under 18:

• Proof of C1-level German knowledge.

Required Documents for Your Parent or Other Family Member

To understand what documents are needed for your parent or another family member, it’s best to talk to a lawyer or embassy representative for guidance. This is important, especially to figure out if your family member even qualifies to join you based on their situation. Remember, proving significant hardship for them can be tough, especially with a student visa.

Any documents not in German or English must be translated by a certified translator or notary and provided in either of these languages.

Additionally, note that the German Embassy may request extra documents or interviews, and failure to comply could lead to delays or denial of your application.

For a comprehensive list of specific requirements tailored to your situation, we recommend contacting your local German embassy or consulate. They can provide detailed guidance beyond the general requirements outlined here.

What Is the Processing Time for a German Family Reunion Visa?

The processing time for a German Family Reunion Visa can vary from a few weeks to several months, depending on factors such as the location and current workload of the embassy or consulate processing your application.

For those not requiring a visa to enter Germany but needing to apply for a family reunion residence permit at the Immigration Office (Ausländerbehörde), the processing time typically ranges from 1 to 3 months. This duration can vary depending on the workload of the immigration office, with larger cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich often experiencing higher numbers of requests compared to smaller towns.

How Much Does It Cost to Apply for a German Visa for Family Members?

The fees for German family visa applications are:

• Adults (18 years and older): €75.00
• Children (under 18 years): €37.50

Fee waivers. Visa fees are waived for spouses and children of German or other EU citizens and parents of German or other EU minors. In these instances, applicants are required to include a copy of the marriage or birth certificate and the German or EU passport of the family member.

Payment method . Fees are typically payable in cash in the local currency (card payments are sometimes available). The exchange rate at the time of application determines conversion into the local currency. 

Can a Family Member of a Foreign Student Work in Germany?

Yes, once settled in Germany and granted a residence permit, family members of foreign students, such as spouses, are eligible to work in the country.

When Should I Apply for an Extension of a Family Reunion Residence Permit in Germany?

It’s best to schedule an appointment at the Ausländerbehörde (Immigration Office) 6-8 weeks before your residence permit expires.

Remember, when applying for an extension of a Family Reunion Residence Permit in Germany, the volume and processing time of requests can vary depending on the city where you reside. 

Is Bringing My Family to Germany on a Student Visa Difficult?

It’s not impossible to bring your family to Germany on a student visa, but it can be challenging for several reasons. 

• As a student, your income is typically limited because you’re only allowed to work part-time. This limited income may not be sufficient to cover additional expenses such as health insurance for your family members or to afford suitable housing for everyone.
• Pursuing your studies requires significant time and dedication. Managing the process of bringing your family to Germany can be time-consuming and may divert your focus away from your academic responsibilities. Balancing your studies with the visa application process and the needs of your family members can be quite demanding.
• It can take time for your spouse to find suitable employment after arriving in Germany. This can further complicate the financial aspect of bringing your family to Germany, as you may need a stable source of income to support everyone.

What Are Some Alternatives?

If your family member is a third-country national who requires a visa to enter Germany, they can also apply for a Schengen Visa to visit you occasionally. Your spouse can also explore if they individually qualify for one of the visas listed here .

Another option is to wait until you finish your studies and secure a job in Germany. Once employed, you can convert your student visa to a residence permit for employment. This transition can make it easier to meet the financial requirements and other criteria necessary to bring your family to Germany permanently.

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Can International Students Bring Their Parents to Australia?

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As an international student, you might be living away from home for the first time. While this is an exciting chapter, it can also carry some challenges. To ease this transition, you may be hoping to bring your parents to Australia, either to visit you. By reuniting with your parents, you can reconnect, spend quality time together, and receive emotional support and encouragement during times of stress. 

So, can you bring your parents to Australia when you are an international student? Let’s take a look at everything you need to know.

Understanding recent news around parent visas

In recent weeks, you may have read news stories about expatriates living in Australia who have been trying to bring their parents to Australia for years under the “dysfunctional” parent visa scheme .

According to the recent migration review report, the parent visa category faces a large volume of backlog of parent visa applications, with some facing wait times of up to 50 years. Although there have been calls for reform to the program, nothing has been actioned as of yet.

While these stories may seem worrying, it’s important to understand that this visa program (and its challenges) likely won’t affect you as an international student. The parent visas discussed in these stories – including subclasses 103/804/143/864/884/173 – are for Australian permanent residents and Australian citizens who desire to sponsor their parents migrating to Australia.

Below, we take a look at  your visa pathways for bringing your parents to Australia.

Options to bring your parents to Australia

Visitor (subclass 600) visa.

The Visitor (subclass 600) visa allows parents to visit their children in Australia for short durations. There are two streams to this visa: the Sponsored family stream and the Tourist stream .

To be eligible to apply for the Visitor visa, you must meet these eligibility criteria:

• Be a genuine visitor
• You must have enough money to support yourself during your stay
• Pass the character requirement
• Meet the health requirement

The primary obstacle leading to the refusal of most visitor visa applications is the necessity to establish genuine intentions for visiting. To meet the genuine visitor requirements, you need to provide supporting documents to show your intention to:

• Stay temporarily in Australia
• Obey any condition and stay period attached to your visa

Here are the examples of the relevant supporting documents to show your genuine intentions for visiting: 

• You have enough money for your stay and to leave Australia
• Your plans while in Australia
• Family ties to your home country
• Financial ties to your home country
• An invitation letter from your relative or friend in Australia

Student Guardian (subclass 590) visa for students under 18

If you are an international student under the age of 18, your parents or eligible relatives may be able to apply for a Student Guardian (subclass 590) visa to provide care and support.

Under exceptional circumstances, your parents and relatives may still be able to obtain a Student Guardian visa even if you are over 18 years old. 

To be eligible for the Student Guardian visa, you must meet the following requirements: 

• You are the parent of a student visa holder, or a person who has custody of the student, or a relative of the student, aged 21 years or older, nominated in writing by a parent or person who has custody of the student.
• You can provide accommodation and support to the student.
• You have enough money to support yourself and the student during your stay.
• Meet Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirements. 
• Be at least 21 years of age.

Temporary Parent (subclass 870) visa 

Depending on how long you’ve lived or plan to live in Australia, you may eventually become a permanent resident of Australia. Once you do, you may be eligible to sponsor your parents for a visit to Australia.

The Temporary Parent (subclass 870) visa lets the parent of an Australian citizen or permanent resident, visit Australia for up to 3 or 5 years. This visa can be applied at maximum twice. 

Unlike permanent Parent visas, Subclass 870 temporary parent visa does not have the Balance of Family Test requirement. Therefore, visa applicants are not obligated to have more than half of their children living in Australia.

Important considerations

It’s crucial to remember that you’re never guaranteed an approval for any visa.

The 590 and  600 visas in particular carry the possibility of visa refusal, particularly when parents are unable to fulfil the eligibility criteria (namely the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) and Genuine Visitor requirements).

As with any visa, the best way to improve your chances of gaining approval is to submit an accurate and complete application, and respond to requests for additional documentation in a timely way.

*Disclaimer:  While this article was written in partnership with a qualified migration attorney, the contents of this article do not constitute legal migration advice. They are not intended to be a substitute for legal migration advice, and should not be relied upon as such . For professional migration assistance, always consult a migration attorney, a registered migration agent registered with the  Office of Migration Agents Registered Authority (MARA)  or contact the  Department of Home Affairs . 

Johnathan Liu

Jonathan Liu has completed a Bachelor of Law and Legal Practice & Bachelor of Marketing at Flinders University. He was admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of South Australia in September 2019. In addition to managing visa applications, Jonathan is also involved in the marketing and business development activities for Work Visa Lawyers.

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Home » Canada » How can international students invite their parents to Canada?

How can international students invite their parents to Canada?

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While on a study permit, international students can invite their parent(s) to visit on a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which allows the parent (s)to travel to Canada.

How can I invite my mom to let me go to Canada?

If your friend or family member wants to visit Canada, they must apply to the Canadian visa office responsible for his or her country or region. A visa officer will review the application and decide whether to issue a visa. You can help your friend or family member by writing a letter of invitation.

What documents do I need to invite my parents to Canada?

If you state that you will be supporting your family and friends during their visit to Canada you will need to show proof of financial support using documents such as a bank statement and/ or pay stubs or a letter of employment. This letters is to support the Temporary Resident Visitor Visa application of my parents.

Can international students bring their parents?

Frequently, international students wish to invite their parents or other family members to the U.S. to attend graduation or for a visit . If your parent(s) or other family members, including children over the age of 21, wish to enter the U.S. temporarily to visit, they may enter on a B-2 tourist visa.

Can my parents stay with me in Canada?

It is a long-term, multiple-entry visa for parents and grandparents of permanent residents or Canadian citizens. The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa (Super Visa) is a temporary resident permit that allows parents and grandparents to stay for up to 2 years in Canada per visit. It is valid for up to 10 years.

Can I invite my parents to Canada?

You can apply to bring your parents to Canada as visitors or sponsor them for permanent residence .The child or grandchild in Canada needs to demonstrate that they meet a minimum income threshold and provide a statement indicating that they can support their parents stay.

How can I apply for parents visa?

To apply for a visitor visa, your parents will need complete the Online Non-immigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) . It needs to be completed and submitted online and is available on the Department of State website: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/.

Can parents work on Super Visa?

It should be noted that Super Visa holders are not allowed to work in Canada . There is a permanent residence program for parents and grandparents; however, there is a limited supply of visas under this program, and applications can take a long time to be processed.

Can a PR in Canada sponsor parents?

If a Canadian citizen or permanent resident wishes to move on to Canada with their parents or grandparents permanently to Canada, they can through parental or grandparent sponsorship . It is one of the programs through which IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) allows family reunification.

How long does it take to sponsor parents to Canada?

Invited candidates will need to pay their application fees to IRCC and submit their sponsorship applications within 60 days. The current processing time for the PGP is 20 to 24 months , according to IRCC.

Can I bring my parents while studying in Canada?

Can I bring my family with me? Yes, you may be able to bring your spouse or common-law partner, and dependent children , with you to Canada. They may be eligible for a study or work permit, or a visitor visa. You must submit their applications online when you apply for your study permit.

Can parents accompany students to Canada?

It may be possible for your family members to come live with you in Canada for the duration of your studies. In most cases, “family” includes spouses, common-law/conjugal partners, and dependent children. If your family members enter Canada without you, they may be admitted on visitor status for up to six months.

Can a student invite someone to Canada?

Students must complete 6 months of studies in Canada to invite family or friends.Your study permit should be valid for the duration of the time that your family/friends intend to stay in Canada. You will also need to include your official transcript.

How long parents can stay in Canada?

With the parent and grandparent super visa, eligible parents and grandparents can visit family in Canada for up to two years without the need to renew their status. The Super Visa is a multi-entry visa that provides multiple entries for a period up to 10 years.

Do parents get citizenship through birth of their child in Canada?

A: Yes . Every child born in Canada becomes a Canadian citizen, even if both parents are foreign nationals (citizens of another country than Canada).

Which country allows parents as dependents?

Australia is a the latest country to have established a parent visa. The country has, indeed, only last year passed the necessary amendments to the Migration Bill to be able to create a parent visa category. The aim being to allow families to reunite and bring more visitors to the country.

How much does a parent visa cost?

Visa types This is because the initial application fee is $4,225 for the first applicant and $1,425 for spouse . However the second instalment for each applicant is $43,600. This visa takes approximately 3.5 to 4.5 years to process and is a permanent visa from approval.

What documents do I need to sponsor my parents?

Sponsor Documents Copies of your birth certificate (with the names of your parents). Copies of your US passport, US citizenship certificate or naturalization certificate. Copies of the adoption decree (if you are sponsoring your adoptive parents).

What is category for parents immigration visa?

U.S. citizens may sponsor their parents, spouses or children under age 21 for immigrant visas for permanent residence. This category is known as “ immediate relatives ,” and there is no limit on how many visas can be issued.

Can I apply visitor visa for my parents from Canada?

To apply for a super visa, you must either be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada. You cannot include your dependent children in this application.

Is Giving Birth in Canada free?

The Canadian health care system is a publicly funded Medicare system. Citizens and permanent residents of the country have free access to this system. For them, the cost of giving birth to a child is either completely free or equals to the cost of a couple of hundred dollars to pay for a private ward.

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News Release

Three athletic director candidates to visit LC State in July

July 08, 2024

LEWISTON, Idaho – After conducting a national search, Lewis-Clark State College has invited three candidates to campus in July to interview for the position of athletic director. Campus visits will include meetings with administrators and athletics staff, and a campus presentation and open forum.

Ronald (Ronnie) Palmer, former athletic director at Post University, will visit Thursday and Friday, July 11-12. Corey Bray, current athletic director at Oklahoma City University, will visit Monday and Tuesday, July 15-16. David (Dave) Gantt, former vice president for athletics at the University of Providence, will visit Monday and Tuesday, July 22-23.

Ronnie Palmer, Corey Bray, Dave Gantt

Palmer served as athletic director at Post University in Waterbury, Connecticut, from 2015-2024, and at Davis and Elkins College in Elkins, West Virginia, from 2010-2015. Prior to this he was head baseball coach at Davis and Elkins, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education and health. He earned a master’s in education at American Intercontinental University.

Bray has been athletic director at Oklahoma City University since 2022. Prior to this he was the vice president and director of athletics at Drury University in Springfield, Missouri, from 2019-2022, and the associate athletics director for compliance at the University of Alabama at Birmingham from 2011-2019. He received a bachelor’s in psychology from Pacific Lutheran University and a master’s in social psychology of sport and exercise from the University of Oregon.

Gantt served as vice president for athletics and vice president of student engagement/athletics at the University of Providence in Great Falls, Montana, from 2016-2021. Prior to this he was head women’s volleyball coach at Gonzaga University from 2009-2016. He served as assistant women’s volleyball coach at the University of Arkansas in 2022. He received a bachelor’s in business administration and physical education from Providence (then the College of Great Falls), and a master’s in physical education with an emphasis in program and curriculum design at Montana State University.

Details about the public forums are available at www.lcsc.edu/position-search .

China Reopened to Foreign Students. Americans Are Staying Away.

I n the decade-plus that Wu Xinbo has taught a class on China’s foreign policy at Shanghai’s Fudan University, Americans have typically made up a third of his class.

Then came Covid-19, which essentially locked out most international students. But even as Fudan classes returned to normal last year, none of the 30 or so foreign students in Wu’s class were from the U.S.

“I miss them,” said Wu, who said his American students lobbed lively questions at him—and provided insight into how Americans were looking at China.

Across China, American students have been slow to return since Beijing ended its strict Covid restrictions in late 2022. That is despite pledges by both Beijing and Washington to rebuild exchanges between ordinary Chinese and Americans, including Chinese leader Xi Jinping expressing hope at a November summit with President Biden of attracting 50,000 American students to China over the next five years.

In the last full academic year before the pandemic, over 11,000 Americans were studying in China, making it the most popular non-European destination for U.S. students abroad and the seventh overall, according to data from the Institute of International Education. As of June 2023, the IIE said, China wasn’t even among the top 20.

While there is no official tally of Americans currently studying in China, Nicholas Burns, the U.S. ambassador to Beijing, put the number at about 800 in a speech last month. A State Department spokesperson clarified that this figure only represents those studying in university-credit programs.

Henry Huiyao Wang, president of Beijing think tank Center for China and Globalization, estimates the number is closer to 3,000, though he includes visiting nondegree students in his estimate. Liu Pengyu, a spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, said that there are currently “thousands” of American students in China, according to what he termed “incomplete statistics.” Meanwhile, around 290,000 Chinese students were in the U.S. during the 2022-23 academic year, according to the most recent IIE data.

The fact that China ended Covid restrictions later than other countries is only part of the explanation, said David Moser, associate professor at Beijing Capital Normal University. He said the number of Americans studying in China has been declining for over a decade amid rising U.S.-China tensions and the tightening of controls on expression under Xi.

“What’s happening now is that after Covid and even after China opened up, the students didn’t come back,” he said.

Academics like Moser and Wu say they see the decline as detrimental to the broader U.S.-China relationship.

“We really need to have people at all levels of government, business, academia who are China-savvy,” Moser said. “I feel like we’ve already lost a generation of those people.”

A State Department spokesperson said the department was “focused on expanding people-to-people ties,” but said the Chinese government “does not consistently meet us halfway in our efforts to build bridges between the people of our two countries.”

The spokesperson added that since the November summit more groups of young Americans have visited China on short, Beijing-sponsored programs and that the U.S. hopes more will follow. “We need more U.S. students going to [China] to learn Mandarin, study Chinese culture, and become our next generation of China experts,” the spokesperson said.

Before the pandemic, the number of U.S. students in China had already dropped by more than one-fifth since the peak in 2012, with many students interested in China studies or Mandarin going to Taiwan instead.

In July 2020, then-President Donald Trump ended the U.S. government’s Fulbright exchange program in China and Hong Kong.

Hanna Nkulu spent a summer in Chengdu in high school and has invested a lot of time studying China. A recent graduate of the University of Arizona, she had hoped to return to China to study Mandarin through the State Department’s Critical Language Scholarship Program, whose programs in China have remained virtual-only since the pandemic. Nkulu has shifted gears and is now set to spend the next school year as an English teaching assistant in Taiwan with a Fulbright scholarship.

“Having Taiwan be the only option where I can explore Mandarin on State Department programs—it does feel a little limiting,” she said, adding that her previous studies now feel less relevant.

Travel warning

One major factor slowing the return of American students is a State Department Level 3 travel warning recommending that Americans “reconsider travel” to China and Hong Kong “due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans, and the risk of wrongful detentions.”

The impetus for the travel warning is China’s heightened use of exit bans to target bankers and executives. The State Department also currently classifies three Americans as “wrongfully detained” in China.

Charles Laughlin, professor of East Asian Studies at the University of Virginia, said the advisory made his school’s administration “skittish” about restarting its China programs.

A recent IIE report found that less than 30% of U.S. colleges and universities they surveyed planned to send students to China last year.

Some schools, however, have resumed travel to China despite the advisory. The University of Pennsylvania sent around 100 students to China over the past year as it felt “reasonably confident” that China didn’t pose a risk for students, said Amy Gadsden, executive director of Penn China Initiatives.

Neysun Mahboubi, director of the Penn Project on the Future of U.S.-China Relations, said that the warning has a “chilling effect” on academic exchange, and should be modified.

“As far as I know, there are no American students and scholars who have been subject to either detention or exit bans,” he said.

Burns, who has regularly called for more people-to-people exchanges, defended the travel advisory in a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal. “There are complaints by business people—mainly long-term residents of China—that are being subjected to exit bans, and we’re concerned about that,” he said.

Liu, the Chinese Embassy spokesman, called the warning “completely reckless.”

“Almost everyone who has been to China said that China is the safest country in the world,” he said. “If China is Level 3, then the United States is Level 5.”

Liu said China is taking various measures to encourage more students to come “in accordance with the consensus reached by the two presidents” in November.

The State Department spokesperson said the advisory was issued to provide U.S. citizens wishing to go to China “with full understanding of the risks involved,” noting that U.S. citizens of all types were being blocked from leaving China.

In June, Wu, who is dean of Fudan’s Institute of International Studies and director of its Center for American Studies, traveled to Washington in part to lobby the State Department to ease its travel warning for China.

Sending more American students to China is in the U.S. interest, no matter the political climate, Wu said. “Even if you think of China as an enemy you have to have a better understanding of your enemy,” he said, adding that such ties also “put a human face on relations between governments.”

For Steven Zhang, an undergraduate student at Yale, being one of the few Western students at Beijing’s Tsinghua University last fall meant he was treated very well.

“Chinese people, like all of us, are very curious to understand what the U.S. is like,” Zhang said. “To be an actual Westerner there—it is a unique experience for them to interact with you.”

Around 60% of the around 800 U.S. students in university-credit programs in China were enrolled at New York University Shanghai, which was able to recover quickly from the impact of Covid restrictions, including by chartering a plane to fly in students in 2022, according to Jeffrey Lehman, the school’s vice chancellor. Before Covid, the campus hosted 3% to 4% of China’s American students.

China program directors say other factors also dissuading Americans from studying in China include fewer and more expensive flights, the relative difficulty in getting a student visa compared with other destinations and challenges like adapting to China’s digital ecosystem, including the ubiquitous use of apps like WeChat.

Potentially adding to concerns, four college instructors affiliated with an American college were stabbed last month in northeastern China, an attack the Chinese Foreign Ministry at the time characterized as an isolated incident. Burns, the U.S. ambassador, told the Journal recently that he has asked for more information on the motives of the assailant.

As to whether the presence of American students in China will eventually return to normal, Mahboubi, of the University of Pennsylvania, says that the current moment is a “delicate one” with voices in the U.S. political environment that aren’t supportive of American universities engaging with China.

“The overall political environment for this is still fraught,” Mahboubi said.

—James T. Areddy and Jonathan Cheng contributed to this article.

Write to Jazper Lu at [email protected]

What age can kids be left home alone in New York?

Now that school is officially out for Rochester students, what are working parents to do with their youth? If a child isn't signed up for summer camp, daycare, or a babysitter, some parents might wonder, "Can I leave my kid home alone?" Others might consider the legal ramifications of leaving a child home alone. And what age is too young?

At what age can kids be left home alone in New York?

Surprisingly enough, there is no legal minimum age set for New York state. According to the Office of Children and Family Services, since children develop at varying rates and some have special needs and abilities, "Parents and guardians need to make intelligent, reasoned decisions regarding these matters."

Although other states have legal requirements, in New York, it is ultimately up to the parents to decide whether their child is old enough and mature enough to stay home alone. With this, if anything goes wrong while a child is home alone, there could be consequences, such as child endangerment or recklessness charges.

How do you know what age you can leave your kid home alone?

While there is no magic age that works for every child, the nonprofit Safe Kids Worldwide recommends starting to leave kids home alone between the ages of 12 and 13. But it is very dependent on their level of maturity.

“Parents should look for signs of responsibility when their children are with them before leaving them home alone. Are they able to follow directions without being told repeatedly? Do they only follow directions if you are there watching? If they only follow the rules when you’re watching, it’s unlikely that they will follow them when they are home alone,” Rolanda Mitchell, an education counselor at North Carolina State University,  told USA Today in 2019.  “School behavior can also be a good indicator because school is where children spend the most of their time without their parents watching. If they’re misbehaving or violating rules, they may do the same when they’re home alone.” 

Justice Marbury is the 19th Ward Reporter. She loves her energetic puppy, Hiro. Contact her on Instagram @justice_marbury and by email at [email protected] .

Maria Francis is a Pennyslvania-based journalist covering trending topics across the Mid-Atlantic region.