Dependants

There is a possibility that your dependants will not be able to join you in Canada, if you proceed to Canada alone. In case you want your spouse and/or child to accompany you to Canada or join you at a later date, you need to provide proofs about your being able to support them. Since funding, that Canadian institutions or governmental organizations provide, is sufficient for only one person, it is likely that you will have to provide proof of additional funding and/ or savings. Dependants can also be required to undergo a medical exam.

Spouses and common-law partners of full-time students, studying at publicly funded or degree/diploma granting institutions, are eligible to apply for an Open Work Permit at the same time as the principal student applies for his/her Study Permit. With this permit, the dependant will be able to work temporarily in Canada while you are studying. "Open" means you do not require having an advance employment contract from a specific employer. There is no such condition for the issuance of the work permit. There is no "Open Study Permit", as a study permit requires an acceptance letter from a specific educational institution. It also requires your fulfilling financial and other requirements. To apply for an "Open Work Permit" it is preferable that the spouse speaks reasonable English and/or French, and has some previous work experience.