Canada is known for its welcoming approach to immigration, especially when it comes to family reunification. If you’re planning to come to Canada temporarily, you might be wondering if you can bring your family with you. The short answer is yes, but it depends on your situation. Here’s what you need to know.
Bringing Your Family as a Work Permit Holder
If you’re coming to Canada on a work permit, it’s possible to bring your spouse or common-law partner with you. In some cases, your children may also be eligible to join you. However, the rules surrounding family reunification for work permit holders have changed recently.
As of January 21, 2025, only workers in certain high-demand jobs can bring their spouse or partner with them. These jobs fall under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 categories. Some common fields include science and engineering, healthcare, construction, education, and natural resources (like mining and forestry).
Who is Eligible?
To qualify, your job must be in a specific high-demand sector. If it is, your spouse can apply for an open work permit (OWP) that allows them to work for most employers in Canada.
For your children, they might be able to join you depending on your permit’s duration and the type of visa they apply for. After the rule change in 2025, only the spouses of workers in qualifying jobs will be allowed to join them in Canada, while children might be limited to visitor visas.
Can My Family Join Me While My Sponsorship Application is in Process?
If you’re waiting for a decision on your permanent residency application, your spouse may be eligible to apply for an open work permit, but only if your work permit has at least 16 months left. This permit will allow your spouse to work for most employers in Canada, except those in certain sectors like adult entertainment.
To apply for an open work permit for your spouse, you must submit the correct forms, such as the IMM 5533. Be sure to include proof of marriage (like a marriage certificate) and your valid passports. There is also an application fee to be paid online. Keep in mind that this is only possible if your permanent residency application is still under review and you don’t have a valid temporary status.
If you’re planning to apply for a temporary resident visa for your family, they must show they can support themselves financially while in Canada, and they must meet other requirements, such as passing a medical exam or providing police clearance.
What If My Family Doesn’t Plan to Work?
If your spouse or children aren’t planning to work during your stay, they can apply for a visitor visa or a visitor record. These visas allow your family to stay in Canada for a limited time without the right to work.
For more detailed information on visitor visas and the visitor record process, you can refer to the Canadian government’s immigration website. Be aware that visitor visas are generally granted for shorter stays, and family members will need to meet the eligibility criteria.
Bringing Your Family as an International Student
If you’re coming to Canada as an international student, you might be wondering if your family can join you. For international students with a valid study permit, there are pathways for family reunification. However, this is only available under certain conditions.
Your spouse may qualify for an open work permit if your program meets specific requirements. For instance, your spouse can apply for an OWP if you’re enrolled in a program that lasts at least 16 months, such as a Master’s or PhD program. Some professional programs also qualify. However, not all spouses of international students are eligible for this benefit.
As for children, if you are studying in Canada, they can accompany you on a study permit if they are of school age. However, if they are under 18, there must be proof that they will have proper care while in Canada. If you cannot provide this proof, you may need to apply for a visitor record, which allows you to accompany your child to ensure they are cared for while they study.
Bringing Parents as an International Student
While most international students cannot bring their parents to Canada, there is one exception. If you are a minor student (under 18) without a guardian in Canada, your parents or legal guardians may be allowed to join you. In this case, your parents would need to apply for a visitor visa or visitor record to stay in Canada as your guardian.
Once you turn 18, your parents are no longer eligible to accompany you unless they meet specific requirements, such as being a dependent on your study permit or having a valid reason to stay in Canada.
Final Words
Bringing your family to Canada as a temporary resident is possible, but it depends on your specific situation. Whether you’re coming to Canada as a worker or student, there are different pathways available for your spouse and children. Be sure to check the most current immigration requirements, and if you’re unsure about your eligibility, it’s always a good idea to consult with an immigration professional.
Have questions about Canadian immigration? Blue Throat Immigration is here to provide the answers. Contact us now for professional advice and assistance in making your immigration dreams a reality.