Canada Opens Study Permits for Families of Students & Workers. Check If You’re Eligible!

Canada has introduced a special open study permit that allows family members of international students and foreign workers to study in the country without needing a Letter of Acceptance at the time of application. This permit gives spouses, partners, and dependent children more flexibility by allowing them to choose a school later, after arriving in Canada. It is meant to make family reunification easier and support families who plan to live in Canada temporarily. The permit is issued without listing any specific institution, giving the holder the freedom to select a suitable study program when they are ready.

Eligible accompanying family members include the spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children of an international student or foreign worker. Children of a spouse or partner also qualify. To be considered “accompanying,” the individual must apply as part of the family unit and intend to live in Canada with the principal applicant. The principal applicant’s study or work permit must already be approved before the family member applies. This policy ensures that families can stay together in Canada and access education more easily while supporting the primary student or worker during their stay.

To qualify, the principal applicant’s work or study permit must already be approved in writing. The family member must apply for their open study permit before entering Canada, and the application must clearly indicate that they are an accompanying family member. Unlike regular study permits, they do not need a Letter of Acceptance or PAL/TAL during initial submission. However, they must still meet general requirements such as proving intent to study, showing sufficient funds, and demonstrating ties to their home country. Once approved, they gain the flexibility to pursue education at any Canadian institution of their choice.

No, eligible family members do not need to include a Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution when applying for this special open study permit. This exemption makes the process simpler and faster, allowing spouses and dependent children to secure their study permit before deciding on a school or program. After arriving in Canada, they may choose any institution or program that fits their goals. This flexibility is especially helpful for families who want time to settle in, explore local options, or understand the education system before committing to a specific school.

No, the open study permit issued under this policy does not list a specific designated learning institution. Because it functions like an open permit, the holder is free to select any eligible school or program once in Canada. This setup allows family members to make informed decisions after arrival, visit campuses, or adjust plans based on location and family needs. It removes the requirement to commit to a school upfront and provides more freedom, especially for families who may still be exploring educational pathways. The flexibility supports easier settlement and smoother integration into Canadian academic environments.

The open study permit for family members is typically issued with the same expiry date as the principal applicant’s study or work permit. This means its validity is directly tied to the primary holder’s authorized stay in Canada. If the principal applicant extends their permit in the future, the family member can also apply for an extension to continue their studies. This synchronized validity helps families manage documentation and renewal timelines more easily, ensuring that everyone maintains legal status. It also supports long-term planning for studies, work, and settlement while the family remains in Canada together.

Yes, family members who receive this open study permit can begin their studies after arriving in Canada, even if they did not choose a school beforehand. Once in the country, they can research institutions, explore available programs, and then formally enroll. This offers significant flexibility, especially for newcomers who may want to understand local education options before committing. It also helps families align study schedules, locations, and daily routines. The ability to start studying without pre-arrival acceptance simplifies the transition and ensures that education plans can adapt to real-time circumstances and opportunities in Canada.

No, these open study permits do not count toward provincial study permit caps because they are exempt from requirements like the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). This means the number of these permits issued does not affect the allocation limits set for international students in each province. As a result, accompanying family members can still obtain study permits even when provincial caps for regular international students are tight. This exclusion ensures that families are not separated due to quota limitations and supports Canada’s goal of making education access easier for spouses and dependent children of workers and students.

If the family member later wants to extend their study permit, switch schools, or change study levels, they must follow the standard process required for all students in Canada. This includes obtaining a valid Letter of Acceptance and, when applicable, a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter. The exemption they benefit from during the initial application applies only when applying from outside Canada. Once inside the country, regular rules apply. They must also maintain good academic standing, comply with permit conditions, and ensure they renew before expiry to maintain legal status throughout their studies.

No, the policy does not automatically apply to all family members. To qualify, the family member must be considered “accompanying,” meaning they intend to join the principal applicant in Canada and apply before entering the country. The principal applicant’s study or work permit must already be approved. Family members already inside Canada do not qualify under this exemption and must follow standard study permit requirements. Additionally, eligibility does not guarantee approval; applicants must still satisfy financial, admissibility, and intent criteria. This policy is designed to support family reunification but within clear conditions and limitations.