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Last Updated 12-May-2026
About Canada Student Dependent Visa
The Canada student dependent visa allows the spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children of international students to accompany them to Canada during their period of study. Dependents can live, and work, in Canada for the duration of the primary student's study permit.
Canada is home to over 1 million international students as of 2025, with Indian nationals consistently ranking as the largest source country. For Indian families, the student dependent visa is a critical pathway that allows couples and families to stay together while one partner pursues higher education in Canada.
Spouses and common-law partners of eligible full-time students at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) may qualify for an open work permit. This makes the Canada student dependent pathway one of the most family-friendly study visa arrangements among all top study destinations.
Key Facts: Canada Student Dependent Visa at a Glance
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) / eTA with Study Permit dependent status |
| Who Can Apply | Spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children of international students |
| Work Allowed | Spouse / common-law partner may qualify for an Open Work Permit |
| Study Allowed | Yes — dependent children can attend Canadian schools |
| Validity | Tied to the primary student’s study permit duration |
| Open Work Permit Eligibility | Primary student must be enrolled full-time at a DLI at the master’s, doctoral, or eligible professional degree level (updated rules — see below) |
| Application Form | IMM 5257 (TRV) + IMM 5710 (Open Work Permit) |
| Processing Time | 4–12 weeks (varies by visa office and application stream) |
| Application Fee | CAD 150 (TRV) + CAD 255 (Open Work Permit) |
| Biometrics Fee | CAD 85 per person |
*Planning to bring your family to Canada while you study? Sign up with Y-Axis guide you with the complete process.
Benefits of Canada Student Dependent Visa Matters for Indian Families
India is the largest source of international students in Canada, with over 427,000 Indian students enrolled as of 2024. For Indian couples and families, separation during a 1–4 year study program is a significant concern. The student dependent visa directly addresses this by allowing families to relocate together.
The spouse open work permit is particularly valuable — it allows the accompanying spouse to work full-time in Canada, offsetting the cost of living and tuition. This makes studying in Canada financially more viable for Indian families compared to destinations like the USA or UK where dependent work rights are more restricted.
*Want to apply for a Canada visa from India? Contact Y-Axis for expert end-to-end assistance!
Who is Eligible for the Canada Student Dependent Visa?
The following family members of a valid Canadian international student are eligible to apply:
- Spouse or common-law partner of the primary study permit holder
- Dependent children (under 22 years, unmarried, and not in a common-law relationship)
The primary student must hold a valid Canadian study permit and must be enrolled full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). The student must also demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and their dependents in Canada.
Watch To Know More:
Open Work Permit for Spouse of International Student
Who Qualifies for the Spouse Open Work Permit?
Not all spouses of international students automatically qualify for a work permit. As of January 2024, IRCC updated the eligibility rules. The spouse or common-law partner open work permit is available when the primary student is enrolled in one of the following:
| Program Type | Eligibility for Spouse Open Work Permit |
|---|---|
| Master’s Degree (Thesis or Course-Based) | Yes |
| Doctoral (PhD) Degree | Yes |
| Eligible Professional Degree (Medicine, Dentistry, Law, Pharmacy, Optometry, Veterinary Medicine, Chiropractic) | Yes |
| Bachelor’s Degree or College Diploma | No — spouse work permit not available under 2024 rules |
| Short-Term Programs or Certificates | No |
*Not sure if your program qualifies for the spouse open work permit? Get a free eligibility check from Y-Axis today.
What Can Dependents Do on a Canada Student Dependent Visa?
| Right | Spouse / Common-Law Partner | Dependent Children |
|---|---|---|
| Live in Canada | Yes | Yes |
| Work in Canada | Yes — with open work permit (if eligible) | Only if 18+ and separately authorized |
| Study in Canada | Yes — may need separate study permit | Yes — free public school (K-12) |
| Access Healthcare | Yes — provincial health coverage (after waiting period) | Yes |
| Travel in and out of Canada | Yes — valid TRV or eTA required | Yes |
| Apply for PR | Via primary student’s PR pathway | Via primary student’s PR pathway |
Canada Student Dependent Visa: Documents Required
Spouse / Common-Law Partner Documents
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay)
- Completed IMM 5257 (Temporary Resident Visa application)
- Two passport-size photographs (meeting IRCC photo specifications)
- Marriage certificate (for spouse) — attested and translated if not in English or French
- Proof of common-law relationship (for common-law partners) — 12 months of cohabitation evidence
- Copy of primary student's valid study permit
- Copy of primary student's Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from DLI
- Proof of enrollment at DLI (confirmation of enrollment letter)
- Proof of financial support (bank statements, sponsor letter, GIC)
- Biometrics (if not previously enrolled)
Additional Documents for Open Work Permit (IMM 5710)
- Completed Form IMM 5710 (Application to Change Conditions)
- Copy of primary student's study permit showing DLI name and program level
- Proof of full-time enrollment at an eligible master's / PhD / professional program
- Proof of relationship (marriage certificate / common-law documentation)
- IRCC open work permit fee: CAD 255
Dependent Children Documents
- Valid passport for each child
- Birth certificate (attested and translated if required)
- Custody documents (if applicable)
- Proof of relationship to primary student
- School enrollment letter (if already enrolled in Canada)
How to Apply for Canada Student Dependent Visa from India?
The steps to apply for a Canada student dependent visa for Indians are as follows:
Step 1: Confirm Primary Student's Study Permit and DLI Enrollment
Verify valid study permit and enrollment in full-time at a DLI.
Step 2: Gather All Required Documents
Collect proof of relationship, financial documents, primary student's study permit copy, and enrollment confirmation from the DLI.
Step 3: Create an IRCC Online Account
Set up an account on the IRCC online portal (account.cic.gc.ca).
Step 4: Complete Application Forms
Complete Form IMM 5257 and Form IMM 5710 for the Temporary Resident Visa and open work permit simultaneously.
Step 5: Pay Application Fees
Pay CAD 150 (TRV fee) and CAD 255 (open work permit fee) online via the IRCC portal.
Step 6: Submit Biometrics
Book and attend a biometrics appointment at the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) in India.
Step 7: Submit Application Online
Upload all documents and submit the complete application through the IRCC portal.
Step 8: Track Application Status
Monitor the application through the IRCC online account.
Step 9: Receive Visa and Travel to Canada
Once approved, receive the TRV stamp in your passport to travel to Canada as a primary student.
Canada Student Dependent Visa Fees
| Fee Type | Amount (CAD) | Amount (INR approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) | CAD 150 | ₹9,300 |
| Open Work Permit | CAD 255 | ₹15,800 |
| Biometrics (Per Person) | CAD 85 | ₹5,270 |
| Biometrics (Family — 2 or More) | CAD 170 | ₹10,540 |
| Restoration of Status (If Applicable) | CAD 229 | ₹14,200 |
| Document Translation / Notarization | — | ₹3,000 – ₹8,000 |
| Y-Axis Professional Fee | — | As per service package |
Canada Student Dependent Visa Processing Time
| Application Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) from India | 4–8 weeks (standard) |
| Open Work Permit (Applied Outside Canada) | 4–12 weeks |
| Open Work Permit (Applied Inside Canada) | 10–16 weeks |
| Biometrics Appointment Availability (India) | 1–3 weeks |
| Total Estimated Timeline | 6–14 weeks end to end |
2024 Rule Change: What Indian Students Must Know
IRCC updated the eligibility rules for spouse open work permits in January 2024. These changes significantly affect Indian students and their families.
| What Changed | Details |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's / Diploma Students | Spouses are no longer eligible for an open work permit as of January 2024 |
| Master's / PhD Students | Spouses remain eligible for the open work permit |
| Professional Degree Students | Spouses eligible if enrolled in medicine, dentistry, law, pharmacy, optometry, veterinary medicine, or chiropractic programs |
| Existing Permit Holders | Spouses already holding open work permits before the rule change can renew until their primary student's study permit expires |
| Impact on Indian Families | The majority of Indian students in Canada are enrolled in bachelor's or PG diploma programs — most of these students can no longer bring their spouses on work-authorized dependent status |
Can Dependent Children Study in Canada for Free?
Yes. Dependent children of international students are entitled to attend publicly funded K-12 schools in Canada. In most provinces, this education is provided free of charge to dependents of study permit holders, though some provinces may charge international student tuition rates for children.
For post-secondary education, dependent children are treated as international students and must apply separately for their own study permit.
Watch To Know More:/p>
Pathway from Student Dependent to Permanent Residency
The student dependent visa is not just about accompanying the primary student but it is also a strategic first step toward Canadian permanent residency for the whole family.
| PR Pathway | Details |
|---|---|
| Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) | Primary student graduates and receives PGWP; spouse can apply for an open work permit during this period |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | Primary student accumulates 1 year of Canadian work experience post-graduation and applies for PR via Express Entry |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | Many provinces have international student streams that fast-track PR for graduates |
| Family PR | Once primary student receives PR, they can sponsor spouse and children for PR as well |
| Spouse's Independent PR | Spouse with Canadian work experience gained on open work permit can independently apply for CEC or PNP |
*Want to apply for Canada PR? Let Y-Axis guide you with a long-term immigration strategy.
Canada Student Dependent Visa vs Other Study Destination Dependent Visas
| Feature | Canada (Student Dependent) | UK (Student Dependent) | Australia (Student Dependent) | USA (F-2 Dependent) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spouse Work Rights | Open work permit (master's / PhD only) | Limited — only for government-sponsored students | Yes — full work rights on Student visa dependent stream | No work permitted |
| Children School | Free public school (K-12) | Yes — public school access | Yes — public school access | Yes — public school access |
| Validity | Tied to study permit | Tied to student visa | Tied to student visa | Tied to F-1 visa |
| PR Pathway | Strong — CEC, PNP, PGWP | Limited — ILR after 5 years | Yes — via TR to PR pathway | Very limited |
| Cost of Living | Moderate–High | High | High | Very High |
Market Trends: Canada Student Dependent Visa in 2025–2026
- India remains the largest source of international students in Canada, with over 427,000 Indian students enrolled as of 2024.
- IRCC's January 2024 rule change restricting spouse open work permits to master's and PhD students has significantly reduced dependent work permit approvals for Indian families.
- Canada introduced new study permit caps in 2024 — approximately 485,000 study permits for 2025 — directly affecting the number of new student families arriving.
- The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) remains a strong draw for Indian students, as it enables PR pathways for both the primary student and their spouse.
- IRCC has been processing dependent visa applications through its online portal exclusively since 2023, reducing paper-based delays.
- Provinces like Ontario(OINP), British Columbia(BC PNP), and Alberta (Alberta PNP) remain the most popular destinations for Indian students, driving high dependent visa demand in these regions.
Common Challenges: Canada Student Dependent Visa
| Challenge | Details |
|---|---|
| 2024 Work Permit Restriction | Spouses of bachelor's / diploma students no longer eligible for open work permit — plan program level accordingly |
| Proof of Relationship | Common-law partners must provide 12 months of cohabitation evidence — insufficient proof is a common refusal reason |
| Financial Sufficiency | IRCC requires proof of funds for both primary student and all dependents — ensure bank statements reflect adequate balance |
| Processing Delays | Dependent visa processing can lag behind the primary student's study permit — apply simultaneously |
| Provincial Health Coverage Waiting Period | Most provinces have a 3-month waiting period before provincial health insurance activates — arrange private health insurance for the first 3 months |
| Children's School Enrollment | Proof of dependent status required for school enrollment — carry all immigration documents to Canada |
How Can Y-Axis Help You?
As the world's No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy, Y-Axis has been providing unbiased, personalized immigration services for 25 years. Our team of experts offers end-to-end Canada student dependent visa assistance including:
- Free eligibility assessment for student dependent visa and spouse open work permit
- Guidance on 2024 IRCC rule changes and program-level eligibility
- Complete IMM 5257 and IMM 5710 form assistance
- Document checklist preparation and review
- Biometrics appointment scheduling support
- PR pathway planning from student to permanent resident
- Post-graduation work permit (PGWP) and Express Entry guidance
- Resume writing and job search support for open work permit holders in Canada
Y-Axis — the world's No. 1 immigration consultancy
Also visit: Y-Axis Canada Immigration News
Content reviewed by Y-Axis Immigration Experts | Last Updated: April 2026 | Data sourced from IRCC (ircc.canada.ca), Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, and VFS Global India.
Contact Y-Axis — the world's No. 1 immigration consultancy
Also visit: Y-Axis Canada Immigration News
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