Temporary resident visas
Depending on their country of citizenship, your family members may need to apply for a temporary resident visa (TRV, or “entry visa”) that allows them to travel to Canada. 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 ensure 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).
If you and your family members’ TRVs expire, you need to apply for new TRVs to re-enter Canada at the same time. You can apply for a new TRV in your home country or at the Case Processing Pilot Office in Ottawa (CPP-O). You can now apply for a TRV online. Do not send your passports until you are asked to do so by IRCC.
Work permit for spouse/partner
If you are an international student bringing your spouse or partner with you to Canada, they may be eligible for an open work permit that will allow them to work on or off campus full-time while you study.
Study permits for dependents
A study permit specifically for dependent children of international students gives your child their own status in Canada. Dependent children are school-age children (19 years of age or younger).
Family invitation
If you have a family member or friend who wants to visit you from your home country (this includes to attend convocation), you will need to write a letter of invitation to enable them to apply for a temporary resident visa.