Planning to travel to Canada but feeling stressed about leaving your family behind? This is one of the most common concerns among students, visitors, and temporary workers preparing to relocate to Canada.

The good news is that Canada provides multiple routes for TRV holders to bring their spouse, partner, and dependent children-depending on your permit type and personal situation.

Whether it’s through an open work permit, study permit, or a visitor visa, your family may be able to accompany you or join you later. Children can continue their education in Canada, while eligible spouses may get opportunities to work and support the family.

This blog explains step-by-step how you can bring your family to Canada on a temporary resident visa-clearly, simply, and based on current IRCC guidelines.

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Bringing Your Family to Canada as a Work Permit Holder

If you hold a valid Canadian work permit, you may be able to bring your spouse and dependent children.

Important Policy Update

Before January 21, 2025, spouses and dependent children of workers could join them freely.
After that date, only spouses of eligible workers can apply for work authorization.

Eligibility Rules for Work Permit Holders

Your spouse may qualify to join you in Canada if:

  • You work in an in-demand occupation, such as engineering, construction, healthcare, education, science, sports, military, and other TEER 0 or TEER 1 categories.
  • Your employment is valid and supported by a legitimate job offer.
  • You have a work permit with sufficient validity to support your spouse’s stay.

Your spouse’s ability to work in Canada depends on the length and validity of your own work authorization.

Bringing Your Family Through the Sponsorship-Based Open Work Permit

Spouses of foreign workers may become eligible for a Family Open Work Permit (OWP) if:

  • The principal worker holds a permit valid for 16 months or more.
  • They provide complete documentation during the sponsorship process.

Key Requirements for Spousal OWP

Your spouse must:

  • Submit the IMM 5533 form with accurate details.
  • Provide supporting documents like marriage certificates, passports, and proof of relationship.
  • Attach IRCC authorization letters where required.
  • Pay the required government fees.
  • Submit recent photographs as per IRCC specifications.

If your spouse does not intend to work, they can instead apply for a Visitor Visa to accompany you.

Bringing Your Family to Canada as a Study Permit Holder

International students can also include their family members in their study permit application-especially those enrolled in:

  • Master’s programs of 16 months or longer
  • PhD programs
  • Professional degrees listed on IRCC’s approved list

However, not all spouses of students automatically qualify for an Open Work Permit. Eligibility depends on the type of program and its duration.

Must Read: 5 Best Reasons to Study Abroad in Canada

Step-by-Step: Family Visa Application Process

Step 1: Apply for Your Own Permit

Submit your study or work permit application through the IRCC online portal.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Your family must prepare:

  • Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)
  • Valid passports
  • Proof of funds
  • Medical exam certificate
  • Police clearance certificate (character certificate)

Step 3: Family Member Applies Online

Each family member must submit their application through IRCC’s online system.

Step 4: Pay the Required Fees

Approximate costs:

  • Work permit → 155 CAD
  • Study permit → 150 CAD
  • Biometrics → 85 CAD

Step 5: Wait for Processing

Processing time varies:

  • Work permit: 2–8 weeks
  • Visitor visa: 4–12 weeks
  • SDS (Student Direct Stream): 20 days (fastest pathway for students)

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Final Verdict

Bringing your family to Canada on a Temporary Resident Visa is absolutely possible-but the process depends on your permit type and eligibility criteria.

Whether they join you through a study permit, open work permit, or visitor visa, Canada offers multiple options to help families stay together.

To avoid delays or refusals, ensure your documents are accurate and aligned with the latest IRCC rules. Working with Trusted Immigration Experts In India can make the entire journey smoother, faster, and stress-free.

Ready to bring your family to Canada? Get expert guidance from trusted immigration consultants-start your application today!