From getting your documents together to booking your travel, there are lots of different steps to becoming an international student in Canada.
Many folks who want to study in Canada have dependants they hope to bring with them. This may include a spouse or children (primary dependants). Note that international students coming to Canada with a student visa may not bring elderly parents (secondary dependants) with them.
Not everyone is aware of the benefits and challenges that arise when including dependants on student visa applications. There are many factors to consider prior to your decision of bringing family to Canada. Help ensure the journey of dependants of international students in Canada runs smoothly – read on to learn how.
Planning to study in Canada, but not sure where to begin? Check out our undergraduate and postgraduate application guides.
Disclaimer
Note to Readers: This post is intended as a reference, but not as official immigration advice. We filmed the video below in 2019, so some immigration guidelines may have been updated since.
For example, if you want to bring children aged 18 or younger, who plan to attend K-12 schools in Canada, they need their own study permit. Hari notes in the video that K-12 education is free, but this is only true for Canadian citizens and permanent residents. International students in K-12 schools usually pay tuition, whether they attend public or private schools at either the primary or secondary levels.
For the most current Canadian immigration information, the two official sources are the federal Government of Canada website or contacting a Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant.
Ready to look for study programs in Canada? Find the program that fits your goals on the ApplyBoard Platform.
Bringing Dependants to Canada
In our video below, Hari Ghai, ApplyBoard’s Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), shared his knowledge about bringing your family to Canada. The video touches on the different types of dependants, as well as what visa options are available to them.
Hari also looks at some of the impacts of adding family to your Canadian student visa application. Understanding what’s needed in your student visa application, and how to fill it out effectively, is key to your success. The video also discusses the age restrictions for child dependants of international students under Canadian immigration law.
Could you be eligible for Canada’s Student Direct Stream when you apply for a student visa? Read our blog to learn more.
Proving Study Intent, Not Dual Intent
Especially if you’re bringing family to Canada, Canadian border control officers may suspect your primary intention is not to study in Canada. They may think you’re coming to work, instead. This is called having “dual intent.” If officers believe you have dual intent, they may deny your student visa application.
While this may be a challenge you’ll face, watch the video for ways to help prove you intend to study.
Ready to start your study abroad journey? Find a program that fits your interests on the ApplyBoard Platform.
