Brock University DLI # 019394569014
Welcoming family members to Canada is an opportunity for international students to share their educational journey and experiences. By ensuring proper documentation and meeting all visa requirements, international students can create memorable experiences and showcase their lives in Canada to their loved ones.
Open Work Permit for Family Members
There are two scenarios where your family members may be eligible for an open work permit based on your status in Canada.
If you are an international student in a master’s degree, doctoral degree or a select professional program, your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit while you study in Canada. Their application can be made at the same time as your initial study permit application, or they can wait until after you arrive in Canada.
If you have a valid work permit and a job, your spouse and/or children may be eligible for an open work permit until your work permit expires.
Note: If you are transitioning from student status to PGWP and your spouse is in Canada with you on an open work permit, there may be a gap in your spouse’s eligibility to work. Your spouse may need to switch to visitor status or leave Canada to maintain their legal status.
Visit the IRCC’s Open work permit for family members of foreign workers webpage for full details.
Inviting Parents, Relatives or Friends to Visit Canada with a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
If you wish to invite family or friends that require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada, you can support their application by writing an invitation letter and providing them with supporting documentation.
The person you are inviting should follow the application instructions for the country they are applying from. Ask them to check the IRCC details about applying for a TRV and the average processing times to ensure they submit all required documents and apply early enough.
Recommended Documents
- Invitation letter written by you
- Copy of your study or work permit
- Copy of your passport
- Proof of enrolment at Brock (unless you are graduating)
- Proof you are nearing graduation (if applicable) e.g. screenshot of intent to graduate, eligibility to graduate letter
- Information on convocation (if applicable), e.g. an invitation to convocation, Brock Convocation webpage
Additional documents may be required.
Disclaimer
The information on this page is intended as general information for Brock University students. It has been reviewed by Brock International’s international student advising team who are Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) and Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs). Please note that this website is not a legal document.
Immigration information can change quickly and without notice, so always refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for the most current information.