Open Study Permits for Family Members: A Complete Guide for International Students and Foreign Workers in Canada 2025

What Are Open Study Permits for Accompanying Family Members?

If you’re planning to study or work in Canada, there’s excellent news for your family! Canada offers open study permits for family members of international students and foreign workers—a valuable opportunity that many families don’t know about.

Unlike regular study permits tied to a specific school, these special open study permits for family members Canada allow spouses and dependents to pursue education at any Designated Learning Institution (DLI) of their choice across the country.

Key Benefits of Open Study Permits for Family Members

The open study permits for family members program offers several significant advantages:

1. No Letter of Acceptance Required

Your spouse or dependent doesn’t need to secure admission from a school before applying for their study permit—a major relief for families planning their move to Canada.

2. Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) Exemption

Accompanying family members bypass the Provincial Attestation Letter requirement, which has become a significant barrier for many international students since 2024.

3. Freedom to Choose Any School

The open study permits for family members Canada aren’t restricted to one institution. Your family can attend any eligible DLI in any Canadian province.

4. Cost Savings

Many schools require upfront deposits to secure spots in their provincial allocation. With open study permits for family members, this expense may be avoided, depending on the institution’s policies.

5. Bypass Study Permit Caps

Accompanying family members don’t count toward each province’s study permit cap, making enrollment significantly easier.

Who Qualifies as an “Accompanying Family Member”?

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), open study permits for family members are available to:

Spouses or common-law partners of the principal applicant
Dependent children of the principal applicant
Dependent children of dependent children (including children from both partners)

All family members must be included in the principal applicant’s work or study permit application and must accompany them to Canada.

Eligibility Criteria for Open Study Permits for Family Members

To qualify for open study permits for family members Canada, applicants must meet two essential conditions:

Apply from outside Canada before entering the country
Be an accompanying family member of someone whose work or study permit has been approved in writing before their entry to Canada

This means the principal applicant (student or worker) must have received their permit approval letter from IRCC before traveling to Canada.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Here’s how to obtain open study permits for family members:

For the Principal Applicant (Student or Worker):

Secure admission to a Canadian educational institution or job offer
Obtain required documents (Letter of Acceptance, PAL if applicable for students)
Submit study or work permit application from outside Canada
Receive approval letter from IRCC before traveling

For the Accompanying Family Member:

Submit study permit application from outside Canada before entry
Include documentation proving the relationship with the principal applicant
Provide a copy of the principal applicant’s permit approval letter
Submit other supporting documents as required by IRCC

After Approval:

Once approved, the family member receives their open study permits for family members Canada, valid until the same expiry date as the principal applicant’s permit.

Important Considerations and Limitations

The One-Time Exemption Rule

The special exemption for open study permits for family members applies only when you first apply from outside Canada. This is a critical point to understand.

What Happens After Arrival?

If you later need to:

Extend your study permit
Change to a different school
Switch your level of study

You’ll be applying from inside Canada, and the special exemption no longer applies. At that point, you’ll need to provide:

A Letter of Acceptance from your chosen DLI
A Provincial Attestation Letter (unless you qualify for a PAL exemption)
All other documents required under standard regulations

Real-World Example: How Open Study Permits Work

Scenario: Priya is accepted to a master’s program in Toronto. Her husband, Raj, wants to study in Canada too.

Step 1: Priya obtains her Letter of Acceptance and PAL, then applies for her study permit from India.

Step 2: IRCC approves Priya’s study permit before she travels to Canada.

Step 3: Raj applies for an open study permit for family members Canada from India, submitting:

His application form
Copy of Priya’s study permit approval letter
Marriage certificate
Other supporting documents

Step 4: Raj receives his open study permit, valid until the same date as Priya’s permit.

Result: After arriving in Canada, Raj can:

Research different schools and programs
Apply to multiple institutions
Choose the best fit for his career goals
Enroll without needing upfront deposits (school-dependent)

Cost Benefits of Open Study Permits for Family Members

Many Canadian schools require international students to pay substantial deposits before applying for their Provincial Attestation Letter. These deposits can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more.

Since accompanying family members with open study permits for family members don’t count toward provincial study permit caps, they may avoid these upfront costs. However, policies vary by institution, so confirm directly with your chosen school.

Planning Your Family’s Canadian Education Journey

Before Applying:

Ensure the principal applicant’s permit is approved before entry to Canada
Submit family member applications from outside Canada
Gather all relationship documents (marriage certificates, birth certificates)
Prepare financial proof for all family members

After Receiving Your Open Study Permit:

Research schools across Canada—you’re not limited by province!
Compare programs, costs, and locations
Consider career opportunities and post-graduation work permits
Connect with school admissions offices early

Why Choose Visa Master Canada for Your Application?

Navigating Canada’s immigration system can be complex, especially when coordinating multiple applications for your family. At Visa Master Canada, we specialize in helping families understand and access open study permits for family members Canada.

Our Services Include:

✅ Complete eligibility assessment for your family ✅ Document preparation and review ✅ Application submission support ✅ Guidance on school selection across Canada ✅ Updates on the latest IRCC policies

Ready to bring your family’s Canadian dream to life? Get your visa assessment with Visa Master Canada today and discover how open study permits for family members can make your transition smoother and more affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Open Study Permits for Family Members

Q: Can my spouse work in Canada with an open study permit? A: An open study permit only authorizes studying. However, your spouse may be eligible for an open work permit separately, depending on your program and occupation.

Q: Do children need open study permits for elementary or secondary school? A: Minor children accompanying their parents can usually attend elementary and secondary schools without a study permit. Check specific provincial requirements.

Q: What if my principal applicant’s permit expires? A: Your open study permit expires on the same date. If they extend their permit, you’ll need to apply for an extension—but under regular study permit rules, not the special exemption.

Q: Can I work while studying on an open study permit? A: Yes, if you’re enrolled full-time in a post-secondary program, you may be eligible to work part-time during studies and full-time during scheduled breaks.

Stay Updated on Canadian Immigration Changes

Immigration policies evolve regularly. The open study permits for family members program offers incredible flexibility, but it’s essential to stay informed about eligibility requirements and application procedures.

Visit Visa Master Canada for the latest updates, personalized guidance, and expert support throughout your application process.

Conclusion: Your Family’s Path to Canadian Education

Open study permits for family members Canada represent a significant advantage for international students and foreign workers bringing their families to Canada. By eliminating barriers like Letters of Acceptance, Provincial Attestation Letters, and upfront deposits, this program makes Canadian education more accessible for accompanying spouses and dependents.

Whether you’re a graduate student, skilled worker, or professional coming to Canada, understanding how open study permits for family members work can save your family time, money, and stress.

Take the first step today: Contact Visa Master Canada for a comprehensive assessment and personalized roadmap for your family’s Canadian journey.