Canada Offers Special Open Study Permit for Family Members of International Students and Workers

Study in Canada: Studying in Canada requires a valid study permit, without which international students cannot pursue education in the country. Every student must obtain this permit before enrolling in any institution.

Canada Open Study Permit: Did you know that family members of international students and workers in Canada can also study while living with them? Spouses, common-law partners, and dependents can now get a special Open Study Permit that allows them to enroll in any college of their choice. Importantly, they do not need admission from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

Usually, admission is only granted through a DLI, but under this special provision, the Open Study Permit is outside the government’s standard quota. Family members do not need to show an admission offer letter or prepay tuition fees to obtain the permit.

Eligibility for Open Study Permit:
According to IRCC, family members can receive an Open Study Permit only if their names were included in the study or work permit application of the main applicant. For example, if a student or worker includes their spouse, common-law partner, or children in the application, those family members can apply for the Open Study Permit.

Conditions for the Permit:
Applicants do not need a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) if they meet two conditions:

1. The application for the study permit must be made before arriving in Canada.
2. The applicant must be accompanying the main international student or worker whose permit has already been approved before arrival.

Example:
If you are a spouse or common-law partner of an international student whose study permit has been formally approved, you can apply for your study permit while still outside Canada, without needing an LOA from a DLI. The Open Study Permit remains valid as long as the primary applicant’s permit is valid. Once the main permit expires, you can reapply for a new one.

This special Open Study Permit gives international families in Canada the flexibility to pursue education together while maintaining compliance with immigration regulations.