Immigration Documents
Starting January 22, 2025, a is required for most study permit applications with some exceptions. SFU Exchange students who are are studying under an exchange arrangement between their home institution and SFU, and who do not pay tuition fees to SFU, are exempt from the PAL requirement. Exchange students who apply for a study permit are required to provide proof of the they fall under in their application to IRCC. If you have any questions, contact a SFU International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist.
Bring your Family
If your spouse or common-law partner and/or your would like to accompany you to Canada, they are advised to apply for their immigration documents at the same time that you apply for your immigration documents.
Visas and permits for spouses and common-law partners
If your spouse or partner will be coming to Canada as a visitor, they will require either a temporary resident visa/TRV (visitor visa) or an electronic travel authorization/eTA (unless otherwise exempted) depending on their country of citizenship(s). Visit the for more information about who requires a TRV and an eTA.
For information about how to apply for a TRV visit the . For information about how to apply for an eTA visit the . Visitors can remain in Canada unless otherwise stated by the officer at the Canadian port of entry.
Depending on what your spouse or common-law partner wishes to do in Canada, they may also apply for a or a if they meet the eligibility criteria to do so.
If your spouse, common-law partner and/or dependent child(ren) wish to extend their stay in Canada, they may be able to apply to IRCC from inside Canada. Please refer to Extend your family members' documents for more information.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada defines common-law partners as people of the same or opposite sex who are cohabitating and have cohabitated in a conjugal relationship for at least one year. In Canada, a common-law partner is regarded in the same manner as a legal spouse. Visit the for more information.
Permits for dependent children
Anyone under the age of majority (19 in British Columbia) is considered to be a minor child. Minor children who want to study for 6 months or more must apply for a study permit before they enter Canada. This includes minor children who come with parents who are applying for a study or work permit. They do not require a letter of acceptance (LOA) from a Canadian educational institution.
For more information, . For schooling and childcare for your dependent children, please see Support for your family.
Bring your family - required documents
If your dependent family members will be joining you, they will require some or all of the following documents from you as part of their application for temporary residence in Canada (in addition to their own supporting documents, as specified by the responsible visa office):
- Required application forms, available on the
- Your SFU letter of acceptance (also referred to as your admission offer/letter) or Confirmation of Enrollment letter plus your official SFU transcript (if you have begun your studies)
- For SFU exchange students, they can use your SFU Exchange/Study Abroad Letter
- An from you
- Proof of funds: This could include letter(s) from a bank, employer, scholarship provider, or SFU
- Proof of relationship: A copy of your marriage certificate, proof of common-law status or birth certificate
- If you’re a single parent applying for a minor, you may need additional documents
- A copy of your study permit (if applicable) and passport
- and/or an may also be required
- For dependent children: birth certificate, official school records in English or English translation, medical records
Make sure to keep copies of all the documents your family member submits with their application.
Bring your family - how to apply
Visit the for information about how to apply for visas and permits and the eligibility requirements for each.
Please contact an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist if you have questions about how to apply.
Length of Stay
If your family members apply at the same time as your inital study permit, the length of your dependent family members' permits will generally be issued for the same length as your study permit.
If your family members enter Canada without you and they have not applied for a study permit or work permit, they may be admitted on visitor status for six months or less. As per the , visitors in Canada are permitted to stay for up to 6 months. The officer at the border will determine the approved length of stay.
If your family members travelling to Canada after you have travelled, we recommend that you send them copies of the documents listed above for them to present at the Canadian border crossing.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) no longer stamps all passports at airports with . This includes Vancouver International Airport/YVR. If you and/or your family member(s) need a stamp in your passport as proof of entry into Canada, request a stamp from a border services officer after completing the kiosk or the eGate transaction.
Visitors admitted for six months or less are not eligible for BC’s Medical Services Plan (MSP), so they should apply right away to extend or change their immigration document.