.png)
Open Study Permits for Accompanying Family Members: A Major Opportunity for 2025–2026
Canada has introduced a significant policy change that makes
it easier for the family members of foreign workers and international students
to begin their studies in Canada. Under new IRCC rules, accompanying
spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children can now apply for open
study permits that are not tied to a single Designated Learning Institution
(DLI). This shift greatly reduces the barriers that families often face when
trying to access Canadian education.
Previously, studying in Canada required obtaining a Letter
of Acceptance (LOA) from a specific school and often securing a Provincial
Attestation Letter (PAL) before a study permit could even be submitted. These
requirements created additional steps, financial pressure, and uncertainty for
families coming to Canada.
With this update, however, many of those challenges have been eliminated.
A Flexible Study Permit With No DLI Restriction
One of the most important features of the new rule is that
eligible accompanying family members receive a study permit that is not
linked to a specific DLI. Unlike a traditional study permit, which is tied
to the school listed on the permit, this open study permit lets the holder
attend any school of their choice in Canada.
This gives families the freedom to choose programs after
arrival, explore different institutions, or even relocate within Canada without
being restricted to one institution from the start.
PAL-Exemption: No Letter of Acceptance, No Provincial
Seat Allocation
Another major benefit is that these open study permits are PAL-exempt.
This means:
- No
Letter of Acceptance (LOA) is required
- No
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL or TAL) is required
- No
deposit is needed to secure a seat at a DLI
Because accompanying family members do not count toward each
school’s provincial allocation, they are not subject to the national study
permit cap. This can significantly lower upfront costs, as many Canadian
schools require deposits from international applicants before issuing a PAL
request.
For families coming to Canada together, this exemption makes
the transition smoother, more predictable, and far more affordable.
Who Qualifies as an Accompanying Family Member?
IRCC defines “accompanying family members” as individuals
who are included in the principal applicant’s permit application and who will
travel with them to Canada. These include:
- Spouses
- Common-law
partners
- Dependent
children
- Dependent
children of dependent children
This means that both the principal applicant’s and the
spouse’s dependent children may qualify, provided they are included in the main
application.
Conditions to Receive an Open Study Permit Without an LOA
To be eligible for this special study permit, two conditions
must be met:
- The
application must be submitted from outside Canada, before entry.
- *The
family member must accompany a principal applicant whose work or study
permit has been approved in writing prior to travel.
This means that if your spouse is approved for a Canadian
study or work permit before coming to Canada, you can submit your own study
permit application—with no LOA—before arriving as well.
If approved, your study permit will be issued upon entry and
will be valid until the same expiry date as your spouse or partner’s permit.
How the Process Works in Real Life
A typical family scenario may look like this:
1. Principal applicant receives study or work permit
approval
- They
secure an LOA (if they are a student)
- Obtain
their PAL/TAL (if required)
- Apply
for and receive written approval for their permit before travelling
2. Family member applies as an accompanying dependent
The spouse, partner, or dependent child submits their own
study permit application from outside Canada.
Instead of an LOA, they include:
- Proof
of relationship
- A copy
of the principal applicant’s study or work permit approval
- Required
financial and identity documents
3. IRCC processes and issues a decision
If approved, the family member receives an open study permit
valid until the same date as the principal applicant’s permit.
4. The family travels together
Upon entry, both permits become active.
The accompanying family member is then free to:
- Apply
to any school
- Choose
any eligible program
- Begin
their studies without being tied to a DLI
This significantly reduces the waiting period and upfront
costs normally required for international students.
What Happens When You Need to Change Schools or Extend
Your Permit?
It is important to understand that this special exemption
applies only once, when applying from outside Canada as an accompanying
family member.
Later on, if you wish to:
- Extend
your study permit
- Change
to a new level of study
- Enroll
at a different DLI
- Apply
from inside Canada
…then you must follow the regular study permit
application rules, including submitting:
- A
valid LOA
- A
PAL/TAL (unless exempt)
- Updated
financial documentation
At this point, you are treated like any other international
student inside Canada.
A More Accessible Path to Canadian Education
This policy change represents a major step toward supporting
families coming to Canada. It offers:
- Greater
flexibility
- Lower
financial pressure
- Faster
access to schools
- Simpler
application requirements
Families of workers and students often struggle with
balancing education, finances, and immigration steps. This new open study
permit makes it far easier for spouses and dependents to pursue their own
educational goals while accompanying a loved one.
For those planning to study, work, or relocate to Canada in
2025–2026, now is an excellent time to explore these options and prepare early.
Navigating Health Care Education in Saskatchewan
Read More
Top Programs to Study in Canada for International...
Read More
Exploring Construction Management Courses in Canad...
Read More
1-Year Master Programs in Canada: Your Gateway to...
Read More
Exploring Kindergarten to Grade 12 International E...
Read More
The Cost of Studying in Canada’s Top Universities...
Read More
5 Strategies for International Students to Boost C...
Read More
Understanding Designated Learning Institutions in...
Read More
Tips for Starting School: A Checklist for Internat...
Read More
How Many Hours Can You Work as an International St...
Read More
Five Free Settlement Resources for International S...
Read More
Has IRcc’s LOA Verification System Successfully Pr...
Read More
Navigating Permanent Residency in Canada After Gra...
Read More
Canada Increases Duration of Interim Work Authoriz...
Read More
Unlocking Opportunities: New PGWP Eligibility for...
Read More
Healthy Campus Saskatchewan: Supporting Student Me...
Read More
The Transformative Power of Diversity: How Interna...
Read More
Exploring the Library System in Saskatchewan: A Hu...
Read More
How to Pick Your University in Canada
Read More
Understanding the New Provincial Attestation Lette...
Read More
# Traveling Outside Canada While Waiting for Your...
Read More
congratulations-to-ahsana-rahman
Read More
Apply Now for Fall 2025: Study in Canada with Stud...
Read More
5 Steps to Canadian PR for International Students...
Read More
"Find Your Perfect School in Canada with Study-Can...
Read More
**"Study Permit Rejected? Steps to Reapply Success...
Read More
Study in Canada: Earn More with the 24-Hour Work R...
Read More
Unlock Work Opportunities While Studying in Canada...
Read More
Study at Canada’s Best U15 Universities – Queen's...
Read More
Start Your Journey with Yorkville University - Van...
Read More
Do You Want to Study in Canada but Not Sure Where...
Read More
Transform Your Passion for Tech: Pursue Computer E...
Read More
Get Started on Your Canadian Education Journey wit...
Read More
PGWP Made Easy: Exciting Changes for Early Study P...
Read More
All Comment (0)