Are you 39 years old and dreaming of moving to Canada for higher studies while bringing your spouse and children along? You’re not alone. Many mature professionals are now considering Canada not just for education, but also as a stepping stone to permanent residency and a better life for their families.
At Globexa Immigration, we’ve helped several clients in their late 30s and early 40s successfully get Canada study visas with their families. This blog will walk you through the key requirements, benefits, challenges, and practical tips to improve your chances.
1. Why Choose Canada for Study with Family?
Canada is one of the few countries that welcomes international students along with their spouses and children. Here’s why it’s a top choice:
Spouse Can Work Full-Time on an Open Work Permit
Children Can Study for Free in public schools (elementary & high school)
Pathway to PR through PGWP and various provincial/express entry programs
Diverse and Safe Environment
World-Class Education even for mature students
2. Who Can Apply for a Canada Study Visa with Family at Age 39?
If you are:
39 years old (or close)
Have a strong educational background
Relevant work experience
Enough funds to support your family in Canada
A clear study purpose and future plan
Then yes, you can apply successfully, even with your spouse and kids.
3. Key Requirements for Study Visa at Age 39 with Family
Here are the documents and factors you must take seriously:
1. Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
You need to be accepted by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. Preferably a public college or university that offers PGWP-eligible courses.
2. Strong SOP (Statement of Purpose)
This is extremely important at your age. You must explain:
Why you want to study at this age
How the course aligns with your career
Why you are choosing Canada
Your future plans after the course
How you will financially support your family
🔑 Globexa Tip: SOP must address “intent of return” and prove that you are a genuine student, not just using this as a backdoor to PR.
3. Proof of Funds
Show that you can support:
Your tuition fee for one year
Living expenses for yourself (~$10,000 CAD)
Spouse (~$4,000–5,000 CAD)
Each child (~$3,000 CAD)
This can include:
Bank statements
Income tax returns
Fixed deposits
Property papers
Business proof (if self-employed)
4. Family Ties and Travel History
A clean visa history
Any past refusals should be clearly addressed
Strong family ties to home country help to prove you’ll return
4. Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP)
Your spouse can apply for a Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP) along with your study visa. Once approved, they can work full-time in Canada — no job offer required.
This is a huge benefit, as it helps:
Earn income to support your stay
Gain Canadian work experience
Strengthen PR pathway
5. Children's Study Permit
If you have school-going children, they can accompany you on a dependent permit. They can attend public schools in Canada for free.
You’ll need:
Child’s birth certificate
Passport
Letter of explanation
Proof of parent’s study permit
6. Common Challenges at Age 39 and How to Overcome Them
1. Gap Justification
If you’ve been working for 15+ years, explain how this course will add value. Show that you are upgrading skills for career advancement or business growth.
2. Visa Officer Doubt on Intent
You must prove:
You’re a genuine student
You have plans to return (even if you want to settle later)
You are not abusing the immigration system
3. Finances
Show strong finances from reliable sources. Avoid only showing lump-sum funds; try to prove income streams and business or job continuity.
7. Best Courses for Mature Students Aged 35+
Consider programs that:
Match your work experience
Are high in demand (business, IT, project management, healthcare)
Lead to jobs under NOC codes eligible for PR
Examples:
Global Business Management
Project Management
Healthcare Administration
Data Analytics
Cybersecurity
8. Real-Life Success Story
At Globexa Immigration, we helped a 39-year-old client with 15 years of IT experience secure a study visa for a 2-year Data Analytics program in Ontario. His wife got an open work permit, and his daughter was enrolled in a public school.
Now they are working towards Canadian PR through the Ontario PNP stream.
Final Thoughts
Age is not a barrier if your case is strong, your SOP is genuine, and your documents are complete.
If you are serious about moving to Canada for study at age 39 with your family, take expert guidance. A single mistake in your application could lead to refusal and delays.
📞 Contact Globexa Immigration Today
We specialize in complex study visa applications with dependents. Whether you’re 35, 39, or 42 — we can guide you step-by-step and build a strong case for your dream of moving to Canada with your family.
1. Transparent Process
2. Document Checklist
3. SOP Drafting & Review
4. Spouse Work Permit Guidance
5. PR Planning after Study
