Most consultants and agencies don’t even talk about Canada Study Visa with family when the children are grown up or have already completed their 12th grade. In fact, many consultants reject such cases outright, especially when parents are over 40 or 45 years old.
But the truth is: it is possible to apply for a Canada study visa with your entire family—even if your child has finished 12th grade and now needs to apply as an international student in Canada. At Globexa Immigration, we have successfully handled cases where parents were 45, 50, and even 55 years old, and got approval for their Canada study visas with family.
If you are in a similar situation, this guide will help you understand the process, requirements, challenges, and smart strategies to make your Canada dream possible.
1. Who Should Apply for Study Visa: Husband or Wife?
When planning a family application, one parent should be the primary student. The other parent can apply for an open work permit and the children can get study permits.
If both parents are graduates, the one with stronger academics (65%+ marks, 4-year degree) should apply as the student.
A 2-year Master’s program is highly recommended, since it allows the spouse to get an open work permit and strengthens PR options.
If both qualify, usually the spouse earning less should study, while the higher earner should take the work permit for better financial stability in Canada.
2. What Happens If the Child Has Completed 12th Grade?
This is the most important difference in such cases.
If the child is still in school (till grade 12 in Canada) → Education is free, and you only show living expenses.
If the child has already completed 12th outside Canada → The child will also need a study visa for Canada (UG Diploma or Bachelor’s degree).
This means:
The child becomes a full international student, just like the parent.
They must take IELTS (minimum 6 in each module) to prove language ability.
Parents will need to pay tuition fees for both themselves and their child, plus show extra financial proof.
3. Financial Requirements for Family Study Visa Applications
When applying as a family, financial proof becomes the most critical factor.
Tuition Fee:
Parent (Master’s) → CAD $20,000 (approx. 1st year)
Child (UG Diploma/Bachelor’s) → CAD $15,000–20,000 (approx. 1st year)
Living Expenses (as per 2025 updates):
Student alone → CAD $23,000
Student + spouse → CAD $29,000
Add child → + CAD $7,000 per child
Example: For a family of three (student, spouse, and one child in UG diploma), you may need to show around CAD $55,000–60,000 in total funds.
Funds can be shown as:
GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) for the student,
Tuition fee receipts,
Bank savings, fixed deposits, or liquid funds under the parents’ name.
4. Study Options for the Child
If your child has completed 12th, they can choose between:
UG Diploma (1–2 years) → Cheaper, faster entry to workforce, PGWP available.
Bachelor’s Degree (3–4 years) → Higher cost but better long-term prospects.
If your child is still in 10th/11th/12th and studies in Canada, no tuition fee is required until grade 12, and later, they can continue higher education as a domestic student after you get PR.
5. PR Pathways for the Family
Most families in this scenario are not coming for study alone—they want Permanent Residency (PR). Here are the key options:
RNIP & Community Programs (RCIP) – Easier PR if you study/work in smaller communities.
Ontario Master’s Graduate Stream – For public university graduates in Ontario.
International Student Stream – Just by securing a full-time job offer.
In-demand Skills & PNPs – For specific jobs in healthcare, trades, etc.
French Language Pathway – Extra CRS points, making PR easier.
Even if parents are over 40 or 50, these pathways can still lead to PR with the right planning.
6. Alternative Option: Let the Child Study, Parents Join Later
Not every family wants to bear the double cost of tuition (parent + child). Another smart strategy is:
Send the child alone on a study visa after 12th.
Parents apply for visitor visas or super visas.
Once the child gets PR, they can sponsor parents.
This can save lakhs of rupees while still achieving the Canada dream for the entire family in the long run.
7. Should You Apply Together or Separately?
Many families ask whether they should apply for the student first and then later apply for spouse and children.
Our advice: Apply together as a family.
If your SOP, documents, and funds are strong → visas for the entire family can be approved together.
If applied separately, costs increase, and sometimes chances of refusal are higher.
Final Words
Getting a Canada Study Visa with family when your child has already completed 12th is complex but absolutely possible. It requires:
Careful planning,
Strong documentation,
Right choice of programs/universities,
Proper financial proof.
At Globexa Immigration, we specialize in handling these unique and challenging cases. If you are a parent over 40 or 45, and want to move to Canada with your family, we can guide you step by step.
