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Canada Study Visa with Spouse Visa – Complete Guide
At Globexa Immigration, we often receive questions from married applicants about whether they can apply for a Canada Study Visa and Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP) together. With recent changes in Canadian immigration policies and a reduction in temporary resident approvals, many families are unsure about the best approach.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
Applying for a Study Visa and Spouse Visa together
What to do if your Spouse Open Work Permit is refused
Financial requirements for family applications
Program selection for eligibility
Common myths and realities about applying as a family
1. Can You Apply for a Study Visa and Spouse Visa Together?
Yes, you can.
If you meet the requirements, there is no restriction on applying for your own Study Visa along with your spouse’s Open Work Permit (and even dependent children’s visas) at the same time.
Two key conditions must be met:
Genuine Marriage Proof – You must have sufficient documentation to prove your marriage is genuine.
Financial Capacity – You must be able to show that you can support yourself and your family during your stay in Canada.
Many married applicants choose this route because immigration rules may change in the future, and securing both visas together ensures the family can travel together without uncertainty.
2. If Your Spouse Visa is Refused
Recent months have seen refusals for SOWP even when the primary applicant’s study permit was approved. This is often due to stricter rules and reduced temporary immigration targets.
If your spouse visa is refused, you can:
Change your program (e.g., move to a Master’s degree) to meet eligibility criteria.
Apply for a Visitor Visa instead.
Reapply for SOWP after addressing refusal reasons.
3. Choosing the Right Program for Eligibility
Your program choice directly affects whether your spouse will qualify for an Open Work Permit.
Recommended: Master’s degree programs for married applicants.
Not Recommended: Undergraduate or Post-Graduate Diplomas for most married applicants (exceptions exist for certain programs).
Examples of Eligible Institutions:
International Business University (Toronto) – September Intake Open
Trinity Western University – September Intake Open
Providence University (Manitoba) – Upcoming Intakes
IU International Business University & others
4. Financial Requirements for Study Visa + Spouse Visa
You must prove you can cover:
First-year tuition fee (varies by institution)
Living expenses for each family member
IRCC SDS Category Guidelines:
First-year tuition fee (average CAD $20,000 – $25,000)
CAD $21,000 in GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) for the student
CAD $5,000 per spouse
CAD $6,000 per child
Example – No Children:
Tuition Fee: CAD $20,000 (approx.)
GIC (student): CAD $21,000
Spouse expenses: CAD $5,000
Total: CAD $46,000 approx.
Example – One Child:
Tuition Fee: CAD $20,000
GIC (student): CAD $21,000
Spouse: CAD $5,000
Child: CAD $6,000
Total: CAD $52,000 approx.
5. Common Myths About Applying Together
Myth: Applying for the whole family together increases refusal chances.
Reality: If the application is prepared correctly with proper documentation, the approval rate is strong. At Globexa Immigration, we have successfully handled many such cases.
Why Choose Globexa Immigration?
Proven Track Record – Successful approvals for family applications
Expert Documentation – Ensuring your marriage proof and financials meet IRCC expectations
Personalized Program Guidance – Selecting the right course to secure SOWP eligibility
