Canada Now Allows Special Study Permits for Accompanying Family of Workers & Students

Family members accompanying foreign workers and international students can now get a special kind of open study permit that is not tied to a single Designated Learning Institution (DLI), which means the holder can choose to attend practically any school they want across Canada.

The biggest benefit of this special permit is that it makes the application easier because it is a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)-exempt. This exemption removes several major hurdles, like:

• You don't have to attach a formal letter of admission from a school when you first apply for this study permit.
• The accompanying family member's application does not count toward Canada's new national study permit cap or a DLI's student allocation.
• Since these students don't count towards the cap, they may not have to pay the large upfront deposit that schools often require to secure a spot and begin the PAL process.

To be eligible for the permit, applicants must be:

• The spouse or common-law partner of the principal applicant.
• Dependent children (and their own dependent children).

Application Conditions to Receive Open Study Permits

To get a special open study permit, the family member must meet two conditions when submitting their application from outside Canada:

• They apply for their study permit before entering Canada, and
• They are an accompanying family member of a foreign national whose work or study permit application has been approved in writing before their entry to Canada.

Instead of an LOA, the accompanying family member must include proof of their relationship (like a marriage certificate) and a copy of the principal applicant's approval letter. The open study permit, if approved, will be valid until the same expiry date as the principal applicant's permit.

Also Read: New Canada Immigration Processing Times as of November 26 RELEASED

What Happens Later (Renewals and Extensions)?

It is important to understand that the special PAL extension is a one-time, location-specific benefit.

• It only applies when you are applying for the permit from outside Canada as an accompanying family member for the first time.
• If you later need to extend your study permit, change schools, or change your level of study while already inside Canada, you will be treated like a standard in-Canada student. This means you will then have to provide a valid Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a DLI and any other required documents, like a PAL/TAL (unless you fit a different, specific PAL/TAL exemption).

Also Read: IRCC Invites 1,000 CEC Candidates in Nov 26 Express Entry Draw

Looking for Expert Guidance on New Open Study Permits for Family? GetGIS Has You Covered

Canada's PAL-exempt open study permits ease family study options for workers & students—no LOA or cap limits needed. Navigate eligibility, applications, and renewals seamlessly with tailored advice—connect with GetGIS for end-to-end support.

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