While international students in qualifying master’s or doctoral programs can bring spouses on open work permits, parents are not legally considered dependents under Canadian immigration law. To visit you, your parents must apply for a standard Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa). The current federal processing fee for this visa is $100 CAD per parent, plus an $85 CAD biometrics fee.
Studying in Canada is a life-changing experience, but being thousands of kilometres away from your family can be incredibly difficult. Whether you are taking classes in Toronto, Vancouver, or Calgary, wanting your parents to attend your graduation or simply visit during the holidays is a very common goal. 👪 However, understanding exactly how the Canadian visa system classifies family members is vital for a smooth process.
As of May 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has strict definitions of who counts as a dependent. While your spouse may be eligible for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) if you are enrolled in an eligible master’s, doctoral, or professional degree program, partners of students in undergraduate or standard college programs no longer qualify. Your parents, however, must always take a different route. Because the paperwork can be overwhelming, many students choose to hire a local immigration lawyer from our directory to help draft the perfect invitation package for their parents.
Step-by-Step Process in Canada
The rules for visitor visas apply uniformly across all provinces. Whether you are living in a small town in Nova Scotia or right in the heart of Montreal, your parents will undergo the same federal application process. 📋 Here are the critical steps to invite them successfully.
Step 1: Understand the Visa Requirements
Recognize that your parents cannot get a “Super Visa” because that specific program is only available to the parents of Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents. Instead, your parents must apply for a standard Visitor Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if they hold a passport from a visa-exempt country.
Step 2: Draft a Letter of Invitation
You must write a formal Letter of Invitation for your parents. This letter should explain the purpose of the trip (e.g., attending a convocation ceremony or a summer visit), the dates they will arrive and leave, and where they will stay. Ensure you include your exact Canadian address, your contact number, and a copy of your study permit. 📩
Step 3: Gather Proof of Enrollment
IRCC needs to verify that you are a genuine international student. You must obtain an official “Letter of Enrollment” from your Canadian college or university registrar’s office. It is also highly recommended to include your most recent academic transcripts to prove you are actively attending classes.
Step 4: Prove Financial Support
This is the most common reason for visa refusals. You must prove that there is enough money in CAD to support your parents during their stay. If you are paying for their trip, include your Canadian bank statements. If they are paying for themselves, they must provide their own bank statements, employment letters, and property ownership documents from their home country to prove strong ties. 💰
Step 5: Apply Online via the IRCC Portal
Your parents should create an account on the official IRCC portal (or you can act as their representative). Upload the Letter of Invitation, the financial documents, and the university letters. Once the application is submitted and the fees are paid, they will receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter.
Step 6: Complete Biometrics and Medicals
Your parents must take the instruction letter to their nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide their fingerprints and a photograph. If they plan to stay in Canada for more than 6 months, or if they have recently lived in certain countries, they may also be asked to undergo an Immigration Medical Exam by a Panel Physician.
| Family Member | Permit / Visa Type | Can They Work in Canada? |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse / Partner | Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) | Yes, full-time (only if the student is in an eligible master’s, PhD, or professional degree program). |
| Minor Children | Study Permit / Visitor Record | No. |
| Parents | Visitor Visa (TRV) | No, absolutely not. |
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
Budgeting for the visa application is straightforward, but additional travel costs must be considered. 💵
- Visitor Visa Fee: The federal application fee is $100 CAD per person.
- Biometrics Fee: Fingerprinting and digital photos cost $85 CAD per person (or a maximum of $170 CAD per family).
- Immigration Lawyer: If you hire a professional law firm to review the invitation package, expect to pay between $500 and $1,200 CAD.
- Medical Exam (If required): Usually costs between $150 and $300 CAD depending on their home country.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Visitor visa timelines vary wildly depending on the country your parents are applying from. ⏱
- Gathering Documents: Requesting university letters and organizing bank statements typically takes 1 to 2 weeks.
- IRCC Processing Time: Depending on the local visa office backlog, processing can take anywhere from 14 days to 4 months. Check the current IRCC processing times tool online.
- Passport Stamping: Once approved, sending the passport to the VAC and getting the physical visa foil attached takes an additional 2 to 3 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can my parents apply for a Super Visa while I am a student?
No. The Super Visa program, which allows parents to stay for up to 5 years at a time, is exclusively available to the parents and grandparents of Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents. International students do not qualify as eligible sponsors for this program.
How long can my parents stay in Canada on a Visitor Visa?
By default, a standard Visitor Visa allows your parents to stay in Canada for a maximum of 6 months per entry. If they wish to stay longer, they must apply for a “Visitor Record” extension online at least 30 days before their current status expires.
Do I need to show a minimum income to invite my parents?
Unlike family sponsorship, inviting someone for a temporary visit does not have a strict Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) threshold. However, you or your parents must prove you have enough reasonable funds in CAD to cover their flights, accommodation, and daily expenses.
Can my parents apply for an Open Work Permit when they arrive?
No. Parents arriving on a Visitor Visa are strictly prohibited from entering the Canadian labour market. Working without authorization is a serious violation of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and can result in immediate deportation and a ban from Canada.
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