You cannot include dependents directly on your IEC Young Professionals application. Your spouse must apply for their own Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP), and accompanying children require their own study or visitor visas. The federal processing fee for an SOWP is $255 CAD.
Securing an International Experience Canada (IEC) Young Professionals work permit is a fantastic career milestone. However, if you are planning to bring your family to Canada, the process requires careful navigation of federal immigration policies. Unlike some high-skilled temporary foreign worker streams, the IEC programme does not automatically grant status to your spouse, common-law partner, or dependent children. Each family member must be assessed independently by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). 👨👩👧👦
Because family reunification policies are handled at the federal level, the rules for spousal work permits and child study permits remain the same whether you are moving to a bustling metropolis like Toronto, Ontario, or a smaller community in Nova Scotia. While the immigration process is standard across the country, local factors such as registering your child for public school or finding provincial healthcare coverage will depend entirely on your destination. Many families opt to consult a reputable Canadian law firm to ensure all concurrent applications are filed without errors.
Step-by-Step Process in Canada
Bringing your dependents requires synchronising your IEC application with their respective visa applications. Generally, most applicants follow this step-by-step approach to ensure the entire family arrives together legally. 💼
Step 1: Determine Spousal Open Work Permit Eligibility
Your spouse or common-law partner is not automatically entitled to work in Canada. To be eligible for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP), you-the principal IEC applicant-must generally hold a valid work permit and be employed in a skilled occupation (typically TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 under the National Occupational Classification system). You must be prepared to prove your employment status by providing your job offer and, if already working, recent payslips.
Step 2: Plan for Dependent Children
If you have dependent children under the age of 22, you must determine their visa needs. Minor children accompanying a parent who holds a valid work permit can usually study at the preschool, primary, or secondary level without a formal study permit. However, applying for a study permit or a visitor record is highly recommended to formalise their status in Canada.
Step 3: Submit Concurrent Applications
Once you receive your Invitation to Apply (ITA) for the Young Professionals category, you should indicate in your online IRCC portal that you have family members accompanying you. The system will then generate the appropriate application forms (such as an Open Work Permit form for your spouse and Study/Visitor forms for your children) so you can submit all applications concurrently. 💻
Step 4: Arrive at the Port of Entry
Upon arrival in Canada, you and your family will meet with a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer. You must present your Port of Entry (POE) Letters of Introduction, your marriage certificate, your job offer, and your children’s birth certificates. The officer will then print your employer-specific work permit and your spouse’s open work permit.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
When bringing dependents, the financial requirements increase significantly. You must pay separate federal processing fees for each family member applying for a visa. Below are the standard fees associated with family applications: 💰
| Visa / Application Type | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Who Pays? |
|---|---|---|
| Spousal Open Work Permit | $255 | Spouse |
| Minor Child Study Permit | $150 | Parent/Child |
| Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) | $100 | Per Dependent |
| Family Biometrics Fee | $170 (Max family rate) | Family Unit |
How Long Does the Process Take?
If you submit your spouse and children’s applications concurrently with your IEC Young Professionals application, IRCC generally attempts to process them together. As of 2026, the standard processing time for a complete IEC package is roughly 8 to 9 weeks. However, if your spouse applies for their SOWP separately after you have already arrived in Canada, processing times can extend to 3 to 5 months depending on their country of residence. ⏳
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can my spouse work for any employer in Canada?
Yes, if approved for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP), your spouse can work for almost any employer in Canada, unlike your Young Professionals permit, which is restricted to a single employer.
Are public schools free for my children in Canada?
Generally, yes. If you or your spouse hold a valid Canadian work permit, your minor children are usually eligible to attend public elementary and secondary schools for free. However, policies are managed by local provincial school boards, so always verify with your specific municipality.
What happens if my spouse’s permit is denied?
If your spouse’s SOWP is denied, it does not automatically invalidate your IEC work permit. Your spouse may reapply with stronger evidence or choose to apply for a standard Visitor Visa to accompany you without working privileges.
Will we file our taxes together in Canada?
Yes, as residents of Canada for tax purposes, you and your spouse will report your marital status to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and file your income tax returns, which may qualify your family for specific federal child benefits.
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