Maple News reports that Canada is expanding educational access to the family members of international students and foreign workers through open study permits. This initiative allows eligible spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children to study in Canada without needing a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) or a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL).
These open study permits differ from standard ones in that they are not tied to a specific Designated Learning Institution (DLI), enabling holders to attend the school of their choice anywhere in Canada. The change significantly reduces bureaucratic hurdles for accompanying family members, helping them bypass the academic admission process normally required before applying for a permit.
Under this policy, accompanying spouses and partners are exempt from submitting an LOA or paying upfront tuition deposits to secure a spot at a Canadian institution prior to applying for their study permit. As long as they meet key eligibility conditions, they are free to pursue education once they arrive in Canada.
To qualify, applicants must file their study permit application from outside Canada and be an accompanying family member of a principal applicant whose work or study permit has already been approved in writing. The open study permit issued will be valid until the expiration date of the principal applicant’s permit.
The initiative applies to accompanying family members defined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as spouses, common-law partners, or dependent children who are included in the principal applicant’s immigration application.
For instance, if a person receives approval for a Canadian study permit, their spouse may apply for an open study permit from abroad by providing supporting documents such as proof of relationship and a copy of the primary applicant’s study permit approval. Once approved, the spouse may choose any legitimate Canadian academic institution to attend, and can apply either before or after arriving in the country.
This move aligns with Canada’s broader goals to attract and retain global talent by encouraging international families to settle and contribute to Canadian society more comfortably. It also provides more flexibility for accompanying family members to upskill or pursue a Canadian education, supporting long-term integration and workforce participation.
Maple News will continue to monitor developments in this policy and its impact on international students and their families across Canada.