Canada is a popular destination for students from all over the world. According to the Canadian Bureau for International Education, over 642,000 international students were enrolled in Canadian institutions in 2020. Studying in Canada offers many benefits, including access to world-class education, diverse and welcoming communities, opportunities for language acquisition, and excellent quality of life. International students in Canada can also work part-time, gain valuable work experience, and apply for Canada PR after graduation.
If you are a student planning to study in Canada and want to bring your spouse with you, you will need to apply for a Study Visa and a Spouse visa. But should you apply together or separately?
Let’s explore your options.
Option 1: Applying Together
One option is to apply for your Study Visa and your spouse’s visa together. This is known as a “joint application.” When you submit a joint application, both you and your spouse will be assessed at the same time. This can be a good option if you want to travel to Canada at the same time and start your new life together.
To apply for a joint application, you will need to provide all the required documents for both yourself and your spouse. These may include:
- Valid passports
- Proof of funds
- Medical exams
- Police certificates
- Marriage certificate or proof of common-law relationship
One of the benefits of a joint application is that you only need to pay one application fee instead of two. Additionally, if your application is approved, both you and your spouse will receive your visas at the same time.
Option 2: Applying Separately
Another option is to apply for your Study Visa and your spouse’s visa separately. This means that you will each submit your own application and be assessed individually. This can be a good option if you are not sure when your spouse will be able to join you in Canada, or if your spouse is not yet ready to move to Canada.
To apply separately, you will need to provide all the required documents for your own application. You will also need to provide additional documents to show that you have a spouse who will be accompanying you to Canada. These may include:
- Marriage certificate or proof of common-law relationship
- Proof of your spouse’s language ability
- Proof of your spouse’s education and work experience
- Proof of your spouse’s financial support
One of the benefits of applying separately is that your spouse can apply for a work permit once they arrive in Canada. This can be especially helpful if your spouse wants to work while you are studying.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Deciding whether to apply together or separately will depend on your individual circumstances. If you want to travel to Canada together and start your new life as soon as possible, a joint application may be the best option for you. If you are not sure when your spouse will be able to join you in Canada, or if your spouse is not yet ready to move to Canada, applying separately may be a better choice.
It’s important to note that regardless of which option you choose, the process of applying for a Canada Study Visa and a Canada Spouse Visa from India can be complicated. It may be helpful to work with an immigration consultant or lawyer to ensure that you submit a complete and accurate application.
Whether you apply for a Study Visa and spouse visa together or separately will depend on your specific situation. Consider your timeline, your spouse’s readiness to move to Canada, and your financial situation before making a decision. With careful planning and preparation, you can successfully apply for a Study Visa and spouse visa and start your new life in Canada.
Good Luck!