Open Study Permits for Family Members

Spouses, partners, and dependent children who accompany an international student or foreign worker can obtain open study permits that are not tied to a specific Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and are PAL-exempt. This means they are not required to provide a letter of acceptance or a tuition deposit to secure a spot under a provincial cap. They have the flexibility to study at any school in any province and do not count toward Canada’s study permit cap.

Eligibility

A family member can apply without a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) only if:

• They apply before entering Canada
• Their spouse or parent’s study or work permit is approved in writing before arrival

How it Works
The principal applicant’s permit is approved first. The spouse or partner can then submit their study permit application from outside Canada with proof of relationship and a copy of the principal applicant’s approval. If approved, they receive an open study permit valid until the same expiry as the principal applicant’s permit.

Example
If your spouse’s study permit is approved before coming to Canada, you can apply for your own study permit from outside Canada without needing an LOA. An open study permit is issued without a DLI listed, allowing you to choose your school after arriving.

Benefits
Having an open study permit reduces initial expenses as there is no need to secure a seat at a DLI before applying. Accompanying family members can skip the deposit requirement and select their school later.

Important Note
This exemption is applicable only for the first permit issued from outside Canada. For subsequent extensions or school changes within Canada, the family member must adhere to the regular process and provide a valid LOA and, if necessary, a PAL or TAL.