Please review the resources below for helpful information to support your spouse or common-law partner in adjusting to life in Ottawa.

Bringing Your Spouse or Partner to Canada

Please visit our ‘Bringing Your Family to Canada’ page.

Your Spouse or Partner’s Immigration Status in Canada

  • Visitor Status: If your spouse does not apply for a study permit or work permit, they will be considered a visitor upon arrival in Canada. Most visitors can stay for up to 6 months in Canada, however, a border services officer may allow a visitor to stay longer. The authorized period of time allowed for a family member’s stay in Canada will usually correspond to the principal applicant’s (the Algonquin College student) study permit. A visitor status may be extended after arriving in Canada.
  • Study Permit: If your spouse or partner intends to study while in Canada, they must submit a complete study permit application, which includes a Letter of Acceptance and a Provincial Attestation Letter. Spouses and common-law partners of international students with a valid study permit may apply for a study permit from inside Canada. Please note, a study permit is not required for online programs, language learning programs or studies under six months in length.
  • Work Permit: Effective January 21, 2025, only spouses of certain international students and foreign workers are able to apply for a family work permit. Please refer to the following IRCC website for more information. Your spouse may be eligible for an Open Work permit for family members of foreign workers after you apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, if your PGWP will be valid for at least 16 months and you meet the employment requirements.

Health Care

Health Insurance

As an international student, you and your dependents are not eligible for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). At Algonquin College, the mandatory health insurance provider for international students is GuardMe. International students can add coverage for a dependant on the GuardMe site. You will need your policy number to purchase coverage for dependents.

International students arriving early with dependents must buy early arrival insurance first for themselves to be able to enrol dependents.

Learn more about Health Insurance for international students.

Additional Settlement Resources