Family Visa to Canada: Fastest Paths for You, Your Spouse & Kids Under 5
Understand your options to come to Canada together—temporary visit, study/work with family, sponsorship, or permanent residence—plus clear next steps.
“Family visa” can mean different things in Canada. Below are the four most common pathways for a family
(parents plus children under 5) to come to Canada together. Pick the route that fits your goals—short visit,
study/work while your family accompanies you, or moving permanently.
1) Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa, TRV)
Best if you want to visit Canada temporarily for tourism, seeing relatives, or exploring schools/work options in person.
- Each family member—including children—needs their own application and passport.
- Parents sign forms for children under 18.
- Show ties to your home country (employment, property, family, finances) and proof of funds for the trip.
- Typical processing can range a few months depending on the visa office.
2) Study/Work With Accompanying Family
Great if one parent will study or work in Canada and wants the family to come along.
- Study route: One parent gets a study permit; spouse can often get an open work permit; children get study permits (if school-aged) or TRVs.
- Work route: One parent gets a work permit (employer-specific or open, where eligible); spouse may qualify for an open work permit; children accompany.
- Often the most practical way for the whole family to arrive together on temporary status.
3) Family Sponsorship (Permanent Residence)
If you already have a Canadian citizen or permanent resident spouse/partner, or your dependent children are Canadian, sponsorship could lead directly to PR.
- Leads to permanent residence (not just a visit).
- Processing commonly takes many months; timelines vary by stream.
- Requires a genuine relationship and meeting sponsor eligibility.
4) Economic Immigration (PR) as a Family
If you qualify under an economic program (e.g., Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program), your spouse and children can be included in the same PR application.
- All family members are processed together for permanent residence.
- Requires meeting eligibility (education, language, work experience, etc.).
- Processing timelines vary by program; Express Entry can be among the faster PR options for eligible applicants.
Quick Comparison
| Pathway | Goal | Family Together? | Outcome | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor Visa (TRV) | Short stay | Yes (each applies) | Temporary status | Tourism, exploring options |
| Study/Work + Family | Live temporarily while studying/working | Yes (spouse/children accompany) | Temporary status, can be a bridge to PR | Families who want to settle longer-term |
| Family Sponsorship (PR) | Permanent residence | Yes (sponsored family unit) | Permanent status | Where a qualifying Canadian sponsor exists |
| Economic Immigration (PR) | Permanent residence | Yes (spouse & kids included) | Permanent status | Skilled workers with eligibility |
What To Do Next
- Choose your goal: Visit temporarily, or study/work, or apply for PR.
- Gather basics: Passports for all, marriage certificate (if applicable), children’s birth certificates, proof of funds, and any job/school letters.
- Confirm eligibility: Check program requirements for language, education, work experience, and admissibility.
- Apply together: Include spouse and children in the same file when the program allows; for TRVs, submit linked family applications.
- Be consistent: Ensure forms and documents are complete and consistent to avoid delays or refusals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my children under 5 attend daycare or school in Canada?
Toddlers and preschoolers can attend private daycare. School-aged children generally need a study permit if they’ll be enrolled; for short visits, a TRV may suffice.
Do we need separate applications for our children?
Yes. Each family member requires their own application and supporting documents. Parents sign on behalf of minors.
Which option is fastest for arriving together?
Often the study/work route with accompanying family is the most practical for arriving together, but the “best” path depends on your eligibility and goals.
Can we switch from temporary status to PR later?
Many families do. Study/work routes can be stepping stones to PR through economic programs or provincial nominations, where eligible.
Get Personalized Guidance
Not sure which path fits your family best? We can assess your profile and give you a tailored step-by-step plan,
including a document checklist for both parents and children.
- Clarify your fastest realistic pathway
- Avoid incomplete or inconsistent applications
- Submit strong, well-organized files for each family member
