Relocating to a new country is a big adjustment, not only for you, but for your entire family! When relocating to Ontario on a work permit with your family, it is important to understand the rights of your spouse or domestic partner, and your children to work and study in Ontario. You’re probably wondering whether or not your significant other will be able to work, or if your children are required to have a study permit to enroll in school. We at Settle-in.com have answers to these important questions!
Getting your immediate family to Toronto:
- It is relatively simple to relocate with your immediate family. You can apply for permission to travel with a spouse or common law partner, and children who are younger than 18 years old, right on your temporary work visa. There is no need to fill out separate visa applications for them.
Helpful information about your spouse (or common-law partner):
- When you come to Ontario on a work permit, your spouse or common-law partner will also be allowed to work. In order to make this possible, at the same time that you fill out your work permit, your spouse needs to fill out an open work permit. This special permit will be valid for the same amount of time as your work permit, but does not bind the holder to one specific job or employer.
- If your spouse or common-law would like to study in Ontario, it is certainly a great place to do it! The province is home to many highly regarded higher education institutions. Study permits are not required for those enrolling in a higher education program for less than six months, but if he or she would like to enroll in college or university for a longer amount of time, a Study Permit must be obtained. There are also plenty of language schools where your spouse or common-law partner can study in Ontario.
Information regarding school for your children:
- Any minor child under the age of 18 years who accompanies you to Ontario is required to enroll in primary and/or secondary school.
- They do not require a separate study visa, provided you are on a work or study permit (if you are authorized as a visitor, then your children will need study permits). Schooling is required for children from ages six to 18 years old in Ontario.
- If your child is 18 years or older, he or she is required to apply for a Study Permit in order to attend a higher educational institution.
- If your child would like to work in Canada, he or she is required to fill out a Work Permit application, and secure a work permit before beginning a job.
Relocating to a new city with your family can be just as exciting as it is stressful. Here at Settle-in.com, we hope your relocation to Ontario goes smoothly!
Want to make your family’s move as smooth as possible? Subscribe to Settle-in.com and read the “Families” and “Preparing and Moving” sections of “The Guide!”
Read more about working and studying in Canada:
(photos: Evil Erin via Flickr, cc, Open Date Knowledge Series via Flickr, cc)