Entry for Spouse and Children

Spousal Work Permit:

The spouse or common-law partner (either of the opposite or the same sex) of a non-Canadian academic visitor can apply for an "open" work permit if the academic visitor is authorized to work in Canada for six months or longer. The "open" work permit  will allow the spouse to accept any job with any employer. The spouse's "open" work permit will be valid for the same period the academic visitor is authorized for.

If  the visiting academic, their spouse or common-law partner and children all apply together, they do not have to fill out a separate application form for each individual. They can list the names of all accompanying family members and the other necessary information about them in the appropriate space on one application form. If the spouse and children arrive separately, they must complete individual application forms.

Documents that will be required to establish the status of the accompanying family, in addition to travel documentation:

• a marriage certificate and birth certificates for any accompanying family members, legal documentation of guardianship if applicable
• for common-law relationships the form Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union, and the supporting evidence listed in it

For further details on this topic, check the "Frequently Asked Questions: Working temporarily in Canada" on the Citizenship and Immigration web site.

Children:

The visiting academic should ensure that any accompanying dependent children are listed on the work permit. If the children are not listed, they will have to pay foreign student fees at primary schools and high schools. Kingston area school boards generally do not require a study permits for children, but the parent or guardian must provide the valid work permit at registration.

Dependent children may also be issued a work permit if they qualify under Citizenship and Immigration regulations.