IEC permit to Canada: Travelling as a couple and/or with kids

Some WHV countries don’t allow temporary permit holders to come with dependent children, but Canada welcomes them.

Note that education is compulsory from the age of five or six (depending on province/territory), so your little one may have to go to school.

Getting a visitor or study permit

Since children must have their own immigration status, you have two options:

They could enter Canada with you as visitors, with their own passport and visa (if required). They are usually given permission to stay in Canada for as long as your IEC permit is valid. Minor children (under 18-19 years old, depending on province/territory) who are in Canada can go to school without needing a study permit.

You could apply for a study permit for them before going to Canada. You will have to pay the CA$150 fee for the study permit and go through the whole process. To learn more, read Why you may still want them to get a study permit.

For further info, read Studying in Canada as a minor.

Tips for a smooth arrivals process

Your child(ren) must have their own passport and it must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Canada. If no visa is required to travel to Canada, you will need to get them an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). The application process is quick and straightforward and it only costs CA$7. Watch for scams and don’t use a third-party website!

A border services officer will ask you a number of questions when you arrive in Canada, for instance: How will you support your family? Where will you live? Who will take care of any children when you’re at work? Make sure you can answer all questions easily.

If your child is entering Canada with only one of two parents, you will be expected to present a copy of the child’s birth certificate, and a letter of authorisation (in English or French, if possible) that has been signed by the parent who is not travelling. This letter must include the address and telephone number of the parent who is not travelling, and a photocopy of that parent’s signed passport or national identity card.

For cases such as shared custody, sole custody, deceased parent, adopted parents, etc., read Minor child travelling to Canada to make sure you meet all the requirements.

Expecting a child after getting your IEC permit

If you find out you’re expecting after getting an IEC work/study permit but before you travel to Canada, you can contact the Canadian embassy to inform them, but it is totally optional. Just make sure to meet all the requirements mentioned above when you travel to Canada—yes, even newborns need a passport.

If you will be giving birth in Canada, read Chapter 7.