How to Move to Canada as a Family? A 2025 Updated Guide
- Murat Koçak
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
Canada continues to be one of the most preferred immigration destinations for families thanks to its high quality of life, well-developed education system, safe social environment, and abundant opportunities. Especially for families with children, Canada presents an attractive option for both short-term study or work plans and long-term settlement goals.
However, moving to a new country as a family involves much more than applying for a visa.
The type of visa, children’s access to public schools, spousal work rights, health insurance conditions, housing options, differences between provinces, and long-term permanent residency plans are many factors that must be known and carefully planned in advance.
In this comprehensive guide, we walk through the following topics based on official sources for those planning to move to Canada as a family in 2025:
● Updated visa types
● Conditions for access to education and health services for children
● Housing costs and general living expenses
● Spousal work rights
● Long-term immigration options like permanent residency (PR) and family sponsorship
Taking informed steps is one of the most effective ways to build a safe and sustainable life in Canada.
Main Pathways to Move to Canada with Family
There are three main routes for moving to Canada as a family:
Through a Study Permit
If one parent is planning to study at a college or university in Canada:
● Main applicant: Must be accepted by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
● Spouse: May apply for an open work permit and work full-time
● Children: Can attend public schools for free
● Visa code: S-1 (student) + separate applications for spouse and children
Note: The SX-1 visa for short-term language courses (less than 6 months) does not grant these benefits.
Through a Work Permit
With a valid job offer:
● Main applicant: Works in an LMIA-supported or LMIA-exempt job
● Spouse: Can usually apply for an open work permit
● Children: Eligible for free public education
Certain sectors (e.g., healthcare, tech) may qualify for LMIA exemptions.
Through Permanent Residency (PR)
It is also possible to move directly to Canada with permanent residency:
● Express Entry
● Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
● Family sponsorship (spouse, children, parents)
PR holders are entitled to all social services immediately upon arrival.
Education and Health Rights for Parents and Children
Children’s Right to Education
Children aged 5–18 are eligible for free public education if at least one parent holds a study permit or a work permit.
Parent Status | Public School Eligibility |
University/college student | Yes |
Work permit holder | Yes |
Visitor visa (SX-1) | No |
PR holder | Yes |
Children of SX-1 visa holders must attend private school at their own expense.
Health Insurance and Access
● PR holders: Covered by public healthcare services
● Temporary residents (students/workers): Included in public insurance in most provinces
● Visitors: Must purchase private health insurance
In provinces like Ontario, students and their family members are not covered under OHIP and must have private insurance.
Housing Alternatives and Living Costs
Housing and cost of living are major concerns for families moving to Canada.
Housing Type | Avg. Monthly Rent (CAD) |
1-bedroom (downtown) | 2,500 – 2,700 |
2-bedroom (downtown) | 2,900 – 3,300 |
Family home (outside core) | 2,200 – 2,800 |
Other Monthly Expenses (Estimates)
● Groceries (family of 4): 700–1,200 CAD
● Public transportation (TTC card): 156 CAD per person
● Utilities (electricity, water, gas): 150–250 CAD
Average monthly expenses for a family: 4,500–6,000 CAD
Permanent Residency and Family Sponsorship Options
If you plan to settle long-term, applying for PR is the most sustainable option. There are several pathways:
Express Entry
● Includes programs like Federal Skilled Worker and Canadian Experience Class
● Family members can be included
● Average processing time: 6–10 months
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
● Based on labor needs in specific provinces
● Family members can be added to the PR application
Family Sponsorship
● PR or Canadian citizens can sponsor spouse, children, or parents
● Processing time: 10–12 months
● Siblings or cousins cannot be sponsored under this stream
Key Considerations in Planning the Process
Family migration to Canada requires strategic planning beyond simply applying for a visa. Each family’s needs vary, so the process should be tailored accordingly.
Choosing the Right Visa Type
Depending on your purpose of travel, you may apply for:
● SX-1: Short-term language course
● S-1: Academic study
● Work Permit: Employment
● PR: Long-term residency
Each visa category offers different rights to family members.
Impact of Parent Status on Children
To qualify for free public schooling, at least one parent must hold a study or work permit. Visitor visas (like SX-1) do not grant this right. Some provinces also require original documents during school registration.
Education and Health Policies Vary by Province
Education and healthcare are managed provincially. For example:
● In British Columbia, study permit holders may access public health insurance (MSP)
● In Ontario (e.g., Toronto), private insurance is often mandatory
School enrollment guidelines also vary by province.
Transitioning from Temporary to Permanent Residency
Many families initially come with student or worker status and later transition to PR through Express Entry, PNP, or employer sponsorship. Early planning helps align career and education choices with immigration goals.
Tip: Align your study or work plan with long-term immigration goals to increase your chances of obtaining PR.
Settling in Canada as a Family: With Informed Planning, It’s Possible
Canada offers families many benefits in terms of education, career, and quality of life. However, successful settlement requires access to accurate information, an understanding of provincial differences, and awareness of current regulations. When visa applications, school placements, housing, and healthcare services are thoughtfully planned, the move becomes more than just relocation—it becomes the beginning of a new life.
At C&C Education Visa and Immigration in Canada, we provide personalized and up-to-date consultancy services to families planning to move to Canada, including:
● Identifying the most suitable visa type
● Enrolling children in public schools
● Evaluating spousal work rights
● Explaining health insurance and provincial procedures
● Developing strategies for PR transition
Every family’s journey is different. What matters is ensuring this journey is intentional, well-prepared, and sustainable.
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