Does Canada have master's program options within my budget and what are the chances of dependent visa approval there?
Yes, Canada has master's programs across many budgets, with tuition typically running fifteen thousand to over thirty-five thousand Canadian dollars a year and university-level applications holding close to a forty-nine percent approval rate. Your spouse qualifies for an open work permit only if your program runs at least sixteen months.
Your budget likely fits somewhere in Canada's master's landscape, since tuition ranges widely by province and institution, and your dependent's visa chances hinge mainly on how strong your own study permit application is. University-level master's programs currently hold some of the better approval rates in the whole system. Share your numbers and field of study, and this gets much more specific.
Typical Master's Costs And Approval Rates In Canada
| Factor | What To Expect |
|---|---|
| Tuition range | CAD 15,000 to CAD 35,000 or more per year, lower at smaller provincial universities |
| Study permit approval | University-level master's programs hover near a 49 percent approval rate |
| Living expense proof | Required in addition to first-year tuition, adjusted for cost of living |
Dependent Visa Rules You Need To Know
- Your spouse qualifies for a Spousal Open Work Permit only if you are enrolled in a master's or doctoral program lasting 16 months or longer.
- Spouses of undergraduate or short-term college certificate students no longer qualify automatically.
- Dependent approval is tied directly to the strength of your own study permit application, financial proof, and demonstrated ties to your home country.
My Advice
Confirm your target program runs at least 16 months before you count on a spousal open work permit, then build your financial documents around both your tuition and your family's living costs together so the visa officer sees one consistent, well-funded plan.
Can your spouse come with you to Canada?
Which Canadian courses still allow dependents, and what you will need to show.
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