Immigration Support for Families

• Invitation letter: refer to the information here for more information about what to include in your letter of invitation. If you are inviting parents/family members to attend your convocation, you can use this template. The University of Alberta does not issue “invitation letters” on behalf of students since the University is not the one inviting them. 
• Proof of relationship with the people you’re inviting (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate, correspondence, etc.)
• Photocopy of your immigration status document: 
  • If you are inviting them while you are still a student, copy of your study permit.
  • If you are inviting them for convocation before completing the program, copy of your study permit along with a letter from your faculty confirming your expected completion date and your convocation date.
  • If you are inviting them after receiving the PGWP: copy of PGWP (note: it is not recommended to invite someone while you are on maintained status, for example, after you submit your PGWP application, before a decision is made)
• Your proof of funds if you will be fully or partially supporting them financially.
• One or more of the following, as applicable:
  • Study Permit holders:
    • Confirmation of current & upcoming enrolment when possible (from Bear Tracks for a fee),
    • Transcript (you can get your official transcript free of cost from the Student Service Centre in the Administration Building or a digital copy you request through Beartracks for a fee), 
    • Letter confirming your graduation/convocation (from the Convocation & Ceremonies Office or your faculty) if applicable. You can request this letter by emailing: convocation@ualberta.ca

• • PGWP holders: 
    • Letter from your employer (if applicable)

When your family members apply, it is important to highlight evidence of ties to the country of residence/citizenship. Family members who are financially and professionally established in their home country will usually have a better chance of getting their application approved.

Questions to consider include:

• Is the person employed? 
• What is their salary? 
• Did the employer grant leave? 
• Do they have immediate family in their country who will not be accompanying them? 
• How is the overall economic and/or political climate in the country of residence?
• Do they own property? 
• Do they have any financial obligations? 
• Are there other responsibilities and obligations? 
• Can they show travel history?

Here are some documents your family member can use to support their proof of ties to their home country/country of residence:

• If employed, a signed employment letter on company letterhead granting leave of absence - must have applicant’s name, position, current salary, date of hire, employer’s name, address, telephone, and fax number
• If retired - show proof
• If student - show proof of enrolment, in good standing, and proof school approves your travel if travelling duringthe  academic term
• Bank documents (4 months transaction record), certificates of deposit, bank books, etc.
• Evidence of assets (land/property title, vehicle registration, etc.)
• If taking care of someone, havea  family member write a letter confirming that you will return to care for them
• If applicable, submit travel history summary (make a list of all countries visited in the last 10 years; attach a copy of entry/exit stamps on passport, visas, etc.)

• Visitor Visa (TRV) – The spouse/common-law  can apply to come to Canada as a visitor for which a visitor visa is required. Once they enter Canada, the spouse/common-law partner may apply online to extend their stay as a visitor or change their status to worker by applying for an open work permit or to student by applying for a study permit.
• Work Permit – Spouses/common-law partners of full-time international students who are enrolled in a PGWP eligible program at the University of Alberta are eligible for an open work permit. The work permit will be restricted from certain fields (health services, child care, education) unless the applicant completes an immigration medical examination. The work permit application can be submitted in Canada or outside Canada.
• Study Permit – If your spouse/common-law partner has been admitted to a program of study, they can use their admission letter to apply for a study permit before or after arrival.

• Visitor Visa: for dependent children who are not school-aged (less than 6 years of age)
• Study Permit: for dependent children who are school-aged (6 years and over). In which case, an acceptance/admission letter will not be needed if the child will be studying at the K-12 school level. However, an acceptance/admission letter is required if the child will be studying at the post-secondary level.