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Non-SDS family application timeline: study permit + spouse OWP + child visa in about 3 months

Canada • Study Permit • study 0 views
By VisaBuddies Communityvia community — compiled from public visa forums

Timeline

Applied
October 8
Documents Submitted
October 14 (biometrics); medicals via webform November 15, updated November 19; child medical updated December 25
Decision
January 13 (PPR); stamped passports January 29
Total Duration
~3 months (application to PPR)

Documents Needed

  • Medical exam results

    Uploaded via IRCC webform; expect to re-submit if the office requests updates.

  • Child's medical exam

    A separate medical request came for the child mid-process (requested December 18), adding a few weeks.

  • Prior degree disclosure

    The applicant disclosed an earlier MBA when applying for a postgraduate certificate — and was approved.

Step-by-Step

A Sri Lankan applicant (no SDS stream available for Sri Lanka) shared a successful non-SDS family application — study permit for the applicant, open work permit for the spouse, and a visa for their toddler — approved together in roughly three months.

The profile: admission to Seneca for a postgraduate certificate, IELTS 7.0 overall, 7+ years of work experience, and a previously completed MBA that was fully disclosed on the application.

How it ran:

  1. Application submitted October 8 (non-SDS); biometrics for the family done October 14.

  2. Medicals submitted through the IRCC webform November 15 and updated November 19.

  3. IRCC requested an additional medical for the child December 18 — updated December 25. Family applications commonly get these extra requests, so build in buffer.

  4. Passport request (PPR) arrived January 13; stamped passports were back by January 29.


Notes from the thread: members discussed children's status — per one member, a child older than about 4 needs their own study permit to attend school, while younger children can accompany parents. Verify current IRCC rules for minor children before applying.

Historical note: dates and processing speeds reflect the period when this thread was posted; non-SDS timelines vary widely by office and season.

Dos, Don'ts & Tips

  • Do: Disclose all prior degrees (like an earlier MBA) even when applying for a lower-level program — this applicant disclosed and was approved.
  • Tip: When applying as a family, expect follow-up medical requests for children; they can add several weeks to the timeline.
  • Tip: Members noted school-age children (4+) may need their own study permit rather than travelling as dependants — confirm current IRCC guidance.

Have a question about this? Join the discussion.

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