Some consultants advise applying for a child's dependent visa only after the primary study permit is approved, out of concern that a combined application increases refusal risk. Group members with direct experience pushed back on this.
What the group said:- IRCC's own guidance confirms it's feasible to submit the study permit and the dependent child's visa together — one member did exactly this and was approved (on their second attempt).
- The deciding factor isn't whether you apply together or separately — it's the strength of your Statement of Purpose (SOP). A well-justified SOP that clearly explains the family's travel plans and ties to home matters more than the sequencing of applications.
- Don't treat an agent's risk-averse default as the only option — if your documentation and SOP are solid, applying together is a recognized and workable path.
If you do apply together, make sure the SOP explicitly addresses why the child is travelling with you and how that supports (rather than undermines) your temporary-stay intent.