Families

Moving abroad with children

Editorial team. Checked October 2026.

When a parent moves abroad to study or work, the rest of the family's plans tend to hinge on three things: school places, permits for dependants and what housing costs near the schools.

Guides for families

• Choosing an international school when relocating abroad
• The Canadian study permit in 2026
• Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver
• Costs and scholarships
• Other destinations

Questions to settle early

1. Can your children attend a public school in the new country, and does that depend on the type of permit you hold?
2. Which school year will each child join? Cut-off dates for year groups differ between countries.
3. Can a spouse or partner work, and is that tied to the main applicant's permit?
4. How far are the schools you like from the campus or office, and what do flats cost in between?

The answers change by country and by year, so check each one against the official immigration and education websites for your destination before you commit to a move date.