Canada offers dependent visas to allow family members, such as spouses, common-law partners, children, and in some cases, other family members, to join primary visa holders in Canada. These visas are available for dependents of work permit holders, students, and permanent residents. Dependent visas enable families to reunite and often grant the ability to study and work, contributing to the family’s well-being in Canada.
Key Features of Canada Dependent Visas
- Family Reunification: Allows spouses, children, and other dependents to join the primary visa holder in Canada.
- Access to Education: Dependents, especially children, can attend schools and universities in Canada.
- Work Authorization: In some cases, spouses or partners of temporary residents are eligible to work with an open work permit.
- Multiple Visa Categories: Dependent visas are available for temporary residents, students, and permanent residents.
- Duration Linked to Primary Visa: The validity of the dependent visa is tied to the primary visa holder’s status in Canada.
Overview of All Streams
Spouse or Common-Law Partner of Temporary Work Permit Holders
Dependent Child of Temporary Work Permit Holders
Spouse or Common-Law Partner of International Students
Spouse or Common-Law Partner of Temporary Work Permit Holders
- Purpose: Allows the spouse or common-law partner of a work permit holder to live and work in Canada.
- Eligibility: Must be the spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker.
- Duration: Same as the primary work permit holder.
- Other Features: Eligible for an open work permit, allowing employment anywhere in Canada.
Dependent Child of Temporary Work Permit Holders
- Purpose: Allows dependent children of work permit holders to reside in Canada.
- Eligibility: Must be under 22 years old and financially dependent on the work permit holder.
- Duration: Same as the primary visa holder.
- Other Features: Eligible to attend school in Canada.
Spouse or Common-Law Partner of International Students
- Purpose: Allows the spouse or common-law partner of international students to live and work in Canada.
- Eligibility: Must be the spouse or common-law partner of a student studying full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI).
- Duration: Same as the student’s study permit.
- Other Features: Eligible for an open work permit for the duration of the study permit.
Dependent Child of International Students
Family Sponsorship for Permanent Residents (Spousal Sponsorship)
Dependent Child Sponsorship for Permanent Residents
Dependent Child of International Students
- Purpose: Allows dependent children of international students to live in Canada.
- Eligibility: Must be under 22 years old and dependent on the student.
- Duration: Same as the study permit holder.
- Other Features: Children can attend school at no cost in public institutions.
Family Sponsorship for Permanent Residents (Spousal Sponsorship)
- Purpose: Allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or dependent children.
- Eligibility: Must prove a genuine relationship and provide financial support.
- Duration: Permanent residence status.
- Other Features: The sponsored person receives permanent residency, with full work and study rights.
Dependent Child Sponsorship for Permanent Residents
- Purpose: Allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their dependent children.
- Eligibility: Must be under 22 years old, single, and financially dependent on the sponsor.
- Duration: Permanent residence status.
- Other Features: Provides permanent residency to the child.
General Eligibility Criteria
- Relationship Proof: Must provide documentation proving the family relationship (e.g., marriage certificate for spouses, birth certificates for children).
- Health and Character Requirements: All dependents must meet Canadian health and character standards.
- Financial Stability: For some streams, sponsors must show the financial ability to support dependents.
- Age Limits: Dependent children must be under 22 years of age, single, and dependent on the primary applicant or sponsor.
Required Documents
- Proof of Relationship: Marriage certificates (for spouses), birth certificates (for children), or proof of common-law partnership.
- Identity Documents: Passports, national IDs, and recent photos.
- Financial Documents: Proof of income, bank statements, or affidavits of support (in certain cases).
- Proof of Primary Applicant’s Status: Copy of the primary visa holder’s work permit, study permit, or permanent residency documents.
- Visa Application Forms: Completed application forms for each dependent.
- Medical and Police Clearances: In some cases, medical exams and police certificates may be required.
Application Process
- Step 1: Check Eligibility: Ensure that the dependent qualifies under the specific visa category.
- Step 2: Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents, including proof of relationship, identity documents, and financial support.
- Step 3: Apply for the Dependent Visa: Submit the application through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
- Step 4: Medical and Police Clearances: Schedule and submit health exams and police clearances if required.
- Step 5: Pay the Application Fees: Submit the visa processing fees.
- Step 6: Await Decision: Processing times vary based on visa category and country of application.
All Costs (Approximate)
| Visa Type | Application Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Spouse/Common-Law Partner of Work Permit Holder | $255 |
| Dependent Child of Work Permit Holder | $150 per child |
| Spouse/Common-Law Partner of International Student | $255 |
| Dependent Child of International Student | $150 per child |
| Family Sponsorship (Spouse/Partner) | $1,080 |
| Family Sponsorship (Dependent Child) | $150 per child |
Visa Processing Time (Approximate)
| Visa Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Spouse/Common-Law Partner of Work Permit Holder | 2 to 6 months |
| Dependent Child of Work Permit Holder | 2 to 6 months |
| Spouse/Common-Law Partner of International Student | 4 to 12 weeks |
| Dependent Child of International Student | 4 to 12 weeks |
| Family Sponsorship (Spouse/Partner) | 12 months |
| Family Sponsorship (Dependent Child) | 9 to 12 months |
Key Points to Remember
- Work Rights: Spouses of work permit holders and international students can apply for open work permits, while dependent children can attend schools and universities.
- Sponsorship for Permanent Residents: Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor spouses, partners, and dependent children, leading to permanent residency.
- Dependent Visa Validity: The duration of a dependent visa is linked to the primary visa holder’s status.
- Health and Character Requirements: All dependents must meet Canadian health and security requirements before being granted a visa.
Conclusion
Canada provides various dependent visa options for family members of work permit holders, students, and permanent residents, allowing them to live, work, and study in the country. Each dependent visa stream has specific eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and conditions that must be met. Families looking to reunite in Canada should carefully review these options and prepare the necessary documents to ensure a smooth visa application process.
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