1. Introduction: What Is the Canada Dependent Visa?
The Canada Dependent Visa allows Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible foreign workers and students to bring their family members to Canada. This visa helps families stay together by permitting spouses, children, and in some cases, other relatives to live, work, or study in Canada. This guide provides an overview of the eligibility criteria, types of dependents, application process, and required documents for a successful Canada Dependent Visa application.
2. Who Is Eligible for the Canada Dependent Visa?
The Canada Dependent Visa is open to the family members of:
- Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents: They can sponsor spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, and, in some cases, parents and grandparents.
- Temporary Foreign Workers and International Students: Eligible temporary residents (such as work permit and study permit holders) can bring their spouses or common-law partners on an open work permit and their children on study permits.
3. Types of Canada Dependent Visas
There are different categories for the Canada Dependent Visa depending on the sponsor’s status and the family member’s relationship:
- Spouse or Common-Law Partner Visa: Allows spouses and common-law partners of Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible temporary residents to live in Canada.
- Dependent Child Visa: For children of Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or temporary visa holders.
- Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship: Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor parents and grandparents through a limited program.
- Spousal Open Work Permit: Available to spouses of skilled workers and international students, allowing them to work in Canada.
4. Eligibility Requirements for the Sponsor
The sponsor must meet specific criteria depending on their immigration status and relationship with the dependent:
- Age Requirement: The sponsor must be at least 18 years old.
- Residency Requirement: Canadian citizens can sponsor dependents even if they’re living outside Canada, but they must plan to return to Canada once the dependent arrives. Permanent residents must be residing in Canada to sponsor.
- Financial Requirement: While there’s generally no income requirement for sponsoring a spouse or dependent child, sponsors of parents and grandparents must meet specific income levels.
- No Recent Sponsorship Default: The sponsor should not have defaulted on previous sponsorship agreements or received social assistance for reasons other than disability.
5. Who Qualifies as a Dependent?
Dependents eligible for a Canada Dependent Visa include:
- Spouse or Common-Law Partner: Legally married spouses or partners in a relationship for at least one year.
- Children: Dependent children under the age of 22 who are unmarried and without children, or over 22 but dependent due to a disability.
- Parents and Grandparents: Available under the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program (with annual intake limits).
- Other Relatives: In some cases, Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor other relatives, such as orphaned siblings or nieces/nephews, but this is less common.
6. Required Documents for Canada Dependent Visa Application
Each dependent category requires specific documentation:
- Proof of Relationship: Marriage certificate for spouses, birth certificate for children, or other legal documents.
- Passport and Photos: Valid passports and recent passport-sized photos for each dependent.
- Proof of Sponsor’s Status: Sponsor’s Canadian passport, PR card, or work/study permit.
- Financial Proof (if required): Bank statements, pay stubs, or tax returns showing the sponsor’s ability to support the dependent (mainly for parent/grandparent sponsorship).
- Medical and Police Clearance: Required for most dependents applying to move to Canada permanently.
7. How to Apply for a Canada Dependent Visa
The application process differs slightly for spouses, children, and other dependents:
- Complete the Online Application: Use the official IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) website to create an account and access the application form.
- Upload Required Documents: Include all required documents with clear, scanned copies.
- Pay Fees: Application fees vary by dependent category (detailed below).
- Submit Biometrics: Dependents may need to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photos) at a designated visa application center.
- Medical Examination: Complete a medical exam with a panel physician approved by IRCC if required.
- Wait for Processing: Once submitted, applications take a few months to process. IRCC may request additional information if necessary.
8. Canada Dependent Visa Processing Times
Processing times vary depending on the relationship and type of dependent:
- Spouse or Common-Law Partner Visa: 12-18 months.
- Dependent Child Visa: Typically processed within 8-12 months.
- Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship: Can take up to 2-3 years due to annual intake limits.
- Spousal Open Work Permit: 3-5 months for eligible spouses of foreign workers or students.
9. Canada Dependent Visa Fees
- Spouse or Partner: CAD $1,050 (sponsorship and application fees combined).
- Dependent Child: CAD $150 per child.
- Parent or Grandparent: CAD $1,050 per applicant, plus additional processing fees for medical exams and biometrics.
- Spousal Open Work Permit: CAD $255.
10. Work and Study Rights for Dependents
Dependent spouses and children may be eligible to work or study in Canada, depending on their visa:
- Spouse or Partner: If sponsored by a temporary worker or student, they can apply for an open work permit and work for any employer in Canada.
- Dependent Children: School-age children can attend Canadian schools, and older children may be eligible for study permits.
11. Renewal and Extension of Canada Dependent Visa
If a dependent’s visa or permit is expiring, they may be able to extend it while staying in Canada:
- Temporary Resident Extensions: Apply for an extension online at least 30 days before the current status expires.
- Permanent Residency Pathways: Spouses, partners, and children may be eligible to apply for permanent residency after fulfilling residency requirements with their sponsor.
12. Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I sponsor my dependent if I live outside Canada? Yes, Canadian citizens can sponsor dependents while abroad, but they must plan to return to Canada with the dependent.
- Do my dependents need health insurance in Canada? Most dependents on permanent visas are covered by Canada’s public healthcare system. Temporary visa holders may need private health insurance initially.
- Can my spouse work in Canada on a Dependent Visa? Yes, spouses of temporary workers or students can apply for an open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer.
13. Conclusion
The Canada Dependent Visa provides a valuable opportunity to bring family members to Canada, helping families reunite and settle together. By understanding the eligibility requirements, gathering the necessary documentation, and following the application steps carefully, applicants can ensure a smooth process and enjoy life in Canada with their loved ones.