Discover the rules and regulations regarding bringing family members to Canada as a permanent resident. Learn about eligible dependents, sponsorship options, and who cannot accompany you upon receiving permanent residence.
Once
you’ve successfully received permanent residence (PR) in Canada, you might be
eager to bring your loved ones along with you. Understanding who qualifies as a
dependent family member and who doesn’t, as well as the sponsorship process, is
crucial. Let’s delve into the specifics:
Who
Can Accompany You to Canada as Dependents?
Foreign
nationals who obtain permanent residence in Canada can bring qualifying
dependent family members with them. However, these dependents must have been
processed for permanent residence as dependents of the principal applicants.
The list of eligible family members typically includes:
· Spouse or
Common-law Partner: Your
legally recognized partner can accompany you.
· Dependent
Children: This includes your own dependent children as well as the dependent
children of your spouse or common-law partner.
· Dependent
Children of Dependent Children: In certain cases, the dependent child of a
dependent child may also be eligible.
While
dependent children are usually under 22 years old and unmarried, exceptions
exist for those over 22 who have relied on their parents for financial support
due to a mental or physical condition.
Who
Cannot Come With You?
Certain
family members are ineligible to accompany you to Canada upon receiving PR.
This includes parents, grandparents, siblings (brothers or sisters), uncles,
aunts, nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Sponsoring
Family Members After Arrival
Once
you’re settled in Canada as a permanent resident, you may have the opportunity
to sponsor other family members to join you. The sponsorship process differs
based on who you’re sponsoring:
· Spouse or
Common-law Partner: Options include Outland Sponsorship, Inland Sponsorship,
and Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP).
· Child or Other
Dependent: Learn about how to sponsor your child for immigration to Canada.
· Parents or
Grandparents: Explore the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) or consider
the Super Visa option.
Understanding
these distinctions and processes is essential for facilitating the reunion with
your loved ones in Canada. Whether you’re bringing dependents with you
initially or planning to sponsor family members after your arrival, knowing the
requirements and options will streamline the process and ensure a smooth
transition for your family.