Dependent Visa Canada: Eligibility and Application Process

 What is a Dependent visa Canada?

A dependent visa in Canada is a type of visa that allows certain family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to join them in Canada. It's also known as a "family sponsorship visa" or "family class visa."

The primary purpose of Dependent Visa Canada is to reunite families and allow close relatives to live together in Canada.

Who can apply for a dependent visa in Canada?

Spouse or Common-Law Partner

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their legally married spouses or common-law partners for dependent visa Canada. 

Conjugal Partner

Those in a genuine conjugal relationship with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident but unable to marry or live together in their home country may also be eligible for sponsorship.

Dependent Children

Children who are under a certain age (the age limit may vary depending on the specific sponsorship category) and financially dependent on the sponsor.

Parents and Grandparents

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their parents and grandparents to live in Canada.

What are the eligibility requirements for a Canada-dependent visa?

Sponsorship Eligibility

You must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada to be eligible to sponsor a family member for eligibility for PR in Canada through this pathway.

Age and Relationship Eligibility

The family members you wish to sponsor must meet specific age and relationship criteria. Common categories include spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, and, in some cases, parents and grandparents.

Financial Eligibility

Sponsors are required to demonstrate they have the financial means to support the sponsored family member(s) and meet a minimum necessary income. This income requirement can change, so it's important to check the current figures on the official Government of Canada website.

No Receiving Social Assistance:

Sponsors must not be receiving social assistance (welfare) from the Canadian government except for disability or old-age pensions for eligibility for PR in Canada through dependent visa.

No Criminal Record:

Sponsors must not have a criminal record or be in prison for eligibility through the dependent visa Canada. 

No Immigration or Sponsorship Default:

If you've sponsored a family member before, you must not have failed to provide for that family member's basic needs or have sponsored another family member in the past who has since received social assistance.

Residency Requirement:

Sponsors are usually required to be residing in Canada when the sponsored family member applies for a dependent visa Canada and when they become a permanent resident.

Signed Undertaking of Support:

Sponsors must commit in writing to provide for the basic needs of the sponsored family member(s) and any other eligible relatives for a specific period, usually 3-20 years, depending on the family member's category.

Medical and Criminal Background Checks:

Both the sponsor and the sponsored family member(s) may need to undergo medical examinations and provide police clearance certificates from their home country for eligibility for PR in Canada dependent visa.

 How to apply for Canada dependent visa - Step by Step process

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Before you begin the application process, make sure you and the family member you want to sponsor meet the eligibility for PR in Canada. This includes being a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, meeting financial requirements, and having the appropriate relationship.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Collect all necessary documents for the application. This includes identity documents, proof of relationship, financial documents, medical exams, and police clearance certificates. 

Step 3: Complete the Application Package

The primary application form for sponsoring a family member is typically the "Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement, and Undertaking" (IMM 1344). You must complete this form accurately and thoroughly.

Step 4: Pay Application Fees

Pay the required sponsorship and processing fees for the dependent visa Canada category. These fees can change, so make sure to check the most up-to-date fee schedule on the official website of the Government of Canada.

Step 5: Submit the Application

Mail your completed application package, including all supporting documents and fees, to the appropriate address as provided in the guide specific to the family member's category. Ensure that the application is complete, and signed, and all required fees are included.

Step 6: Wait for Processing

The processing time for family sponsorship applications can vary, so it's essential to be patient. Be it a provincial one like the Ontario PNP processing time or even Express entry system programs.

Step 7: Additional Requests

During the processing of the application, the immigration authorities may request additional information, interviews, or documents. 

Step 8: Decision

Once the application is processed, you'll receive a decision. If the sponsorship is approved, the sponsored family member will receive a visa to come to Canada. 

Step 9: Landing and Becoming a Permanent Resident

Upon arrival in Canada, the sponsored family member will become a permanent resident. They may be required to attend a landing appointment with a border services officer.

Conclusion 

Overall, the dependent visa program in Canada plays a vital role in promoting family reunification and strengthening family bonds, allowing loved ones to share their lives and experiences in this diverse and welcoming country.

Step by Step process to apply for Canada spouse visa

 What is a spouse visa for Canada?

A Canada spouse visa, officially known as a "spousal sponsorship," is a type of immigration program that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner to come and live with them in Canada.

This sponsorship is part of Canada's family reunification policy, whose goal is to keep families together. Once the sponsorship application is approved, the sponsored spouse or partner can obtain permanent residence status in Canada, allowing them to live, work, and study in the country.

Benefits of Applying for a Spouse Visa Canada?

Family Reunification: The primary benefit of a spouse visa is the opportunity for families to be reunited in Canada. It allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse or partner, enabling them to live together in the same country.

Permanent Residence: Successful applicants under the spousal sponsorship program are granted permanent residence status in Canada. This means they can live, work, study, and access most of the social benefits available to Canadian citizens.

Legal Status: Sponsored spouses or partners receive legal status in Canada, ensuring that they can live and work in the country without the need for visitor visas or temporary resident permits.

Pathway to Citizenship: After residing in Canada as a permanent resident for a specific period, individuals can become eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship, which offers further rights and privileges.

Protection from Family Separation: Spousal sponsorship helps prevent family separation due to immigration barriers, ensuring that couples can build their lives together in Canada.

No Job Restrictions: Unlike other temporary work permits, spouse visa holders do not face restrictions related to specific job offers or employers. They have the freedom to choose their employment.

Step by Step process to apply for Canada spouse visa

Requirements to Apply for a Canada spouse visa?

For the Sponsor (Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident):

1. Status: To apply for a Canada spouse visa sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.

2. Age: The sponsor must be at least 18 years old. 

3. Financial Responsibility: The sponsor must be willing and able to financially support the sponsored spouse or partner and any dependent children. This includes meeting the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement, which varies based on the size of the family unit.

4.  No Undischarged Bankruptcy: The sponsor should not be in undischarged bankruptcy.

5.  No Criminal Convictions: The sponsor should not have a criminal record related to specific offenses, such as violent crimes or sexual offenses. Certain exceptions may apply.

6.  No Immigration Sponsorship Default: If the sponsor has previously sponsored another spouse or partner for immigration, they must have met their financial responsibilities towards that individual for a specified period before sponsoring a new spouse or partner.

For the Sponsored Spouse or Partner:

1. Relationship: The relationship between the sponsor and the sponsored spouse or partner must be genuine and legally recognized in Canada. This includes marriages, common-law partnerships, or, in some cases, conjugal relationships.

2.  Eligibility: The sponsored spouse or partner must not be inadmissible to Canada due to reasons such as criminality, security concerns, or health issues. They will need to undergo medical examinations and security checks.

3.  Intent to Live Together: Both the sponsor and the sponsored spouse or partner must have the intent to live together in Canada once the sponsored individual obtains permanent residence status.

4.  Documentation: Proper documentation, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, and evidence of a genuine relationship, must be provided as part of the application. You can connect with Canada immigration consultants in Delhi Nationwide visas for effortless services. 

Step by Step process for Spouse visa Canada 

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Before beginning the application process, ensure that both the sponsor (Canadian citizen or permanent resident) and the sponsored spouse or partner meet the eligibility criteria outlined by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Collect all the necessary documentation, including:

For the Sponsor:

• Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status

• Financial documents to demonstrate the ability to support the sponsored spouse or partner

• Police clearance certificate

• Any previous divorce or marriage certificates (if applicable)

For the Sponsored Spouse or Partner:

• Passport and other identity documents

• Marriage or common-law partnership certificate

• Proof of genuine relationship

• Police clearance certificate

• Medical examination results

Step 3: Complete Application Forms

Fill out the appropriate application forms. Typically, this includes the "Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement, and Undertaking" form for the sponsor and the "Generic Application Form for Canada" for the sponsored spouse or partner. 

Step 4: Pay Application Fees

Pay the required processing fees. The fees may vary depending on the type of sponsorship application and whether there are accompanying dependent children.

Step 5: Submit the Application

Submit the complete application package to the appropriate immigration office. Ensure that all required documents are included and that the application forms are correctly filled out. With the right Canada immigration consultants in Delhi Nationwide visas your spouse visa application has higher chances of success. 

Step 6: Processing and Review

The immigration authorities will review the application. This may involve background checks, security checks, and medical examinations for the sponsored spouse or partner.

Step 7: Interview or Additional Documentation (if required)

In some cases, an interview may be requested, or additional documentation may be required to assess the genuineness of the relationship.

Step 8: Decision

Once the application is processed, the immigration authorities will make a decision on the sponsorship. If approved, the sponsored spouse or partner will receive permanent residence status in Canada.

Role of express Canada in Spouse visa

If a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (the sponsor) is married or in a common-law relationship with a foreign national, and they wish to sponsor their spouse or partner for permanent residency in Canada, they can do so through the Spousal Sponsorship program.

While the sponsor themselves doesn't use Express Entry Canada to sponsor their spouse, they must meet certain income and financial requirements, which could potentially be fulfilled through Express Entry employment in Canada.

In some cases, the sponsor's income from their Express Entry employment can be combined with their spouse's income to meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement for Spousal Sponsorship.

If the sponsored spouse or partner also wishes to work and live in Canada independently, they can explore the Express Entry Canada system separately.

In Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Canada spouse visa, also known as spousal sponsorship, offers a pathway for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their loved ones and build a life together in Canada.

This immigration program prioritizes family unity, providing the sponsored spouse or partner with permanent resident status, access to essential services, and the opportunity to work, study, and contribute to Canadian society

Post-application steps in Canada Spouse Visa

 Once you choose to sponsor your common-law partner or spouse for immigration to Canada, you have to submit the complete application. It includes the Canada Spouse Visa documents required.

Later you can keep track of the status of your application or even update the application if needed. Apart from this, there are some crucial procedures to be followed.

We have here briefly outlined the timeline of events between the submission of the Canada Spouse Visa application and approval of the PR Visa for your spouse.

Sponsors

First, IRCC will scrutinize the eligibility of the Sponsor in Canada. It will share a letter or email confirming the acceptance of the application for processing if all the documents and forms are present. Then IRCC will evaluate the eligibility of the sponsor and share a letter or email informing the decision.

Post-application steps in Canada Spouse Visa

IRCC will share the PR Visa application with the suitable processing office if it approves the sponsorship application. It will then assess if the individual who has been offered the sponsorship is qualified for PR Visa.

The decision to refuse the application will be explained by IRCC in a letter or email.

Applicants

After the common-law partner or spouse in Canada is declared qualified, IRCC will share with you or your authorized representative the AOR having your application number.

The application number will permit you to attach your application to your secure IRCC account. Couples can in this manner interact with IRCC and receive messages and updates regarding their application’s status online.

While processing the application IRCC will ask for the submission of your:

• Medical Exams
• Police Certificates
• Biometrics

Medical Exams

All overseas citizen family members have to undergo a medical exam even if you are not including them in your immigration application. It excludes those who are already permanent residents or citizens of Canada.

IRCC states that failing to declare and having family members examined will impact your application and your capability for sponsoring them later. It will send you and all your family members the request for completing the medical exam at a suitable time during processing.

You will also receive exhaustive instructions on the steps to be followed. This may not be sent as soon as you submit the application as medical results expire. IRCC can inform you to do them at a later stage for eliminating the need to redo the medical tests.

If you have completed a medical exam for immigration already, you have to offer details in the section ‘Medical Exam’ of your checklist of documents.

Police Certificates

Immigration applicants aged eighteen years and more have to offer an authentic certificate from the Police for all nations except Canada where you stayed for 6 or more consecutive months from 18 years of age.

You must get translated copies from an accredited translator if the original certificate is in any other language apart from French or English. Both the translated original copy and Police Certificate have to be included.

Canada Spouse Visa

IRCC will also conduct its separate background verification for identifying inadmissibility factors if any for you or your family members.

Biometrics

After payment of the fees for biometrics, IRCC will share a letter with your family members asking them to offer biometrics. This letter is needed while offering their biometrics. For submission of biometrics at the nearest collection center, they have thirty days. It is advisable to book appointments for biometrics at the earliest for avoiding delays.

IRCC will share instructions with your family members informing them of the timelines for submitting the biometrics.

Interview

IRCC will inform you in writing if an interview is required. It will also provide the location, time, and date for the interview along with the checklist of documents to be carried along.

While conducting the interview, the officer can enquire about the principal applicant regarding their:

• Relation with the sponsor
• Level of Education
• Motives for immigration to Canada
• Preparations and plans
• Health
• Family
• Monetary circumstances
• Previous legal difficulties if any

IRCC can also ask queries for evaluating your means of settling in Canada.

After PR approval 

You have to share the following documents for all family members who will be migrating to Canada inclusive of any dependent kids for allowing IRCC to complete the application processing upon approval:

• Photocopies of Passports or Passports; IRCC will inform about the version to be submitted
• 2 Photographs
• Evidence of payment of a fee for the Right of Permanent Resident if not submitted already

You will be informed by IRCC regarding the location for sending this information.

Nationwide Visas is the top ICCRC Registered Consultants in Hyderabad for Canada immigration. To know more about Canada Spouse Visa requirements or Saskatchewan PNP points calculator contact our Immigration Experts today.