Many people move to Canada for school or work, and they want their family to come with them. Canada lets family members live together on a dependent visa because of this. With this type of visa, families can stay in touch while one person studies, works, or moves to Canada. It’s important to know how this visa works before you apply.
What is a Dependent Visa in Canada?
With a dependent visa, close family members can move to Canada and live with the person who has the main visa. The main applicant could be a permanent resident, a skilled worker, or a student. The dependent does not apply on their own. The legal status of the main applicant in Canada has an effect on their visa status.
The purpose of Canada’s dependent visa system is to keep families together. It doesn’t automatically give permanent residence, but it does let dependents stay legally for the same amount of time as the main applicant.
Who is a dependent?
Canada makes it very clear who can apply to be a dependent. Common dependents are:
- A spouse who is legally married
- A partner in common law
- Kids who are younger than a certain age
- Sometimes, kids with special needs
All dependents must follow Canada’s immigration laws. You need proof of your relationship, such as a birth certificate or a marriage license.
Who Can Get a Visa for Dependents
A dependent visa is linked to the main applicant. People who can help with an application for a dependent are:
- International students who attend accredited institutions
- Temporary foreign workers who have the right permits
- People who live in Canada all the time
You can send in your dependent visa application either with your main application or after your main visa has been approved.
Types of dependent visas in Canada
There is no single visa that is known as a “dependent visa.” Instead, dependents may be able to get different permits based on their needs:
- Spouse or partner: May be able to get an open work permit
- Kids: Usually get a study permit or a visitor record
- Visitors: stay for a short time based on the main applicant’s status
Immigration officers look at each case separately.
Rights of Dependents in Canada
Dependents in Canada may be able to get some help:
- Stay in the country legally while the main applicant’s visa is valid.
- How kids can get an education
- Sometimes able to work
- Some provinces have healthcare available.
But the rights depend on the type of visa, the province, and how long you stay.
What You Need to Get a Dependent Visa
To get a dependent visa, you need to have clear paperwork. Some common papers are:
- Photocopies of passports
- Proof of a relationship
- Visa and permit for the main applicant
- Proof of financial help
- The results of the medical exam
- Police clearance (if necessary)
Not having the right paperwork can lead to delays or refusals.
Time to Process and Validity
How long it takes to process a dependent visa application for Canada depends on the type of visa and the country where the application is made. The dependent visa is usually good for the same amount of time as the main applicant’s visa.
They can ask for extensions if the main applicant stays in Canada longer.
Why Applications Don’t Work Most of the Time
Some applications are late or turned down because of:
- Evidence of a weak relationship
- Missing papers
- Not enough money to help
- Information that doesn’t add up
Planning ahead lowers these risks.
Things You Should Know Before You Apply
You should know this before you apply for a dependent visa:
You can’t stay in the country forever just because you have a dependent visa.
- The rules for visas can change over time.
- Each dependent is looked at as an individual.
- You need information that is true and honest.
To get a dependent visa in Canada, you need to show that you are really related to the person and that you are following the law.
Families can stay together while they build a future in Canada with a dependent visa. It’s a good choice for the spouses and children of students, workers, and residents. The process will go more smoothly if you know who can apply, what papers they need, and what the rules are. A well-thought-out application for a dependent visa to Canada helps families stay together without making things harder than they need to be.
