Canada is one of the most immigrant-friendly countries, allowing families to reunite through its Canada Dependent Visa program. This visa enables Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and certain temporary residents to sponsor their spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children to live with them in Canada.
Family reunification is a key priority under Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) policies, ensuring that families stay together while maintaining financial and legal responsibilities. Whether you are a student, worker, or permanent resident in Canada, this guide will help you understand the eligibility, requirements, and sponsorship criteria for bringing your dependents to Canada.
At SWEC Visa, we specialize in Canada Dependent Visa applications, helping families navigate the complex process with ease. Our expert visa consultants ensure that your application is complete, error-free, and meets all IRCC requirements for faster approval.
Understanding the Canada Dependent Visa
What is a Canada Dependent Visa?
The Canada Dependent Visa allows eligible sponsors to bring their family members to Canada, ensuring they can live, study, and even work in the country under specific conditions. The visa applies to:
✔ Spouses and common-law partners of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
✔ Dependent children under 22 years old or those with a permanent disability.
How Does It Work?
- A sponsor in Canada applies for the dependent visa on behalf of their family member.
- The sponsor must meet financial requirements and commit to supporting the dependent financially.
- The dependent must pass medical, security, and eligibility checks to be granted the visa.
- If approved, dependents can live, study, and sometimes work in Canada, depending on their visa type.
Types of Canada Dependent Visas
1. Spousal Sponsorship Visa
For legally married spouses of Canadian citizens or PR holders. Proof of a genuine relationship is required.
2. Common-Law Partner Visa
For partners who have lived together for at least 12 months continuously in a marriage-like relationship.
3. Conjugal Partner Visa
For couples who are in a committed relationship but cannot live together due to valid reasons, such as cultural restrictions, legal barriers, or conflict zones.
4. Dependent Child Visa
For biological, adopted, or step-children under 22 years old who are unmarried or financially dependent due to a disability.
Rights of Dependent Visa Holders
✔ Spouses & Partners: Can live, study, and work in Canada (if eligible for an open work permit).
✔ Dependent Children: Can study in Canadian schools and receive healthcare benefits.
✔ Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR): Dependents sponsored by a PR holder or citizen may be eligible for PR status.
If you are planning to bring your spouse or children to Canada, SWEC Visa can help you prepare and submit a strong application to ensure smooth processing.
Sponsorship Eligibility Criteria
Who Can Sponsor Their Spouse or Children?
✔ Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents: Eligible to sponsor their spouse, partner, or dependent child for PR.
✔ Temporary Residents (Work/Study Permit Holders): Can apply for dependent visas, but with limited scope (work permit or visitor visa options).
Sponsorship Conditions and Obligations
1. Financial Responsibility
The sponsor must prove they can financially support their dependent and cover basic needs such as:
✔ Housing and food expenses.
✔ Medical care (if not covered by Canadian healthcare).
✔ Educational costs (for children).
2. Undertaking Agreement
The sponsor must sign an undertaking agreeing to financially support their dependent for:
- 3 years for spouses and partners.
- 10 years or until the child turns 25 years old (whichever comes first) for dependent children.
Failure to meet financial responsibilities can disqualify a sponsor from future applications.
Who Cannot Sponsor?
✔ Individuals receiving social assistance (except disability benefits).
✔ Sponsors with criminal records or pending deportation orders.
✔ Those who have failed previous sponsorship agreements (e.g., defaulting on financial commitments for a previously sponsored family member).
Canada Dependent Visa Requirements for Spouses
If you are a Canadian citizen or PR holder, you can sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner under Canada’s Spousal Sponsorship Program. However, IRCC requires strong relationship proof, financial documents, and medical/security clearance to approve your application.
1. Relationship Proof
To prevent fraudulent marriages, IRCC requires substantial proof of a genuine relationship. You must submit the following:
✔ Marriage Certificate – A legally issued marriage certificate from the country where the marriage took place.
✔ Wedding Photos & Invitations – Include pictures from different ceremonies, family gatherings, and a wedding invitation card.
✔ Joint Financial Documents – Proof of shared assets like joint bank accounts, rental agreements, property documents, or shared insurance policies.
✔ Communication Proof – Chat history, emails, call logs, and travel records showing a continuing relationship before and after marriage.
✔ Affidavits from Friends and Family – Statements from family and friends confirming the authenticity of your relationship.
💡 Tip: Providing multiple types of proof increases the chances of approval and speeds up processing. SWEC Visa can help compile a strong relationship dossier to meet IRCC standards.
2. Financial Requirements
A sponsor must prove they can financially support their spouse or partner without depending on social assistance.
✔ Income Proof – Recent pay stubs, employment letters, and last 3 years of income tax returns (ITRs).
✔ Bank Statements – Showing a stable balance to cover living expenses.
✔ Minimum Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) – In most cases, LICO is not required for spousal sponsorship, but for certain visa types, sponsors must show they meet the minimum income level.
💡 Did You Know? SWEC Visa helps applicants assess their financial eligibility and prepare the required income proof to ensure hassle-free approval.
3. Medical and Security Clearance
✔ Medical Examination – The sponsored spouse must undergo a medical exam conducted by an IRCC-approved panel physician.
✔ Police Clearance Certificate – A background check from all countries where the spouse has lived for 6+ months since the age of 18.
Failure to meet health and security requirements can delay or result in the rejection of the application. SWEC Visa ensures all required documents are error-free and submitted correctly.
4. Additional Requirements for Common-Law and Conjugal Partners
For those applying under common-law or conjugal partnership categories, additional proof is required.
✔ Common-Law Partners – Must show at least 12 months of continuous cohabitation, supported by lease agreements, utility bills, or joint financial records.
✔ Conjugal Partners – If the couple cannot live together due to legal, political, or cultural barriers, they must provide proof of a genuine long-term relationship.
💡 Expert Advice: IRCC carefully reviews these applications to prevent fraudulent claims. SWEC Visa assists in structuring a strong case for approval.
Canada Dependent Visa Requirements for Children
If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you can sponsor your biological, adopted, or step-child under the Dependent Child Sponsorship Program. However, the child must meet the age and dependency criteria set by IRCC.
1. Eligibility of Dependent Children
✔ Must be under 22 years old and unmarried.
✔ Children over 22 years old can qualify if they have been financially dependent on their parents due to physical or mental disability.
💡 Note: If the child turns 22 during the application process, they will still be considered a dependent if they remain unmarried and dependent on their sponsor.
2. Documents Required for Child Sponsorship
✔ Birth Certificate – Official proof of parent-child relationship.
✔ Adoption Certificate – If the child is adopted, legal adoption documents must be submitted.
✔ Consent Letter from Other Parent – If the parents are divorced or separated, a notarized consent letter from the non-custodial parent is required.
💡 Important: If the other parent does not consent, legal documentation proving sole custody may be required. SWEC Visa helps in document verification and preparation.
3. Medical and Security Clearance
✔ Medical Examination – Required for children above 18 years old, conducted by an IRCC-approved physician.
✔ Police Clearance – May be required for children over 18 depending on their country of residence.
💡 Quick Tip: Medical exams must be completed before IRCC processes the application. SWEC Visa helps in scheduling medical exams with IRCC panel physicians.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Applying for a Canada Dependent Visa involves multiple steps. Here’s a detailed breakdown to ensure a smooth application process.
Step 1: Check Sponsorship Eligibility
✔ Ensure the sponsor meets financial, relationship, and legal requirements.
✔ Confirm that the dependent meets eligibility criteria.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
✔ ID proof, and sponsorship eligibility documents.
✔ Relationship proof (marriage certificates, photos, communication logs).
✔ Financial statements, employment letters, and tax returns.
Step 3: Complete the Sponsorship Application
✔ Use IMM 1344 for spouse sponsorship.
✔ Use IMM 5289 for child sponsorship.
Step 4: Pay the Visa Application Fees
✔ Processing fees (Varies by application type).
✔ Biometrics and medical exam fees.
Step 5: Submit the Application
✔ Submit online or via paper application to IRCC.
Step 6: Attend Biometrics and Medical Examination
✔ Dependents must visit an IRCC-approved panel physician for a medical test.
✔ Biometrics (fingerprints, photos) must be completed at a Visa Application Center (VAC).
Step 7: Wait for IRCC Processing and Decision
✔ Processing times vary based on country, relationship type, and application accuracy.
Step 8: Prepare for Travel and Settlement in Canada
✔ Once approved, dependents must prepare for travel and complete landing formalities in Canada.
💡 Pro Tip: Any missing document can delay the process. SWEC Visa ensures your application is complete and meets IRCC standards for faster approval.
Canada Dependent Visa Processing Time and Fees
One of the most crucial aspects of applying for a Canada Dependent Visa is understanding the processing time and associated fees. Processing times may vary depending on factors such as country of application, completeness of documents, and workload at IRCC.
1. Average Processing Time
⏳ Spousal Sponsorship: 12–18 months (Includes eligibility assessment and background checks).
⏳ Dependent Child Sponsorship: 6–12 months (Dependent on document verification and medical/security clearance).
💡 Tip: The process may take longer if documents are incomplete, inaccurate, or require additional verification. To avoid delays, SWEC Visa ensures your application is error-free and fully compliant with IRCC guidelines.
2. Breakdown of Visa Fees
💰 Sponsorship Fee: $75 CAD (For processing the sponsorship application).
💰 Principal Applicant Fee: $475 CAD (Processing fee for the sponsored person).
💰 Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): $515 CAD (Mandatory for approval; can be paid upfront or later).
💰 Biometrics Fee: $85 CAD per person (Covers fingerprinting and photograph collection at a Visa Application Center).
💡 Note: Additional fees may apply for medical examinations, police clearance certificates, and translation of documents. SWEC Visa provides a transparent fee structure and ensures you pay the correct amount to avoid delays.
Common Reasons for Canada Dependent Visa Rejection & How to Avoid Them
Many dependent visa applications get rejected due to errors, missing documents, or failure to meet eligibility criteria. Below are the common reasons for refusal and how you can avoid them.
1. Insufficient Proof of Relationship
🚨 Weak or missing documents like marriage certificates, joint financial statements, communication logs, or photos can lead to rejection.
✔ Solution: Submit strong relationship proof including marriage photos, affidavits from family and friends, and financial co-dependencies.
2. Incomplete or Incorrect Application Forms
🚨 Even minor errors in forms IMM 1344 and IMM 5289 can cause unnecessary delays.
✔ Solution: Ensure all sections are completed correctly. SWEC Visa’s team double-checks all forms before submission.
3. Failure to Meet Financial Eligibility
🚨 Sponsors must prove they can support their dependent without relying on social assistance.
✔ Solution: Provide employment letters, pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements to establish financial stability.
4. Medical Inadmissibility
🚨 Certain health conditions may make a dependent ineligible for immigration.
✔ Solution: Undergo IRCC-approved medical examinations and ensure medical reports are submitted on time.
5. Security and Background Concerns
🚨 A criminal record, misrepresentation, or past visa violations can lead to a visa refusal.
✔ Solution: Submit police clearance certificates from all countries where the applicant has lived for 6+ months since age 18.
💡 Pro Tip: Rejected applications can be appealed or re-applied with stronger documentation. SWEC Visa provides expert support for refusals and appeals.
How SWEC Visa Can Help You?
Applying for a Canada Dependent Visa can be complex, but the SWEC Visa ensures a smooth and hassle-free process. Our experts provide end-to-end support, ensuring that your application is error-free and IRCC-compliant.
✔ Expert Consultation – We assess your eligibility and guide you on the best approach.
✔ Complete Documentation Assistance – We help gather and verify all necessary documents.
✔ Error-Free Application Filling – We ensure all visa forms are completed accurately to avoid delays.
✔ Visa Rejection Support – If you’ve faced rejection, we help in reapplying or filing an appeal with stronger proof.
✔ Step-by-Step Processing – We track your application and provide timely updates.
📞 Need help applying for a Canada Dependent Visa? Contact SWEC Visa today for expert assistance and faster approvals!
Conclusion
The Canada Dependent Visa allows spouses and children to reunite with their families in Canada, but strict eligibility and documentation requirements must be met. A well-prepared application with strong relationship proof, financial stability, and medical/security clearance is key to success.
✔ Understanding eligibility criteria ensures a higher success rate.
✔ Submitting accurate and complete documents prevents delays and rejections.
✔ Avoiding common mistakes and fulfilling LICO, medical, and legal requirements increases approval chances.
✔ SWEC Visa provides expert assistance to ensure a smooth and hassle-free dependent visa process.
🚀 Reuniting with your family in Canada? Consult SWEC Visa today for expert guidance and faster approvals!
