Are you considering moving to Canada with your spouse and children? If you’re an international student or a permanent resident, this guide is here to help you make the right choices. We’ve compiled essential information to ensure a smooth transition for your entire family.
Moving to a new country is a significant life decision, especially when your spouse and children are involved. The Canadian immigration system values family unity and strives to keep families together. Whether you’re an international student pursuing your education in Canada or aiming to become a permanent resident, there are various considerations to keep in mind.
The Immigration Landscape
The Canadian government and the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) agency have a strong emphasis on preserving family unity. Canadian immigration policies prioritize family reunification, making it generally possible for your spouse and children to accompany you. Their primary focus is also to ensure that families can stay together throughout the immigration process. If you are a prospective immigrant, they prioritize allowing you, your spouse, and your children to be together in Canada. The process differs slightly depending on whether you are applying as a permanent resident through the Express Entry program or as an international student.
So, bringing your spouse and children to Canada as permanent residents is possible.
Permanent Residency through Express Entry
If you’re pursuing permanent residency through the Express Entry program, as you fill out your application, you will be asked about your marital status, and if you have dependents. you can typically include your spouse and dependent children in your application. Dependents encompass your spouse and children who are under the age of 22. It’s important to note that the age limit was previously 19, but Canada has extended it. This recent increase in the age limit provides greater flexibility for families to move together, enabling your spouse and children to accompany you as you secure your Permanent Residency (PR). This facilitates a smooth process where your entire family can arrive in Canada together.
The straightforward part often lies in situations where families enter Canada via the Express Entry route, arriving as a cohesive unit. What sometimes generates uncertainty is the educational aspect when entering as a temporary resident, specifically for students. However, before delving into this, it’s important to understand that while your spouse and children can join you, you cannot bring your parents, uncles, aunties, nephews, nieces, or siblings as dependents under this program.
Nevertheless, once you are in Canada, various programs exist that allow you to sponsor your parents and grandparents to come at a later time. While the process for sponsoring other family members differs, it is reassuring to know that there are avenues for bringing your extended family to Canada through appropriate sponsorship programs.
International Students
For international students, the procedure to bring your spouse and children along can be streamlined through your study permit. Your partner can seek an open work permit, granting them the right to work in Canada. However, it’s crucial to understand that this work permit will remain valid only during the period of your study permit.
Similarly, your children can pursue their education in Canada without a separate study permit if they are attending preschool, primary, or secondary school. If your children are applying from outside of Canada, a study permit might be necessary.
This rule isn’t only applicable to families but also extends to temporary workers coming from countries where obtaining a work permit is feasible. Once your study permit is secured, you become eligible to apply for an open work permit for your spouse. This open work permit empowers your spouse to work without being restricted to a particular employer, eliminating the need for job-hunting prior to arrival. Furthermore, your children can accompany you during your stay, although their eligibility aligns with the duration of your own permit.
Here’s a breakdown: Imagine you obtain a one-year study permit and acquire an open work permit expiring in December 2021. Your spouse’s open work permit, though not tied to a specific job, also needs renewal or departure by the same date. The same principle applies to your children. However, it’s important to keep in mind that Canadian education is free for children at the preschool, primary, and secondary levels. While generally study permits aren’t required for children within these levels, applying from outside Canada may necessitate one. Yet, in scenarios where at least one parent holds a valid study or work visa, children might be exempt from requiring a study permit. Always seek guidance from an immigration consultant or conduct thorough research to determine the precise situation for your family.
Decision-making Strategies
The primary consideration isn’t whether your family can join you in Canada, but rather the timing of their arrival. You have the choice of sponsoring your spouse and children either before or after you arrive, but their permits will be synchronized with the duration of your study permit. Although some individuals opt to apply for all permits concurrently, many prefer to have their spouses initially visit. This involves obtaining a visitor’s visa for your spouse and children once you’ve secured your study permit. Applying within Canada often proves to be a quicker and simpler process. Hence, if this is your first time in Canada, it might be advantageous to establish your new routine before bringing your family over.
A less commonly considered strategy involves obtaining an open work permit for your spouse while visiting the US. Referred to as ‘flag polling,’ this approach allows for immediate processing of the open work permit, bypassing the months-long waiting period associated with applying from outside Canada or simultaneously with the study permit. However, it’s crucial to validate this approach with professionals or through research.
The timing of your family’s relocation largely hinges on your individual circumstances and preferences. Certain families opt to move to Canada first, acclimate themselves, and then bring their spouses and children. This method enables you to get accustomed to the new surroundings before introducing your family to the change.
Alternatively, you might choose to apply for your family’s permits concurrently with yours. Although this might be more convenient in terms of paperwork, it necessitates thorough preparation and upfront document collection.
Timing and Considerations
When deciding whether to bring your family with you immediately or wait until you’re settled, there are several factors to consider:
Numerous factors play a role in determining the optimal timing for applying for your spouse’s open work permit and your children’s study permits. A pivotal consideration is housing; it’s essential to secure stable accommodation before relocating your family. Additionally, it’s wise to explore the characteristics of various neighborhoods – each locality in Canada boasts its own distinct demographics and community ambiance.
Delving into schooling options within your selected city or region is equally vital for your children
Conducting preliminary research about schools enables you to pinpoint the educational institution that aligns best with your children’s requirements and establishes a clear starting point for their academic journey. Research the available schools in your desired city or area before making any decisions. It might be wise to visit and explore the options before bringing or sending your kids. Many people choose to move first, settle in, and then deal with schooling matters. This approach can streamline the application process and paperwork, which might be easier after obtaining your own permit.
Furthermore, it’s crucial to understand the Canadian school system, including preschool, primary, and secondary education. Familiarize yourself with the required documents for transferring your kids and the appropriate starting times. For instance, if school starts in September, it might be advisable to arrive around that time. However, reach out to schools to inquire about mid-year admissions.
When deciding whether to bring your family or come alone, keep in mind that public schools are free, while private schools require payment. Childcare is another significant factor. While it might not be frequently discussed, childcare in Canada, especially in places like Ontario and Toronto, can be expensive. Daycares are regulated and pricey, with costs potentially rivalling your rent. Babysitters offer an alternative, particularly if you plan to care for your kids while studying online.
As you contemplate relocating your family, consider healthcare. Temporary workers need to arrange their insurance, unlike permanent residents who can access provincial plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in Ontario. Dental care and other medical considerations should also be factored in.
Mentally preparing for culture shock is essential, especially for newcomers. Adapting to new weather, time zones, and ways of life can be challenging, and this adjustment might be easier to navigate before your family joins you.
Different routes lead to different outcomes. Some families opt to come together, while others, like those using the express entry route, might need to make separate arrangements. If you decide to arrive first and then bring your family, remember that their documents will expire concurrently with yours. However, if you extend your study or work permit, your family can remain with you.
If you decide to apply for your study permit simultaneously with your partner and children, there is the advantage of potentially arriving together. However, it’s important to note that this approach can also be quite burdensome initially, as it entails gathering all the necessary documentation for your entire family. This might be particularly challenging if you’re uncertain about the outcome of your study permit application. Therefore, it’s important to carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages before making a decision.
Conclusion
Moving to Canada with your spouse and children is an exciting journey that requires careful planning. Understanding the immigration procedures, considering your family’s needs, and making well-informed decisions will contribute to a successful transition. Remember, every family’s situation is unique, so assess your circumstances and preferences to determine the best course of action. Good luck on your Canadian adventure!
[Note: The content provided here is based on information available up to September 2021. It’s essential to refer to official government sources or consult with immigration professionals for the most up-to-date information.]
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