Canada Dependant Visa – Complete Guide for UK Residents

If you are a UK resident with family in Canada, the Canada Dependant Visa may allow your relatives to live, work, or study there. This option is available to eligible family members of Canadian temporary or permanent residents.

• Canada welcomed over 90,000 family-class immigrants in 2024.
• Spousal visa processing typically takes 8–12 months, varying by the specific visa type.
• Unmarried children under 22 years old can qualify as Dependants.
• Spouses of skilled workers and students may be able to get Open Work Permits.
• The dependants can be sponsored for Canada PR.

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What is a Canada Dependant Visa?

A Canadian Dependant Visa lets certain family members (like spouses, partners, or children) of Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or temporary residents (workers or students) live with them in Canada legally. This visa helps keep families together by allowing dependants to stay in Canada as long as the main applicant's permit or status lasts.

Depending on the type of relationship and visa, dependants might also be able to work or study in Canada. You can apply for this visa from inside or outside Canada, like from the UK. You'll need to show proof of your relationship and that you can support yourself financially.

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Why Apply for a Canada Dependant Visa?

The Canada Dependant Visa allows families to live together, supporting Canada's immigration aims. It gives Dependants access to public services and flexibility in work and education. This visa lessens emotional and financial stress by keeping families together.

Its advantages include:

• Legal permission for Dependants to live in Canada.
• Open Work Permit eligibility (in most cases).
• Dependants can study in Canada and access health care.
• Promotes family unity and well-being during longer stays.
• Dependants have the opportunity to apply for Canada PR or permanent residency.

Types of Canada Dependant Visas

Canada offers several Dependant visas so eligible family members can live with their sponsor. These visas include options for spouses, common-law partners, and children. There are also special permits like open work or study permits based on the Dependant's age and the goal of their stay. Each visa type has specific requirements but all help families reunite in Canada.

The primary types of Canada Dependant Visa are given below.

• Spouse or Common-law Partner Visa
• Dependant Child Visa
• Open Work Permit for Dependants
• Study Permit for Dependant Children

Spouse or Common-law Partner Visa

The Canadian Spouse or Common-law Partner Visa enables people in real relationships to live together in Canada. This visa is for legally married spouses and common-law partners who have lived together for at least a year. It lets them join a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or temporary resident like a worker or student.

A main advantage of this visa is that it lets couples live in Canada while one partner works, studies, or lives there permanently. Often, the spouse or partner can also apply for permanent residency in Canada, which helps the family settle down for good.

Dependant Child Visa

The Canada Dependant Child Visa lets eligible children of Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or temporary residents (like workers or international students) come to Canada to live with their parents. Usually, a Dependant child is someone under 22 who isn't married. Kids over 22 can still be eligible if they have a physical or mental issue that keeps them from supporting themselves financially.

This visa gives children access to Canada's public healthcare and education. They can live with their family in a secure and helpful setting. They can also apply for a study permit if they need one, especially for college or university.

Open Work Permit for Dependants

The Canada Open Work Permit for Dependants lets spouses or common-law partners of some temporary residents—like skilled foreign workers or international students—work in Canada legally, even if they don't have a job lined up. This open work permit means they can work for any employer, anywhere in Canada.

This permit helps the dependant support themselves financially and also aids families in becoming part of Canadian society during their time here. It typically lasts as long as the primary applicant’s study or work permit.

Study Permit for Dependant Children

Children of international individuals who are in Canada, like students or temporary workers, usually need a Canada Study Permit to go to school here. This applies to kids in elementary or high school who do not qualify for exceptions based on their parents' situation or where they live.

This permit lets kids go to good schools in Canada. Depending on the province, they might not have to pay tuition at public schools. The permit usually lasts as long as the parent is allowed to stay in Canada.

Who Can Apply for a Canada Dependant Visa from the UK?

Individuals who live in the UK, whether they are citizens or have permission to live there, can ask for a Canada Dependant Visa if they have family already living in Canada. That family member must be in Canada as a worker, student, or permanent resident. Those asking for the visa must show proof of their family relationship and meet all the rules for moving to Canada. A valid passport and other needed papers are a must, no matter if they ask from inside the UK or from somewhere else.

Canada Dependant Visa Eligibility Criteria

For a Canada Dependant Visa, applicants must meet the eligibility criteria given below:

• Be a spouse, common-law partner, or Dependant child of the main applicant.
• Give proof of the relationship (like a marriage or birth certificate).
• Hold a valid passport and have legal status in the UK.
• Pass the needed medical and police checks.
• Demonstrate that they can support themselves financially.

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Canada Dependant Visa Requirements

The documents required to apply for a Canada Dependant Visa are given below.

• A filled-out application form (available online or as a paper form)
• A passport that is valid for at least six more months
• Evidence of your relationship to your sponsor (like a marriage or birth certificate)
• Your sponsor’s Canadian status proof (such as a PR card, or work or study permit)
• Photos, medical exam results, and biometric data
• Police clearance certificates from any country you’ve lived in for more than six months
• Verification of funds (if needed, based on the type of visa)

Canada Dependant Visa Fees

Detailed information about the fees for Canada Dependant Visa is given below.

Visa Type	Application Fee (CAD)	Biometrics Fee (CAD)
Spouse or Common-law Partner Visa	1,080	85
Dependant Child Visa (per child)	150	85
Open Work Permit for Dependants	255	85
Study Permit for Dependant Children	150	85

Canada Dependant Visa Processing Time

Detailed information about the processing time for Canada Dependant Visa is given below.

Visa Type	Estimated Processing Time
Spouse or Common-law Partner Visa	8 to 12 months
Dependant Child Visa	6 to 10 months
Open Work Permit for Dependants	8 to 10 weeks
Study Permit for Dependant Children	6 to 8 weeks

How to Apply for a Canada Dependant Visa from the UK?

The process to apply for a Canada Dependant Visa is given below.

Step 1: Determine the correct visa category for your situation and verify that you meet the requirements.
Step 2: Organize the necessary documents, such as proof of relationship and identification.
Step 3: Submit the duly filled application for Canada Dependant Visa.
Step 4: You may need to give your fingerprints and photo, attend an interview, or get a medical check-up if asked.
Step 5: Receive the Canada Dependant Visa.

Canada Dependant Visa Validity and Conditions

• Visa length often matches the sponsor's permit or residency.
• Open work and study permits can be extended if the sponsor's status is.
• Dependants should follow visa rules about working, class, and staying within the allowed time.

Can Dependant Visa Holders Work or Study in Canada?

Yes, Canada Dependant Visa Holders can work or study in the country. Spouses or partners in a common-law relationship with skilled workers or global learners could get open work permits, which allow them to work in Canada for any employer. In most provinces, children who are Dependants can go to primary and secondary school without needing their own study permit. If they want to go to college, they can apply for one. The type of visa and the Dependant's age will determine if they are able to get these permits.

Tips for a Successful Canada Dependant Visa Application

• Verify documents are accurate and consistent before submitting them.
• Include certified translations for any documents not in English.
• Apply early to allow sufficient time for processing.
• Confirm financial documents satisfy IRCC requirements.
• Keep communication open with the sponsor during the application.

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

Y-Axis is a leading immigration and visa consultancy, guiding people and families through the Canada Dependant Visa application. With over 25 years of expertise and experience, Y-Axis helps UK residents at each application step, aiming for a simple experience.

Our services include:

• Individual visa checks and advice
• Complete help with forms and documents
• Help filling out forms and collecting needed proofs
• Updates on your application and how long it will take
• Advice for family members moving to Canada