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.
*Want guidance to apply for Canada Dependant Visa? Sign up with Y-Axis for comprehensive support with the process.
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.
*Looking for assistance with Canada immigration? Y-Axis is here to assist you with the process.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For a Canada Dependant Visa, applicants must meet the eligibility criteria given below:
*Want to check your eligibility for Canada immigration? Use Y-Axis Canada Immigration Points Calculator for FREE and instant results.
The documents required to apply for a Canada Dependant Visa are given below.
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 |
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 |
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.
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.
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:
Explore what Global Citizens have to say about Y-Axis in shaping their future
Australia Skilled Migration Visa
One of our client Kavitha applied for Au
Read More...
Australia PR Visa
Ms. Subhashini got Australia Permanent R
Read More...
Australia PR Visa
Our client Varun Mathur gave a good feed
Read More...
The Canada dependent visa allows qualifying sponsors to bring their families to Canada. The following family members are eligible for a dependent visa in Canada from the UK:
The processing time for a Canada dependent visa from the UK may take around 22 to 33 months, depending on the dependent visa type and the application.
The table below has a complete breakdown of the processing time for Canada dependent visas:
| Type of Visa | <Processing time |
| Dependent Visa for spouse or partner | 22 months |
| Dependent Visa for a child | 25 months |
| Dependent Visa for parents or grandparents | 33 months |
An individual considered a Dependant can be a spouse, a common-law partner, or a child who is not married and under 22 years old. Children 22 and older may still be eligible if a physical or mental condition makes them rely on their parents for money. Dependants must have a proven relationship with their sponsor, and documents like birth or marriage certificates are needed. Common-law partners must show they have lived together for at least a year in a row. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) checks each application to make sure it fits Canada's rules for who can be claimed as a Dependant.
Yes, a spouse can work in Canada on a dependant visa. Spouses and common-law partners of skilled workers or international students usually can apply for an open work permit. This permit lets them work for any employer in Canada with no job offer needed beforehand. The work permit's validity usually matches the study or work permit of the main applicant. It supports dependants in becoming financially stable and socially involved while in Canada. Eligibility can change based on the principal applicant's permit type, so applicants should check their specific situation before applying.
Yes, a separate application is required for each dependant. When applying for immigration or temporary residence, each family member needs their own application. This includes spouses, partners, and children. The immigration department needs separate paperwork, biometrics, and forms from everyone so they can check each person's qualifications. Parents must fill out the forms for kids. To keep things from slowing down or getting mixed up, it is a good idea to send all applications at the same time and make sure the information matches.
What is the processing time for a Canada Dependant Visa from the UK?
| 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 |
Yes, in some situations, children can study in Canada even if they do not have their own study permit. Usually, if a child is with a parent who has a valid work or study permit, they can go to preschool, primary school, or secondary school without needing to apply for their own permit. But, if the child wants to go to college or university, they will need to get a study permit. It's also a good idea to check the rules for the specific province they will be living in, as the requirements can be different in each province.
The documents required to apply for a Canada Dependant Visa are given below.
Yes, a dependant visa holder can extend their stay in Canada. Holders of dependant visas are eligible to apply for an extension of their stay matching the length of the principal applicant's extended permit or residency. A person needs to apply for the extension before the current permit runs out by sending an online form, updated files, and payment to IRCC. To legally remain here, send your application on time. Usually, extensions are the same length as the principal applicant's new permission to live in Canada.
Yes, UK citizens can apply for a Canada Dependant Visa, while in the UK. Individuals from the UK who are either citizens or legal residents can seek a Canada Dependant Visa by submitting an application . Those applying need to collect and upload all the needed paperwork, such as proof of their relationship and the status of their Canadian sponsor. Applicants will likely need to give their biometrics at a specified place. Medical checkups may also be needed. After this, the IRCC looks over the application. How long this all takes can change based on the type of application. Many people use this way when applying from the UK to bring their family, like spouses, partners, or parents, together in Canada, as they already live in Canada.
Yes, dependant visa holders have access to healthcare in Canada. Healthcare access for those with dependant visas varies by province and permit type. In many provinces, those who depend on work permit holders and global learners can get public healthcare after a time. Some might need private health plans at first. Each province sets its own rules, so you should check local healthcare laws before you get there. Spouses with open work permits and kids with study permits usually can get provincial coverage while in Canada.
Yes, you can include your dependant in your Canada permanent residency application. When applying for Canada PR, you can include your spouse, common-law partner, and Dependant children if they are eligible. Each family member on the application must pass medical and background checks. It is important to list all your Dependants on your application, even if they will not be moving with you right away. If you do not, it may be difficult for them to join you later. Including your Dependants on your PR application supports family unity and can help your family settle in Canada long term.
