Immigrating to a new country with your partner and children may seem like a very challenging process. However, it’s more exciting than terrifying if you’re relocating to a country that provides kids with the greatest possible opportunities. Which may include accommodation, school, job opportunities, and general quality of life. Therefore, if you want to relocate to Canada with your family, you should start making the move!
Canada is a perfect destination for you to bring your family and settle to enjoy a whole lot of opportunities. Furthermore, it’s a significant decision that is thrilling and also demanding. From understanding why Canada is a good place for your family to the essential things to note when relocating to Canada, this article got you!
If you move to Canada on a temporary permit (study permit or work permit), you’ll likely be able to bring your family with you. In this article, we aim to provide valuable insights on how to relocate to Canada with your family. We’ll also provide you with the information and guidance you need to make your relocation smooth and stress-free.
Let’s get started!
Is Canada a Good Place to Settle with Family?
Canada is an ideal place to settle and raise a family due to its high-quality education which improves the bright future for the children. Also, the crime rate in Canada is very low and this allows free movement of the kids to play around with other neighborhood children.
In Canada, you’ll get to enjoy a generous work-life balance, as this will allow you to spend more time with your family. Meanwhile, you need to check for which of the immigration programs you’re eligible for. It will help you determine and plan well on the best way to relocate to Canada with your family.
Bringing Your Family to Canada on a Work Permit
If you’re able to secure a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, then you’ll apply for a work permit. After obtaining your work permit, you may be able to bring your spouse and dependent children with you to Canada. They will be eligible to live, work, or study in Canada. Furthermore, if your children are of school age, they’ll be able to attend educational institutions in Canada without applying for separate study permits.
1. If your family members wish to work in Canada
Your family members may be eligible for an open work permit. This permit will allow them to work for any employer in Canada. However, they can’t work for employers listed as ineligible due to non-compliance with conditions or involvement in services like striptease, erotic dance, escort services, or erotic massages.
To apply for an open work permit for your spouse in Canada, you must take the following. scroll down!
- You must complete the designated application forms like the IMM 5533, providing accurate and recent information.
- Also, you must Include all your important documents like proof of marriage through a marriage certificate. And valid passports for the two of you (both spouses).
- You will need to submit a document that demonstrates the primary spouse’s work or study status in Canada. For instance, a work permit or acceptance letter from a recognized institution (offer of admission).
- Furthermore, you’ll pay the required application fee online and provide your most recent passport photographs following the specified requirements.
- You will also include supporting documents, this may differ based on individual circumstances. These supporting documents include proof of financial support, medical examination results, or police clearance certificates.
- If you want to strengthen your application, include evidence that shows the genuity of your relationship. You may add photographs, joint financial documents, or letters of support from friends and family.
Meanwhile, ensure you check the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website regularly for the latest requirements. You may also seek out guidance from an immigration attorney for personalized assistance.
2. If your family members do not wish to work
In case your family members decide not to work, they should apply for a visitor visa or study visa. To review the specific requirements for each pathway, please refer to the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
Bringing Your Family to Canada on a Study Permit
1. International Student Spouse
If you secure admission and are accepted into an institution in Canada, your spouse and dependent children are eligible to accompany you. You can include them in your application for a study permit. Just like temporary workers, international students’ accompanying spouses are eligible for an open work permit, while their dependent children can attend school in Canada.
2. International Student Parents
Are you wondering if your parents can accompany you as an international student to Canada? The answer is no. Although, there is a unique exception here. If your child is below 18 years of age (minor) and does not have a guardian in Canada, you may be eligible to accompany them to Canada.
Furthermore, if your child who is below the age of 18 has been accepted into a Canadian school without a relative or guardian to take care of them while in Canada. You may be able to apply for a visitor record. This document allows you to accompany your child and take care of them in Canada.
If your child applies for a study permit and you apply for your visitor record, it’ll show that your child has someone to cater to them while they study. According to a report, minors without anyone to cater to them in Canada will not be able to apply for a study permit. But, if your child is 18 years or older and has family to take care of them in Canada. Or if they will be attending a boarding school, you’ll not be able to apply for a visitor record, and they will still be able to apply for a study permit.
Important Things to Note When Relocating to Canada
As a foreigner in Canada, you must take note and be aware of a few essential things. Read on!
1. Accommodation in Canada
When you first land in Canada, you can make use of temporary housing such as hotels, hostels, or Airbnb before getting your accommodation. After that, you can check out different accommodation options for a more permanent situation. Although, it’s preferable to rent, rather than to buy at the initial stage of moving.
Furthermore, a one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,500 on average. But, you have to keep in mind that prices in big cities are much higher than the average.
2. Opening a Bank Account
Once you have successfully moved to Canada, you’ll need to open a bank account for easy money transfers and transactions. Therefore, you must have an identity card before you can be allowed to open an account. In your case, a PR card will be sufficient.
The following banks provide specific programs for foreigners in Canada.
- National Bank of Canada.
- Bank of Montreal.
- Royal Bank of Canada.
- Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.
3. Healthcare
In Canada, citizens and residents have the privilege to enjoy free healthcare. However, your national healthcare may not be available until about three months after you land in Canada. Because of this, you must purchase private healthcare for the initial period.
Note that national healthcare in Canada does not cover all services like dental care, ambulance services, prescription medications, and more.
4. Taxes
You must pay taxes at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels in Canada. Income tax is usually deducted automatically from your income. However, if you’re self-employed, you will have to pay your taxes in a single or several payment patterns.
Furthermore, you are required to pay a sales tax for every item you purchase in Canada. So keep in mind that the price may change at the cash register when you’re shopping.
How Much Money Do You Need to Immigrate to Canada?
If you want to relocate to Canada with your family, you will need to have enough funds to cover all of your expenses. You will need at least $14,000 to settle in Canada. Although this is the average amount for a single person, the cost increases if you relocate with other family members.
Additionally, you should prepare for other unforeseen expenses that may come up during the moving process. These include entry taxes, shipping costs for your items, and document legalization, among others.
Conclusion
If you plan to relocate to Canada with your family, you must be fully prepared as the experience is an exciting and challenging one. But, it’s filled with new opportunities and adventures to explore. By following the guidance provided in this article, you will have a smooth and stress-free transition. Good luck!
FAQs
1. Do we need biometrics for Family Sponsorship?
Yes. After you have paid the biometric fee for your sponsorship application, IRCC will send you a letter with instructions on how to provide your biometrics.
2. Is there an age limit to sponsor someone to Canada?
To be eligible for a Spouse/Common-law partner, Parents or Grandparents, or Dependent Children, you must be at least 18 years old. There is no maximum age limit.