Moving with children to Canada
When immigrating to Canada, you have the option to bring certain family members with you if they were processed for permanent residence as your dependents. This typically includes:
However, there are certain family members who are not eligible to accompany you to Canada, including:
It's important to note that your dependents cannot arrive in Canada before you; they must either accompany you or arrive after you. Additionally, you may have the opportunity to sponsor these family members for immigration to Canada after you have already settled in the country.
- Your spouse or common-law partner.
- Your dependent child.
- Your spouse or common-law partner's dependent child.
- A dependent child of a dependent child.
However, there are certain family members who are not eligible to accompany you to Canada, including:
- Your parents.
- Grandparents.
- Brothers or sisters.
- Uncles or aunts.
- Nephews or nieces.
- Other relatives.
It's important to note that your dependents cannot arrive in Canada before you; they must either accompany you or arrive after you. Additionally, you may have the opportunity to sponsor these family members for immigration to Canada after you have already settled in the country.
Moving to Canada as a single woman
The easiest way for a single woman to immigrate to Canada will be influenced by her unique circumstances, including her education, work experience, and language proficiency. However, there are several common immigration options for single women to consider:
- Express Entry: This is the primary immigration program for skilled workers in Canada. Eligible candidates can apply for permanent residence based on their educational background, work experience, and language proficiency.
- Study Permit: If the woman is interested in pursuing studies in Canada, obtaining a study permit can be a pathway to permanent residence.
- Work Permit: If she receives a job offer from a Canadian employer, she may be eligible for a work permit, which can eventually lead to permanent residence.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Certain provinces in Canada have their own PNPs, allowing them to nominate qualified candidates for permanent residence.
Moving to Canada with my girlfriend
Regrettably, a girlfriend does not fall under the family class category for sponsorship for permanent resident status in Canada. Instead, she may obtain temporary status documents such as a temporary resident visa (Visitor Visa).
The requirement for a temporary resident visa depends on your girlfriend's country of citizenship. Some countries are considered visa-exempt, meaning their citizens do not need a status document to enter Canada and can stay for up to six months without leaving the country. If she intends to stay in Canada beyond this period, she will need authorization to do so.
For instance, if your girlfriend is an American citizen under the North American Free Trade Agreement, she can enter Canada without applying for a Visitor Visa. Upon arrival, she will be regarded as an implied visitor to Canada.
If you plan to marry her or have been living together for at least 12 months, you can consider sponsoring her as your spouse or common-law partner. However, this involves specific requirements and financial commitments on your part and should not be taken lightly.
If you have already sponsored your partner abroad and she wishes to visit you in Canada, you may encounter the concept of dual intent. Applying for a temporary document while a permanent matter is in progress could raise concerns at the border. An immigration officer may be concerned that your girlfriend intends to overstay her temporary status and reside with you in Canada permanently. To address this, you may need to demonstrate ties to her home country and convince the officer that she intends to leave Canada and wait for her PR application to be approved.
The requirement for a temporary resident visa depends on your girlfriend's country of citizenship. Some countries are considered visa-exempt, meaning their citizens do not need a status document to enter Canada and can stay for up to six months without leaving the country. If she intends to stay in Canada beyond this period, she will need authorization to do so.
For instance, if your girlfriend is an American citizen under the North American Free Trade Agreement, she can enter Canada without applying for a Visitor Visa. Upon arrival, she will be regarded as an implied visitor to Canada.
If you plan to marry her or have been living together for at least 12 months, you can consider sponsoring her as your spouse or common-law partner. However, this involves specific requirements and financial commitments on your part and should not be taken lightly.
If you have already sponsored your partner abroad and she wishes to visit you in Canada, you may encounter the concept of dual intent. Applying for a temporary document while a permanent matter is in progress could raise concerns at the border. An immigration officer may be concerned that your girlfriend intends to overstay her temporary status and reside with you in Canada permanently. To address this, you may need to demonstrate ties to her home country and convince the officer that she intends to leave Canada and wait for her PR application to be approved.
