Eligibility of Family Members in Your Canada PR Application
Bringing Your Spouse, Partner, and Children to Canada
Summary
When you apply for Canadian permanent residence, you’re not only submitting your own application—you can also include your immediate family members so they can join you in Canada under the same process. This means that in most federal and provincial programs, the principal applicant’s spouse or common-law partner and dependent children are eligible to be included. Including eligible family members from the start saves time, ensures everyone’s status is granted together, and may help your overall case by demonstrating strong family ties.
On This Page You Will Find:
- Who the Principal Applicant Is
- Including Your Spouse or Common-Law Partner
- Adding Dependent Children
- Special Considerations for Other Relatives
Who the Principal Applicant Is
The principal applicant is the main person whose skills, work experience, education, or family ties form the basis of the permanent residence application. Only one person per application can be the principal applicant. All other included family members are assessed through their relationship to this person.
Including Your Spouse or Common-Law Partner
- Spouse: Legally married partner, regardless of gender.
- Common-Law Partner: Someone you have lived with in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 consecutive months.
- Proof Required: Marriage certificate or evidence of cohabitation and shared finances (joint leases, joint bank accounts, utility bills, etc.).
Including your spouse or partner on your application means they will receive permanent resident status at the same time as you, with full work and study rights in Canada.
Adding Dependent Children
- Definition of Dependent Child:
- Under 22 years of age and not married or in a common-law relationship.
- Over 22 but financially dependent due to a physical or mental condition.
- Documentation:
- Birth certificates or adoption orders.
- Medical or financial records for older dependent children.
Dependent children included on your application receive the same permanent resident status and can live, study, or work in Canada as soon as they arrive.
Special Considerations for Other Relatives
While spouses, partners, and dependent children are automatically eligible to be included, other relatives (parents, grandparents, siblings) cannot usually be added to the same application. However, family sponsorship programs exist separately for parents and grandparents once you become a Canadian permanent resident or citizen.
By understanding exactly who you can include in your Canadian PR application, you can plan your move more efficiently and ensure your loved ones arrive with you and start building their new life in Canada together.
