Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada have the opportunity to bring their family members to Canada through the sponsorship system which promotes family connection. The Canada Dependent Visa allows Canadian PRs and citizens to bring their loved ones to Canada for healthcare and educational opportunities as well as improved quality of life.
A Canada Dependent Visa allows eligible family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to join them in Canada. This visa falls under Canada's Family Class Immigration Program or temporary resident programs for workers and students. Dependents can include spouses, common-law partners, children, and in limited cases, other relatives. The process supports both permanent residence sponsorship and temporary stays, depending on the sponsor's status and visa type.
*Looking to apply for a Canada dependent visa? Sign up with Y-Axis to guide you with the process.
This allows Canadian PRs or citizens to sponsor their legally married or common-law partner to become a permanent resident. Applications can be made inland (from within Canada) or outland (from abroad).
Canadian PRs or citizens can sponsor their biological or adopted children if the child is under 22 years old and financially dependent. Children over 22 may qualify if they have a mental or physical condition.
Spouses and children of international students or foreign workers in Canada can join them on a temporary basis. Spouses may qualify for open work permits, and children can attend school.
In rare cases, Canadian PRs may sponsor other relatives, such as orphaned siblings or nieces/nephews, provided they meet the criteria.
To apply to bring your loved ones to Canada, you must fulfil the below general criteria:
Step 1: Choose the right sponsorship stream
Step 2: Prepare your application package
Step 3: Submit the application online via IRCC
Step 4: Pay application and biometrics fees
Step 5: Attend biometrics and medical exams
Step 6: Wait for decision and visa stamping
The table below has a complete breakdown of the Canada dependent visa fees:
| Category | Fee Type | Amount (CAD) |
| Spouse/Common-law Partner | Sponsorship fee | $85 |
| Principal applicant processing fee | $545 | |
| Right of permanent residence fee | $575 | |
| Dependent Child | Sponsorship fee | $85 |
| Processing fee (per child) | $85 | |
| Biometrics | Individual applicant | $85 |
| Family (2 or more applicants) | $170 |
The table below has a complete breakdown of the Canada dependent visa processing time:
| Visa Type | Average Processing Time |
| Spouse/Common-Law (Inland) | 12–15 months |
| Spouse/Common-Law (Outland) | 8–12 months |
| Dependent Child Sponsorship | 8–12 months |
| TRV-based Dependents (Work/Study) | 4–8 weeks |
Yes, Canadian permanent residents can sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children to become permanent residents of Canada. The sponsor must be 18 years or older and residing in Canada during the sponsorship process. The relationship must be genuine, and both sponsor and applicant must meet IRCC’s eligibility criteria. Financial support must be provided for the required period, though there’s no minimum income requirement for sponsoring a spouse or child in most cases.
At Y-Axis, we make your Canada Dependent Visa journey easier with end-to-end support:
Yes, dependents who are sponsored by a Canadian permanent resident or citizen can become permanent residents themselves through Canada’s family sponsorship program. Spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children are eligible for permanent residence once the sponsorship application is approved. After becoming a permanent resident, they can later apply for Canadian citizenship if they meet residency and other criteria. Sponsored dependents must meet medical and background checks to qualify. This is one of the key ways families are reunited in Canada.
The required documents vary by relationship type but generally include:
Note: All documents must be clear, complete, and in English or French (or officially translated).
program, Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or dependent children for permanent residence. There are also temporary dependent visas available for spouses and children of international students and foreign workers, allowing them to join their family in Canada. These visas support Canada’s strong focus on family reunification and long-term integration.
To extend a dependent’s stay in Canada, you must apply for a visitor record, work permit, or study permit, depending on their current status. This must be done at least 30 days before the visa expires. Applications can be submitted online via the IRCC portal. Ensure you include updated documents such as passports, proof of continued relationship, and financial support. If the dependent’s status lapses, they must restore it within 90 days.
The processing time for a Canada Dependent visa is as follows:
Note: These times can be longer if the application is incomplete or if background checks require extra processing. You can track your specific case using IRCC’s Check Processing Times tool.
Yes, spouses or common-law partners of Canadian citizens or PRs being sponsored for PR can usually apply for an open work permit while their inland application is being processed. This allows them to work for any employer in Canada. Spouses of international students and foreign workers may also qualify for open work permits, provided the main applicant meets certain criteria. This gives sponsored spouses the ability to financially contribute while awaiting PR approval.
The Spouse or Common-law Partner Sponsorship stream allows Canadian citizens or PRs to sponsor their legally married spouse or partner for permanent residency. It can be done via the inland or outland route, depending on where the applicant resides. Once approved, the spouse receives PR status and can live, work, and access healthcare in Canada. During processing, inland applicants may also be eligible for an open work permit.
To be eligible as a dependent child, the child must be:
The cost of a Canada Dependent Visa depends on who you’re sponsoring. As of 2024, sponsoring a spouse or common-law partner costs a total of CAD $1,205, which includes the sponsorship fee, processing fee, and the right of permanent residence fee. If you’re sponsoring a dependent child, the fee is CAD $170 per child. In addition, most applicants must pay a biometrics fee of CAD $85 per person or CAD $170 per family. All fees must be paid online when submitting your application.
Yes, Canada provides dependent visas under its Family Sponsorship and temporary resident programs. These visas allow eligible family members—like spouses, partners, and children—to join their sponsor in Canada, either permanently or temporarily. The process supports Canada’s family reunification goals and is available to both permanent residents and temporary foreign workers or students.
