Why Apply for a Canada Dependent Visa?

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.
 

• Over 100,000 family members are sponsored to Canada each year
• Spouses can get open work permits
• Children gain access to free public education
• A clear path to permanent residency and citizenship
• Apply from within or outside Canada based on your situation
   

What is a Canada Dependent Visa?

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.
 

Types of Canada Dependent Visas
 

Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship

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).
 

Dependent Child Sponsorship

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.
 

Dependent Visa under Temporary Resident Visas

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.
 

Other Eligible Family Members

In rare cases, Canadian PRs may sponsor other relatives, such as orphaned siblings or nieces/nephews, provided they meet the criteria.
 

Benefits of a Canada Dependent Visa

• Live with your family in Canada
• Spouses can get open work permits
• Children can attend public schools
• Access to healthcare and social services
• No income requirement for sponsoring a spouse or child
• Pathway to permanent residency and citizenship
   

Eligibility Criteria for a Canada Dependent Visa

To apply to bring your loved ones to Canada, you must fulfil the below general criteria:

• You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and at least 18 years old
• Your relationship must be real and proven—whether it's a legal marriage, common-law partnership, or parent-child bond
• Your family member must be in good health and provide police clearance from any country they’ve lived in
• You should not be behind on any previous sponsorships, immigration loans, or legal obligations
• If you're a permanent resident, you need to be living in Canada; if you're a citizen, you must plan to return when your family arrives
• Your dependent must not be inadmissible due to criminal, security, or health reasons
   

For Spouses/Common-Law Partners

• Must be legally married or have lived together for at least 12 months
• Relationship must be genuine and not for immigration purposes
• Sponsor must be a Canadian PR or citizen aged 18 or older
   

For Dependent Children

• Must be under 22 years of age and financially dependent
• Must not be married or in a common-law relationship
• Exceptions apply for children with disabilities
   

For Sponsors

• Must be a Canadian PR or citizen
• Must not have sponsored a spouse in the last 5 years (in some cases)
• Must not be in default of any immigration or legal financial obligation
   

Canada Dependent Visa Requirements

• Valid passport for both sponsor and applicant
• Completed IRCC application forms (sponsorship, immigration, and background)
• Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate)
• Police clearance for applicants aged 18 and above
• Medical exam by an IRCC-approved panel physician
• Passport-sized photographs as per IRCC specifications
• Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) for applicants aged 14–79
• Proof of status in Canada for the sponsor (PR card or citizenship certificate)
• Application fee and biometrics fee payment receipt
   

How to apply for a Canada Dependent Visa?

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
 

Canada Dependent Visa Fees

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

 

Canada Dependent Visa Processing Time

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

 

Can Canada PR Holders Sponsor Their Dependents?

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.
 

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

At Y-Axis, we make your Canada Dependent Visa journey easier with end-to-end support:

• Help you choose the right dependent visa type
• Assist with compiling your documents and double-checking for accuracy
• Guide you through the online application and ImmiAccount setup
• Schedule biometrics and medical exams
• Keep you informed at every step and support with post-visa planning