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A Dependent Visa allows family members of individuals holding a valid visa or permanent residency in Canada to join and live with them. In Windsor, as in the rest of Canada, dependent visas most commonly refer to spousal and child sponsorship under the Family Class or as dependents accompanying temporary foreign workers or international students. The Canadian government promotes family unity, enabling eligible citizens and residents to bring close family members to Canada either permanently or temporarily, subject to specific eligibility and documentation requirements.
Applying for a Dependent Visa can be a complex and time-consuming process, made more challenging with changing immigration laws and strict documentation requirements. People may need legal assistance in the following situations:
Windsor follows Canadian federal immigration law, primarily governed by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and its regulations. Key aspects related to Dependent Visa applications include:
A dependent usually refers to a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner, or an unmarried child under the age of 22 who has not formed a conjugal relationship or spouse. In some rare situations, other relatives can be sponsored.
Parents and grandparents are not classified as dependents under the Family Class sponsorship. However, they may be eligible for sponsorship through the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program, or may qualify for a Super Visa.
Processing times vary depending on the relationship and the applicant’s country of residence, but can range from several months to over a year. You can check approximate processing times on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
If you are in Canada and have applied for a dependent visa, you may need to apply separately for a study or work permit if you wish to work or study while waiting for the final decision.
Sponsors must generally reside in Canada to submit an application. Canadian citizens living abroad can also sponsor spouses, common-law partners, or dependent children if they plan to return to Canada when the family member becomes a permanent resident.
Yes, sponsors must demonstrate sufficient income to support their dependents, except in the case of sponsoring a spouse or dependent children. The Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) is referenced to determine the necessary financial thresholds.
If your application is refused, you have the right to appeal the decision in certain cases, particularly when sponsoring a spouse, partner, or child. Consult with a lawyer for advice on how to proceed.
Yes, international students and temporary foreign workers may sponsor or bring their spouses or common-law partners and dependent children, who may also be eligible for open work or study permits.
Once permanent residency is granted, dependents are eligible for provincial health care (such as OHIP in Ontario) and other settlement services. Temporary dependents may have limited access to benefits and should ensure they have proper health insurance coverage.
Yes, all dependents included in an immigration application must pass medical exams and background/security checks as part of the admissibility assessment.
If you are seeking more information or assistance about Dependent Visas in Windsor, the following resources might be helpful:
If you believe you require legal assistance with a Dependent Visa issue in Windsor, consider the following steps:
Understanding Dependent Visa law in Windsor, Canada is crucial for reuniting families and ensuring a smooth transition to Canadian life. If in doubt, seeking legal advice early in the process can make your application more effective and less stressful.
