Permanent residence application process in Canada

Embarking on the journey to become a permanent resident of Canada is a significant step, especially for those with family members.

 

Understanding the nuances of the application process, particularly concerning the declaration of family members and the requirements for dependent children, is crucial to ensure a smooth transition.

 

Declaring All Family Members: A Non-Negotiable Step

 

When applying for permanent residence, it's imperative to declare all family members, regardless of whether they will accompany you to Canada.

 

This includes your spouse or common-law partner, dependent children, and even the dependent children of your dependent children.

 

Failure to disclose any family member can lead to serious consequences, including the refusal of your application or future sponsorship ineligibility.

 

Understanding Dependent Children in Immigration Context

 

In the realm of Canadian immigration, a dependent child is defined as someone under 22 years of age who is not married or in a common-law relationship.

 

However, children 22 years or older may still qualify as dependents if they have relied on their parents for financial support since before turning 22 and are unable to be financially self-supporting due to a physical or mental condition.

 

It's essential to accurately identify and count all dependents, as they factor into the size of your family, which can influence the amount of settlement funds required.

 

Medical Examinations: A Mandatory Requirement for All Family Members

 

As of August 21, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) mandates that all applicants for permanent residence through the Express Entry system complete an upfront Immigration Medical Exam (IME) before submitting their application.

 

This requirement extends to all family members, including those not accompanying you to Canada.

 

Ensuring that every family member undergoes the medical examination is vital, as it affects the overall admissibility of your application.

 

Spousal Declarations: Honesty is the Best Policy

 

When creating an Express Entry profile, you have the option to list your spouse as non-accompanying.

 

However, this should only be done if your spouse genuinely does not intend to accompany you to Canada.

 

Misrepresenting this information to enhance your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score can lead to severe repercussions, including application refusal and a five-year ban from reapplying.

 

Recent Changes to Medical Examination Requirements

 

It's important to stay updated with the latest immigration policies.

 

For instance, as of August 21, 2025, IRCC requires all Express Entry applicants to complete an upfront medical exam before submitting their permanent residence application.

 

This change aims to streamline the application process and ensure that all health-related assessments are completed promptly.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Navigating the permanent residence application process in Canada requires meticulous attention to detail, especially when it involves family members.

 

By accurately declaring all family members, understanding the definitions and requirements for dependents, and adhering to medical examination protocols, you can enhance the likelihood of a successful application.

 

Staying informed about policy changes and maintaining transparency throughout the process are key to achieving your goal of becoming a permanent resident in Canada.