Category: Bright Immigration

In times where global unrest continues to linger for many of those in troubled countries, the idea of immigrating easily presents itself as one well worth considering.

As opposed to the past where leaving one’s country when situations turned for the worse was frowned upon, the opportunity to emigrate to a better quality of life is now encouraged. Out of all the different countries that promote such possibilities, Canada has managed to stand out as one of the most popular locations for immigration.

For families separated by borders of citizenship, the Canadian immigration process is, by far, the most accommodating one out of all. Among the thousands of applications that Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) receives every week, spouse visa applications are one of the most popular entries. While each case may have its uniqueness, the acceptance rates of spouses applying for citizenship or permanent residency continue to grow each year!

Sent in your spousal sponsorship application last 2019? Here are a few factors to consider

During this time, it’s vital to note that applications made in 2019 or 2020 are now being dealt with far more carefully by the IRCC, meaning that the processing has varied for this specific batch of applicants. If you’ve made an application on behalf of your spouse within the past year, it’s essential to get familiar with what may be different for your experience this time around: 

On the idea of processing time

When it comes to understanding what has changed concerning Canadian spousal visas, the main difference is the processing time you’re expected to go through. Although the Canadian visa processing time for inland and outland applications was set at an average of 12 months in 2016, the CIC expects this period to grow slightly bigger for 2019/2020 applications.

What will affect the duration of your spouse visa processing?

Generally, several factors may affect the overall duration of your spouse visa processing time and further extend it. Here are several crucial components in further detail:

1. The completeness of your application

During any Canadian visa application process, a complete application gets processed faster, and such is the case for spousal applications. As opposed to other types of visa applications, applying couples are implored to provide additional proof of their relationship’s legitimacy with photos, videos, emails, or messages. 

Spousal requests call for a complete submission because the agent requires as much data as possible to deliberate on whether they should affix a stamp of approval. By working with an immigration expert—such as Bright Immigration—you can cut down the level of risk and speed up your application process by ensuring that your documents are complete!

2. The location of the applicant

Depending on where the applicant is coming from, the IRCC’s total time to process a spouse visa can vary because of the various legalities and details that may be involved. You can learn more about how the location of your spouse can affect the duration of the process by giving the IRCC’s designated tool a try!

3. The number of people applying

In 2020, it’s essential to expect further delays on your spouse visa processing time as the current period has recovered the highest amount of applications that the CIC has seen. If your current batch of applications has a fewer number than those found in others, then you may experience a quicker processing time!

Conclusion

When it comes to estimating the overall amount of time that it takes for the CIC to process your Canadian spouse visa application, it’s vital to consider that the prescribed period may be longer if you applied in 2019 or 2020. By following this guide, you’ll be able to get a more realistic and well-informed understanding of how much longer you may have to wait before getting the letter that gives the go-signal!

If you’re looking for professional help from a trusted firm, please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.

There’s no denying that the current COVID-19 outbreak has significantly impacted travels to Canada and to other countries around the world. As the coronavirus crisis continues to take the world by storm, the Canadian government has set guidelines for travels to the country amid the global pandemic.

In this article, we will explore the latest updates on travel to Canada, given the pressing situation. Keep on reading to find out more.

The immigration status

The Canadian Minister of Immigration had recently given vital updates regarding the travel to Canada amid the global pandemic. Marco Mendicino provided relevant answers during a Q&A session with the Canadian Bar Association on May 5th, 2020. He said that the annual immigration levels plan would be presented this fall after robust consultations with various stakeholders are conducted.

The Minister also underscored the country’s long-standing policy of welcoming immigration, even during and after the outbreak. He mentioned the country’s past economic and demographic challenges and how it has still managed to rise above the situation. Ultimately, he stressed that immigration would be the key to the country’s success and economic recovery.

Ongoing CIC operation

The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have continued its operation despite the global pandemic. However, the application process for immigration has dwindled due to the need for the CIC to work remotely. Some adjustments have yet to be made for a seamless operation. 

Because of this, immigration applicants will have to extend their patience during this crucial period. It’s best to check with an immigration consultant to see the status of their applications and to know what directions to take.

Priority on Temporary Foreign Workers Program (TFWP)

One notable announcement is how those who are in the TFWP are given priority. This is because agricultural and seafood employees need to be secured in order to regulate and maintain the country’s food supply. 

At the same time, the Canadian government is looking for ways to provide flexibility around work permits. Likewise, it seeks ways to eliminate barriers existing abroad that hinder workers from returning to the country.

Flexibility for international students

Another important consideration is how international students are given options to continue their education in the face of the global pandemic. In fact, the government was lauded for its current international student policies that are tailored-fit for this period.

A good example of this is the recent Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) reform that allows international students to take online courses to retain professional eligibility. Moreover, the CIC has on-ongoing negotiations to set a robust course of action to help international students who are poised to return to the country in September for the fall semester.

Conclusion

It’s wonderful news to see that Canada has always been welcoming to people from across the globe, even so during this global pandemic. However, be sure to consider all the valuable information discussed above and wait for further travel updates from the Canadian government. 

Ultimately, it’s best to deal with an immigration agency to see what directions to take and ensure you’ll be on the right track regarding your travel plans to Canada.

We have a team of immigration consultants in Toronto that can help ease your worries. Please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.

During the process of sponsoring a foreign spouse for permanent residency in Canada, you will need to present the necessary documents to make the application successful. In the case of spouses applying with dependent children, however, both the parent and their children must have the necessary criminal and medical checks to successfully emigrate to the country. 

Generally, the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is clear regarding this rule as they strictly implement the importance of having all family members being “declared and examined” on their application form. This particular guideline entails having to get medical and criminal checks for each child in the applying party even if they are 18 years old and also covers children in the custody of a former spouse. 

When this essential rule isn’t followed, the children in question must remain to their home country with their other parent or an authorized representative. Although the guideline on children and accompanying documents is straightforward, there are some cases wherein a sponsored spouse cannot comply. 

One situation that has grown more common, in particular, is when the spouse being sponsored has children that are shared with a spouse who is unwilling to maintain contact or allow access to the child. Although the situation may be force majeure in nature, applying spouses are still urged to find any way to help an estranged child undergo a medical exam.

A few do’s and don’ts to consider

If you’re currently facing this situation and need an effective solution, here are a few tips to help you overcome it properly: 

Don’t leave your sponsored spouse’s child off the application form: Given the severity of the situation, many applicants tend to rush through the process by leaving their child off the form, but this can jeopardize the application. In doing so, your sponsored spouse may be deemed inadmissible to Canada because it is a clear violation of your obligation to provide accurate and truthful information. This same outcome also applies in faking any medical exam as a last-ditch effort to provide the necessary documents.

Do consider hiring a local lawyer to contact your sponsored spouse’s estranged partner: In most cases, this authoritative alternative can be used to bring up the importance of submitting a child’s medical records. With the help of a competent professional, it will be much easier to help the estranged spouse or partner understand why the child needs to undergo a medical exam.

Do collect any piece of evidence showing their estranged partner’s non-compliance: If you find yourself in a situation wherein no effort is successful in getting the medical exam done, then the best course of action is to gather as much evidence to show why it isn’t possible. Certain documents, such as emails, texts, or letters that document the ex-partner’s refusal, notarized and signed documents of admission to non-compliance, sworn declarations or affidavits, or child custody documents will suffice as evidence showing estranged partner’s non-compliance.

Conclusion

Dealing with a situation wherein you can’t have your sponsored spouse’s children take a mandatory medical exam can prove to be exhausting and difficult. By following the three tips mentioned above, however, you can smoothen out the process and make it much easier to get the necessary documents with a gentle force that has the least amount of conflict possible.

Are you currently dealing with a situation that is making much more difficult to successfully have your sponsored spouse or family member emigrate to Canada?

If you’re looking for professional help from our team of immigration consultants in Toronto contact info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.

Planning to move to Canada in 2021? Specific changes have been made due to the global pandemic, but the country is expected to relax its closures to welcome over 400,000 new permanent residents and hundreds of thousands of temporary workers and students this year. 

There are many ways to immigrate to Canada, but a few stand out this year. Here are five popular options for immigrants to consider in 2021. 

• Express Entry

Designed for skilled workers, Express Entry expected individuals under this type of immigration pathway to contribute to Canada’s economy for the long haul. They plan to welcome over 100,000 new permanent residents through Express Entry in 2021. With that, three programs fall under this particular immigration system: 

• Federal Skilled Worker: With foreign work experience
• Canadian Experience Class: With Canadian work experience
• Federal Skilled Trades: With employment or licensing in Canada

Express Entry is a highly competitive immigration system. Your application will be based on several factors, such as: 

• Language Ability
• Level of Education
• Work Experience
• Canadian Connections

The eligibility requirements follow a point system with a total of 1,200 points. Only the ones with the highest scores will be invited to submit their applications through Express Entry Draws. 

If you get an application invitation, you and your accompanying family members can apply directly for Canadian permanent resident status. The applications are processed in less than six months. 

• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

PNPs are mini-immigration programs organized by various provinces and territories in the country. Canada aims to welcome more than 80,000 new permanent residents through PNPs this year. 

PNPs allow provinces to implement immigration programs that are designed to meet their needs. Therefore, each province in Canada has different PNP streams. There are four types of PNP streams: 

• Job Offer
• In-Demand Occupations
• Connection to the Province
• Business/Entrepreneur

• Work Permits

Canadian work permits allow an individual to come to the country and work for a specific period. Some work permits enable individuals to change employers and move around the country, while others are tied to a particular employer in a particular location. 

In 2019, the country admitted over 400,000 temporary workers. There are various types of work permits: 

• International Experience Canada (IEC)
• Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
• Intra-Company transfer
• USMCA or CUSMA

Albeit a work permit only allows temporary residents, it can still be a stepping stone towards permanent status. This is because as a worker in the country, individuals can gain valuable work experience. In turn, this makes them a more competitive candidate for Express Entry or PNPs. 

• Study Permits

Canada is known to have one of the best education systems in the world. In 2019, Canada admitted over 400,000 new international students. 

Coming to Canada as an international student has many benefits. For one, you can work while studying in the country. Another thing is that you may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit after you finish your studies. This allows international graduates to gain Canadian work experience, which can be their stepping stone towards permanent resident status. 

• Family Sponsorship

If you’re in a relationship with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, family sponsorship is a great way to immigrate to Canada in 2021. However, only certain types of relatives are eligible to be sponsored: 

• Spouses
• Common-law partners
• Dependent children

Canada also has a smaller sponsorship program for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. 

Conclusion

Now that you know the top 5 immigration pathways to Canada in 2021, what are you waiting for? Go on and submit your application. 

If you’re looking for professional help from a trusted firm, please contact us at info@brighimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472. 

Studying in Canada can be a rewarding experience. Aside from it being an easy way to get into the country, it also offers one of the best educational opportunities due to its high worldwide standing, inclusive programs for all cultural backgrounds, and bilingual formal instruction (English and French). However, many aspiring students and teachers were affected by the global pandemic. Major changes had to take place, and its effect can still be felt today. 

Use this article as your guide to better understand what you need to do if you want to study in Canada. 

What happened to student applications for Canada during 2020? 

The COVID-19 pandemic put face-to-face classes on hold, affecting both currently enrolled students and those considered to take up further schooling. In fact, according to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), there were only 402,427 study permits issues in 2020, which is half of the total permits for the previous year. 

Additionally, only 11,566 students enjoyed the privilege of becoming permanent residents due to the effects of the global pandemic. For instance, since most students and schools were unprepared for the closing of classrooms, they had to resort to distance learning and encouraged international students to go home to their country of origin. Canadian educators also had a needs assessment and curriculum restructuring to reconfigure how general schoolwork is handled. 

The CIC also implemented some policies to meet international students’ needs by ensuring all were cared for, especially for COVID-19 preparedness. They also followed these temporary changes: 

• All individuals under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP) get the chance to extend their qualification period through online training, depending on their studies’ terms and conditions. 
• International students were allowed to have full-time jobs off-campus until August 31, 2020 (there may be extensions or adjustments to this ruling upon further discretion by the IRCC). 
• International students could move to Canada if their education institution has implemented a COVID-19 readiness plan. 
• A student applicant can have an Interim study permit issued while waiting for final decisions regarding their residency status. 

What should I take note of when I apply to study in Canada for 2021? 

One significant difference between 2021 and the previous year is vaccines are being rolled out to different individuals. It means that there could be relaxed social distancing, and face-to-face classroom education may come back. On the other hand, take note that it may take time for Canada and other countries to have the majority of their respective population vaccinated, meaning it will take a while for travel restrictions and COVID-19 screening to be lifted. 

As such, you should be prepared to meet those requirements and expect a mix of in-person and distancing learning. It’s best to consult with a reputable immigration agency to help with student visa concerns and guarantee you stay in the loop about any international student policy changes. 

If you are looking for an ideal education opportunity in Canada for 2021, you may want to consider the PGWP, an open-work permit for recent graduates. Just meet the following requirements to apply: 

• You aren’t a former PGWP holder.
• You had a valid study permit while pursuing your studies.
• You studied for a period of at least eight months, and it was accomplished less than 180 days ago. 
• You were a full-time student in a PGWP-eligible institution.

Conclusion 

Going to Canada to study in 2021 could be your next big step to becoming more prepared for your preferred career path. You just have to make informed decisions since current events have impacted the application process and education system. Remember all the previously mentioned information and look further into the student permit procedure today!

Are you looking for an easy way to enter Canada and pursue higher studies? Consult with us at Bright Immigration. We are your dedicated team of immigration consultants, enabling you to see and take advantage of your options to enhance your personal and professional development. If you’re looking for professional help from a trusted firm, please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.

Canada has always been accepting and welcoming of immigrants in their country. Many people from other countries take advantage of this, knowing that there are great opportunities in the country compared to where they’re originally from. To keep up with the work demands in the country and the enormous amount of interested individuals, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has made it easier for everyone to migrate by opening applications for permanent residence sponsorship.

One of the popular sponsorships in Canada is the spousal sponsorship application, through which Canadian citizens or permanent residents can sponsor their spouse or common-law partner to migrate to the country with them. Applying for one is nothing complicated, as long as you both meet the eligibility requirements of the IRCC.

Almost anyone can become eligible, but is it possible for spouses with criminal records outside Canada to migrate to the country?

What are the requirements for a spousal sponsorship application in Canada?

As mentioned, applying for spousal sponsorship is not complicated at all. You only need to submit your application to the CIC office and meet the criteria for eligibility. There are several requirements a sponsor should meet, including:

1. They should be a Canadain citizen or permanent resident
2. They should be the legal spouse or partner of the sponsee
3. They should show proof that they can provide for their sponsee’s basic needs for at least three years after approval

What happens if your partner has a criminal record?

Technically, the Canadian government dismisses the application and pronounces someone who has pending criminal records with a 10-year (or more) prison sentence inadmissible to the country. The application will also be rejected if the sponsor is found to be serving out a sentence in Canada.

However, there is a legal way for them to be allowed migration by applying for rehabilitation. The result of the application will solely depend on their evaluation and review of the IRCC, and the process will take no less than five years after serving their sentence.

However, if your sponsee has a criminal charge in Canada, the record suspension should be handled by the Parole Board of Canada. To be considered, a person should wait for at least five years for summary offences and ten years for indictable offences before they get to obtain a record suspension.

Conclusion

Canada is one of the countries that are very open and welcoming to immigrants. However, they also hold certain limitations and restrictions to ensure balance, safety, and security in their country. Although almost any close relative of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident can be eligible for migration, those who have criminal records both inside and outside the country can be declared inadmissible.

Still, there is a legitimate albeit lengthy way their application can be considered. If a sponsee has a criminal charge outside Canada, they need to request rehabilitation with the IRCC. On the other hand, if they have a criminal conviction in Canada, they must apply for a record suspension with the Parole Board of Canada. Both processes will require the sponsee to wait five to ten years before consideration.

If you need assistance with your spousal sponsorship application, get in touch with our team today. Our trusted immigration consultants in Toronto will help ensure that your application requirements are complete and correct and that your application will undergo proper processing.

If you’re looking for professional help from a trusted firm, please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.

Canada has always been welcoming to various nationalities from different parts of the world. As an immigrant, you can take advantage of the wonderful opportunities in this country, such as a robust economy, national security, career options, and attractions. 

One thing that cannot be ignored in this country is its top-quality educational system. Education in this country is arguably one of the best in the world with its strong and well-funded public education system. As a parent, it can be a good idea to send your children to Canada for schooling!

In this article, we’ll cover what you need to know about getting your children to study in Canada.

The educational system in Canada

It’s worth knowing that the country doesn’t have a federal department with a centralized education. This means that each province, with its school boards, is responsible for the different schools under their wings. For this reason, the education system varies from one place to another.

Both Canadian children and those of permanent and temporary residents have access to public education. However, keep in mind that temporary residents are subject to specific conditions based on the study type, program duration, and the parents’ work visa. The same is true for children from other countries that must have a visitor record or study permit to be able to study at a Canadian school.

As the education system varies, it’s best to check the province’s system, regulations, and requirements so that you will know how to proceed.

Structure of schooling

Now, let’s take a look at the structure of schooling in Canada, as follows:

• Primary: The elementary school accepts children aged four or five years old (depending on the province) up until twelve years of age.
• Secondary: The high school covers children from 13 to 17 years old, which translates into grade 8 to grade 12. However, some cities also have Middle School from grade six to grade eight.
• Post-secondary: Canadian students who have graduated from high school are given the opportunity to apply to colleges and universities where they can pursue their further studies.

Other types of education

There are also other types of education you must take note of, such as the following:

• Vocational schools: Students are able to learn a trade or vocation at technical schools spread out throughout Canada.
• Private schools: They aren’t funded by the government, which typically comes with a hefty price tag of school fees. However, the quality of education is still guaranteed.
• Religious schools: They teach both the regular school curriculum and religious teachings as well.

Other schooling alternatives

Apart from the traditional forms of education mentioned above, Canada also offers other schooling alternatives, such as:

• Homeschooling: This is authorized in Canada and accepted in all provinces. However, it is necessary to follow all requirements and rules of your place of residence.
• Distributed learning: This allows students to be located in different, non-centralized locations so that instruction and learning can occur independently of time and place.

Languages taught in Canada

There are only two official languages taught in Canada—English and French. For the most part, English is the primary language of school-level education. However, international students are provided with the choice of study in either language. Yet, most schools in the country do offer studies in both languages.

Conclusion

At this point, you now know what it takes to have your children study in Canada. Be sure to consider all the valuable information discussed above, particularly about its educational system and schooling structure. With all these in mind, you can make the right decision and ultimately prepare to send your children to Canada for schooling! It’s best for a smooth application process to work with an immigration agency and hire an immigration consultant in Toronto!

If you’re looking for professional help from a trusted firm, please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.

Breaking ground on foreign soil as an entrepreneur or investor can jump-start your career tremendously. Whether a United States native or having trouble navigating a complicated economic landscape elsewhere, Canada’s Startup Visa Program may best suit your interests. As an alternative that many business owners have pursued in the past, the Startup Program is flexible and accommodating. 

The Basics of the Startup Program

The number one country in the world for an enhanced quality of life, Canada is politically stable, boasts an excellent banking system, a clean environment, and provides free healthcare. It’s no wonder business advisors across the globe are consulting with Canadian immigration advisors. 

Among the top five technology talent markets in the world, Canada is welcoming more immigrants each year. To attend to business immigrants, the Startup Program doesn’t entail a minimum investment and requires only a score of five or higher on the English language IELTS test. Applicants must prove settlement funds of $13,000 (10,000 USD) and under $3,000 (2,000 USD) per family member. 

After three years or more of permanent residency, business immigrants can apply for Canadian citizenship or passport. 

The Startup Program Structure

Before collating due diligence requirements, immigrant entrepreneurs must first develop a viable business plan via three options: 

• The immigrant can join a business incubator program, spending some time in Canada to formulate a plan with an appointed mentor. The project may take roughly six months to develop and will cost applicants $100,000 (70,000 USD). 
• The immigrant can get support from a government-designated angel investor group with an investment of under $75,000 (60,000 USD). 
• The immigrant can get support from a government-designated venture capital fund group with an investment of over $200,000 (150,000 USD).

Either way, immigrants must own at least 10% of the voting shares in a chosen Canadian company and become actively involved in the development process. No other participating entity may own more than 50% of voting shares. 

If you meet the requirements, your sponsoring group will mail you a letter of support or commitment certificate. You can then begin processing your permanent residency application and immediately apply for a short-term work permit to start working on your company. Processing your permanent residency can take up to 18 months—be sure to interface regularly with your immigration lawyer in Toronto. 

Once approved, your spouse can also apply for an open work permit, and your children can attend school in Canada at no cost. For three months from entry, you will also receive free healthcare. 

Conclusion

To secure your business in the future, you might decide that foreign investment is best for you and your family. Although supporting local businesses can help your economy recover, a move might be the key to allowing your business to flourish. 

If you’re starting to set up your business in Canada, Bright Immigration can hook you up with the right Canada immigration lawyer. With detailed information on industry market sectors in our back pocket, we’re well-equipped to provide you with the best advice. 

If you’re looking for professional help from a trusted firm, please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.

Canada is known for having two official languages: English and French. While most immigrants are proficient in them, many consider these languages as not their mother tongue. Because of this, newcomers do their best to learn English before they move to the country. 

Canada is an ideal country for learning the English language because about two-thirds of Canadians consider English their first language. If you are a newcomer to the country and want to improve your English language proficiency, use this article as your guide.

Is There a Free English Language Learning Opportunity for Newcomers?

Newcomers to Canada like you could qualify for Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC), a free English language learning opportunity. You can take advantage of this program by meeting the following criteria: 

• You have to be at least 18 years old
• You must be a permanent resident of Canada. 
• You can also qualify if the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or convention refugee has approved your application.

If you are not a newcomer to Canada, you can still participate in this English language learning program. You just have to be a Canadian citizen and an international student, visitor, or temporary foreign worker. Qualifying for LINC also means getting free childcare and transportation tickets, depending on the province or territory you are currently residing in. 

What Are My Alternative Options for Learning English in Canada as a Foreign National?

As a foreign national, you have alternative options for learning the English language in Canada if you think LINC may not be quite useful for you. Note that some of these are not free.

• Independent ESL

You have the choice to travel to Canada to learn the English language for several weeks and then return to your home country. For instance, you can opt for English as a Second Language (ESL) training. You also don’t need a study permit if the program’s duration is less than six months. Just take note that you may be required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), depending on your nationality.

• Prerequisite ESL

Another option for learning English in Canada as a foreign national is to take a prerequisite course for your post-secondary education. This is especially common if you sign up for a university program and ask for language tests. If your test results are not ready or unsatisfactory, you can attend ESL courses and then move on to your regular classes. 

Remember that this process can be approved depending on your university. Therefore, you might need to apply for a study permit. You can seek help from immigration experts for a hassle-free application process.  Once your permit is approved, you are allowed to travel to Canada to study English. 

Conclusion

As a newcomer to Canada, mastering the English language is important to make the most out of the career and educational opportunities in the country and communicate effectively with your co-workers or schoolmates and friends. Thus, it’s best to follow the information on this guide to improve your language skills. Don’t hesitate to contact experienced immigration consultants to learn more about your language learning opportunities.

Bright Immigration is a trusted immigration agency that can help you study, visit, or work in Canada. If you’re looking for professional help from a trusted firm, please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.

Starting a new life in Canada with your family can be very exciting. But there are many things to keep in mind in the process, especially when it comes to bringing your children with you. They will need to fulfil several requirements in order to qualify as your dependent, including being a certain age. 

Yes, age can affect your children’s application to permanently move to Canada. If they surpass the age limit, they may have to file a separate application and prove that they can financially sustain themselves. Here’s what you need to know about Canada’s new increase in the dependent age limit:

The increase in the age limit

In 2017, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) raised the maximum age of a dependent child to under 22 years old in their application to immigrate to Canada. This has been a goal of the department since 2015 in an effort to prioritize family reunification. Prior to this, the age limit was under 19 years old—those 19 and above were ineligible to qualify as dependents except under certain circumstances. 

For example, if your child has a physical or mental condition that inhibits them from supporting themselves financially and they are above the age limit, they may still qualify as dependents. Additionally, if your child has depended on you substantially for financial support since before they exceeded the age limit, they may also qualify. 

How this affects you

While there are other requirements for qualifying as a dependent, this new change is very important to parents who wish to bring their children with them to Canada. The extension of this eligibility limit to older children means that you won’t have to worry about bringing them with you. Individuals aged 19-22 are now free to pursue other opportunities that will help them become self-reliant, such as pursuing further education or seeking gainful employment. This also makes it easier for them to enter the country. 

How this affects Canada

An influx of younger adults entering Canada is highly beneficial to the country, as this can result in many economic and social rewards. College-aged individuals often seek better educational opportunities in Canada, which is also known for its many prestigious universities. They’re also more likely to look for employment in the country after graduation, which will positively contribute to Canada’s growth. It also helps the country become the best place for skilled immigrants.

Other things to keep in mind

In addition to the increase in the dependent age limit, the government has also removed the conditional permanent residence requirement. This can be found under other immigration programs, such as spousal sponsorship. The removal of this requirement reduces the length of the process, making it easier to immigrate to Canada. It also removes the fear of deportation of some individuals.

Conclusion

Canada has been working to reunite families that are seeking a better life in the country. With these new changes, families can now look forward to a smoother and easier process of bringing their dependents into the country and being together all at the same time. As immigration has now become more accessible and less time-consuming, Canada has become the ideal option for families and individuals hoping for a better life.

Bright Immigration offers immigration services in Toronto. If you’re looking for professional help from a trusted firm, please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.