How to Relocate to Canada with Your Family

Relocating to Canada with your family can be exciting. Apart from improving your career, it is a great way to provide your family with new experiences.

Although there are many benefits to relocating with your family, getting prepared for the trip comes as a difficult task. But if you know the right steps to take, you can relocate to Canada with your family within the shortest possible time.

Are you interested in moving to Canada with your family? Well go through this post and discover the best ways that you can achieve your goal.

How to Relocate to Canada with Your Family

Although we have offered a comprehensive guide, the featured information might become outdated due to changes in government policies. With this in mind, you should check the official Canada website for extra advice especially before starting your visa application. Now here are the various ways that you can move to Canada with your family

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(a) Use a Family Class Sponsorship

If you have already achieved PR or Citizenship status in Canada, you can apply for a family class sponsorship. After all, this pathway allows your relatives to live, study and work in Canada. Before getting this visa, you will have to complete some steps.

1. Confirm If You Eligible for the Canadian Family Class Sponsorship

Eligible applicants should meet the following requirements

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have Citizenship or PR status
• Be able to provide for the sponsored family member
• Be able to show proof of not receiving social assistance

2. Confirm if your relative is eligible for the Family Class Sponsorship

Asides from checking your eligibility for the program, you will have to pick eligible relatives. With this in mind, you can choose your spouse, partner, or dependents.

3. Fill Out the Forms

Get the application package from the official Government of Canada website. This material should include the form, guide, and checklist. Before filling the forms, go through the guide and follow the instructions.

Also, use the document checklist to provide all the paperwork needed for your application. Most times, the documents include a police clearance certificate and proof of good health.

4. Pay for the Application Process and Submit the Application

After preparing the documents, you will have to submit them for processing. At this stage of the application process, you should pay the processing fees. Besides, you should handle other fees for biometrics and the right of permanent residence.

After submitting the forms and paying the fees to the visa application center, it will use a letter to notify your relatives of the need for biometrics capture. On top of that, it will provide a venue for the operation.

Your candidate(s) will have to book an appointment for the submission of their biometrics. At this stage of the operation, they will have to present the notification letter.

5. Track Your Application

At this point in your application, you can track the progress of your application. You can perform this task online via the application portal. Also,  your sponsored relatives can check their application status with the same tool.

If you have a successful application, you will be notified by the visa application center. Then you can prepare for the arrival of your relative(s).

(b) Use a Temporary Residence Visa

If you want to relocate to Canada for a short period, you can travel as a visitor. After staying in the country for some time, you can extend your stay. Since you are relocating as a family, you will have to apply as individuals but submit them in the same envelope.

To apply for the visa individually:-

1. Start the Application Process

Every member of your family should apply for visas separately. They can start by checking if they are eligible for these permits. Luckily, anyone can confirm their eligibility on the official Government of Canada website.

If you and your family members are eligible, open separate accounts ( for each member) on the Government of Canada website. Then download and fill in the required details on the provided forms.

2. Get the Right Documents

Remember to get the paperwork needed for your application. These documents should include marriage certificates, birth certificates, police clearance certificates,  proof of ties to Nigeria with bank statements. If you are not sure about the documents to submit, use the guide and checklist provided on the official Government of Canada website.

3. Submit Your Application and Pay Required Fees

Head to the Visa Application Centre and submit your application ( with the application of other family members) in the same envelope.

If required, the center will offer a venue for the biometrics capture of you and your family. If everything goes well, the center will send messages to all applicants informing them of their success.

To extend your stay in Canada…

You and your family members should apply for an extension before the expiry of your original visas. After receiving your application, the decision to allow all applicants to remain in the country depends on the Canadian authorities.

During the call for an extension, an inland officer goes through your application and offers an interview date. After this stage, the officer will decide if you are fit for an extended stay in Canada.

If you get an extension, the authorities will send you a summary of conditions that you must fulfill as you apply for a longer stay. But if you don’t have a favorable response, the authorities will offer reasons for rejection.

Extra Advice to Consider Before Relocating with Your Family to Canada

Before starting the application process, try to visit the Government of Canada website for the latest news for relocating your family to Canada. Also, ensure you ( and your family) have the right documents for your relocation plans and write the correct details on your forms.

Moreover, as you print your application, ensure that you use white paper. Also, try to use glossy stationery for your application.