If you're applying for family-class immigration in Canada, you might encounter various changes that can affect your application status with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These changes could include shifts in your sponsor’s financial situation or the addition of new family members. Knowing how to manage these changes is crucial for a smoother application process.
If your sponsor wants to include a new family member in their application, the steps can differ depending on the relationship. For instance, adding a dependent child doesn’t require another income assessment. However, it’s important to pay any necessary fees and ensure the new family member passes medical and background checks. The Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) will be assessed to confirm that the sponsor can financially support their family in Canada.
In cases where a newborn arrives after receiving a permanent resident (PR) visa but before officially becoming a PR, the child can be added to the application. This involves paying the relevant fees and making sure the newborn has a medical examination.
At times, it may be necessary to change the principal applicant on the application. This often happens in sponsorship cases for parents or grandparents. If the principal applicant passes away, the surviving spouse or partner can step in as the new principal applicant, provided they are also a family class member. In certain situations, stepparents may also be eligible to take on this role.
If IRCC approves this change, they will contact the sponsor to request updated forms, including the Application to Sponsor and the Generic Application Form for Canada. Thankfully, there are no additional fees for making this change.
IRCC may pause the issuance of PR visas if they believe the sponsor’s situation requires a closer look. If new information suggests a change in the sponsor's income, you might need to provide additional documents to show that the sponsor can still support their family.
Sponsors must submit evidence of their income covering the last 12 months, which is essential in determining if these changes impact the visa decision. PR visas will only be granted if the sponsorship agreement remains valid after this reassessment.
Changes in your relationship status during the application process can also have significant implications. For example, if you move from being common-law partners to being married, this can affect your application category. While such changes typically don’t require a complete reassessment, it’s important to inform IRCC of any status changes before finalizing the application. This helps ensure that your relationship is recognized as genuine and complies with Canada’s legal requirements.
Managing changes in family-class immigration applications can be complicated, but staying informed and proactive can make the process easier. By understanding how to navigate these changes—whether adding family members or updating information with IRCC—you can safeguard your chances for a successful outcome. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can feel confident as you embark on this journey toward building a new life in Canada.
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