In the Canadian family-class immigration process, circumstances can change after an application is submitted to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Whether it’s a shift in the sponsor’s financial situation or a new addition to the family, IRCC has set guidelines for managing these changes.
Adding a New Family Member
The procedure for adding a new family member to an ongoing application depends on their relationship to the sponsor:
- Dependent Child: Sponsors do not need to meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement again when adding a dependent child. However, it’s essential to pay the applicable fees, such as the processing fee, and ensure that the child undergoes the required medical or background checks.
- Newborn Child: If a family class applicant has a newborn after receiving their permanent resident (PR) visa but before officially becoming a Canadian PR, they must pay the newborn’s processing fee and arrange for a medical examination for the child.
Changing the Principal Applicant
In rare cases, such as the death of the principal applicant, IRCC allows the application’s principal applicant to be changed. For example, if the main applicant on a parent or grandparent sponsorship application passes away, the surviving spouse or partner can take over as the principal applicant, provided they are a family-class member in their own right. Stepparents or step-grandparents may also qualify under compassionate grounds, subject to IRCC’s discretion.
Changes in the Sponsor’s Circumstances
IRCC may pause the issuance of PR visas if they determine that a sponsor’s ability to meet their financial obligations requires reassessment. If new information arises suggesting that a sponsor no longer meets the income requirement, they must submit documents covering the previous 12 months to demonstrate their financial capacity. This documentation will determine whether the sponsor’s change in circumstances affects the visa decision.
Changes in Relationship Status
If there’s a change in the relationship status of applicants or sponsors—such as moving from common-law partners to spouses—IRCC must be informed. Though the change does not always require reassessment, it’s crucial to ensure that the relationship continues to meet Canada’s legal and genuine relationship requirements.
These updates ensure that both sponsors and applicants remain compliant with IRCC’s regulations throughout the immigration process.