PR applicants for Canada can now add their family members too! Here’s how

The new open work permit policy of Canada is here which allows family members also in Canada for work permit. The new work permit policy launched by Canada will stay in effect until December 31, 2022, for international students graduates and essential workers. With this new policy which came into effect from July 26, the applicants applying via temporary residence to permanent residence (TR to PR) route can also add their family members for the work permit.

If the applicants do not receive a decision on their permanent residency application, before their current status expires, this change in the policy will permit them to continue working while they await the result of their application. During their work permit tenure, the applicants can also include their family members. The only condition being the family members must be in Canada and must meet all the requirements of eligibility.

Eligibility criteria for adding family members:

The article will take you through a step-by-step eligibility criterion. First and foremost, the family member should be listed as an immediate family member on the application of PR. Those considered as immediate members include, spouse, common- law partner and dependent children, according to the Canadian government. The work permit includes children aged 18 and above. If both the parents are in Canada and are not on a visitor’s visa, the younger children can obtain a study permit without having one.

The documents of the family members need to be submitted at the same time as that of the principal applicant. Marriage certificates, birth certificates, or the Statutory Declaration of Common Law Union may be required if the applicant is in a common law relationship. The family member will also require a copy of the IMM 0008 generic immigration form, on which the main applicant will list the family member as one.

Additional information may be needed, if there are any doubts with the immigration officer about the authenticity of the relationship. The officer will make sure that the relationship is a genuine one and not just namesake for the purpose of obtaining a permanent residency.