Moving to Canada is a big and happy step in life. But your journey feels complete only when your family joins you. Many people want to bring their spouse and children to Canada in 2026. This is called a family reunion. The rules come from IRCC, which means Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. They have made some new rules in 2026 to check applications more carefully.
If you are coming to Canada on a work permit or as a student, you need to know how to bring your family. This simple guide explains the Canada Dependent Visa Requirements 2026. It helps people from countries like India, the Philippines, the UAE, and many others. We use easy words so everyone can understand.
Who Can You Bring to Canada?
IRCC allows you to bring your close family members. These are called accompanying family or dependents. Usually, this means:
- Your spouse (husband or wife)
- Your common-law partner (someone you live with like a married couple for at least one year)
- Your dependent children
But in 2026, the rules look very closely at your own status in Canada. You are the main person (also called the sponsor or principal applicant). Your job or study program decides if your family can come easily.
Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP) 2026 Eligibility
Many spouses like the Spouse Open Work Permit. This is called SOWP. It lets your spouse work for any employer in Canada. It is very helpful.
To get SOWP in 2026, you (the sponsor) must have a good job. Your job should be in TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3. TEER means Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities. High-level jobs like managers, professionals, or skilled workers fall in these groups.
There is a big change for students. If you are an international student, your spouse can get SOWP only in some cases. Now, it is mostly for students in Master’s degree or Doctoral (PhD) programs. Short courses or undergraduate programs may not qualify anymore. Always check your program level first.
Dependent Child Visa Age Limit Canada
Children can come as dependents if they meet these simple rules:
- They are under 22 years old.
- They are not married and not in a common-law relationship.
If a child is 22 or older, they can still qualify. But only if they have depended on their parents for money since before age 22. This must be because of a health problem, like a physical or mental condition. You need strong proof, such as medical reports, to show this.
IRCC checks the child’s age when you send the full application. If your child turns 22 after you apply but before the decision, they can still be included. This is good news for many families.
Proof of Funds for Canada Dependent Visa 2026
Money is very important. One main reason for rejection is not showing enough money. You must prove you can take care of your family in Canada. You should not need help from the government (social assistance).
Bank Balance Requirement for Family of 4 Canada
IRCC uses something called Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) to decide the amount. For a family of 4, you often need to show between $25,000 and $31,000 CAD in your bank. This is liquid money, which means cash or easy-to-use savings. The exact amount changes a little every year.
If your family is bigger or smaller, the amount changes too. Always check the latest IRCC website for the current number.
Required Financial Documents
To show your money is real, give these papers:
- Bank statements for the last 4 to 6 months. Use original statements from the bank.
- Your work contract and recent pay slips to prove your job and salary.
- A Letter of Explanation (LoE). This is a simple letter you write. Explain where big amounts of money came from, like savings, sale of property, or gifts from family.
If you do not explain large deposits, IRCC may think the money is not yours. This can cause rejection. So, be clear and honest in your LoE.
Essential Documents for Canada Dependent Visa for Spouse and Child
Good papers make your application strong. Small mistakes can lead to delays or extra requests from IRCC.
First, choose the right way to apply. For most people outside Canada, use the IRCC Portal. It is now the main system. Some use GCKey, but the Portal is better for dependent applications.
Here are the main documents you need:
- Proof of relationship: Marriage certificate for spouse, birth certificates for children, and family photos together.
- Passports for everyone.
- If your child is already in Canada and you have a work permit, they can study in school (primary or secondary) without a separate study permit. This is a nice exemption for minors.
- Medical exam: Do the upfront medical test before you apply. It can make processing faster by many weeks.
- Photos and biometrics: Everyone aged 14 to 79 must give digital photos and fingerprints (biometrics).
Collect all papers carefully. Make copies and keep originals safe.
The Application Process: Step-by-Step
Follow these easy steps to apply:
- Decide the visa type: Check if your family needs a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). It depends on their passport country. For example, some countries need TRV, others only eTA.
- Collect all documents: Make a checklist. Include everything listed above. Use the IRCC Portal or GCKey to upload.
- Understand Dual Intent: You can apply for dependent visa even if you have a permanent residence (PR) application. This is allowed. It is called Dual Intent. Do not worry if both are running together.
- Submit the application and track it: After you pay fees and submit, you get a number to track. Processing time is usually 8 to 12 weeks. But it can be different. For example, applications from New Delhi or Manila may take more or less time. Check online often.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes applications get refused. Do not lose hope. Many people fix the problem and try again.
If your family is already in Canada and their status ends, you can apply for Restoration of Status. This helps if time runs out while waiting.
If your spouse does not want to work, they can apply for a Visitor Record instead. It lets them stay longer legally without a work permit. This is often faster and easier in some cases.
FAQ: Canada Student Dependent Visa Rules 2026
Here are answers to common questions:
Can my spouse work in Canada?
Yes, but only if they get an approved Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP). Without it, they cannot work.
What happens if my child turns 22 while we wait?
IRCC looks at the age on the day they receive your complete application. If the child was under 22 then, they stay eligible.
Is it hard for students to bring family?
It is harder now. Only Master’s or PhD students usually qualify for spouse SOWP.
Conclusion: Start Your Family’s Journey
Bringing your family to Canada in 2026 needs care and attention. Check your job TEER category. Make sure you have strong proof of money. Prepare all documents well. This way, your application has a better chance to succeed.
Be patient because processing takes time. But many families do it every year. Start early, read official IRCC rules, and get ready.
Ready to begin? Double-check everything and apply soon. Your family reunion is waiting!
Word count note: This rewritten guide has over 950 words. It uses very simple English words and short sentences that normal people use every day.
Disclaimer: This article is only for information and learning. Please always check the official IRCC website or trusted sources before you make any decisions. Rules can change, so get the latest update.