Under Canadian immigration law, you must declare all step-children on your Permanent Residence application, even if they live permanently with your ex-spouse in another country. They must undergo an IRCC medical exam so that you do not lose the legal right to sponsor them to Canada in the future.
Navigating Blended Families in Canadian Immigration
Immigrating to Canada with a blended family involves strict legal requirements that often confuse applicants. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses a very broad definition for “dependent children.” If you are legally married to a new partner, or in a common-law relationship, their children become your step-children. To the Canadian government, these children must be vetted just like your own biological children.
A frequent and dangerous misconception is that if a step-child lives with an ex-spouse overseas and has no intention of moving to Canada, they do not need to be declared. ❌ This is entirely false. Under Section 117(9)(d) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, any dependent child who is not declared and examined during your initial PR process becomes an “excluded family member” forever.
Whether you intend to settle in Vancouver, Ottawa, or Montreal, you must classify these step-children as “non-accompanying dependents.” By doing so, they are subjected to mandatory medical and background checks. This protects your right to sponsor them down the line if their living situation suddenly changes, ensuring your family is not permanently separated by a paperwork error.
Step-by-Step Process in Canada
Step 1: Declaring the Step-Child on Form IMM 0008
When filling out your Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008), you must add the step-child’s details. You will select “No” when asked if they will accompany you to Canada. This properly classifies them as a non-accompanying dependent on the federal record.
Step 2: Arranging the Immigration Medical Exam (IME)
Even though the child is not moving to Canada, they must complete an Immigration Medical Exam. 🤔 You must contact an IRCC-approved Panel Physician in the country where the child currently resides to schedule this exam. The results are sent directly to the Canadian government.
Step 3: Handling an Uncooperative Ex-Spouse
Often, an ex-spouse may refuse to allow the child to attend the medical exam. If you have zero legal custody or the ex-spouse blocks the process, you must gather written proof of your attempts to organize the exam. This includes saving emails, text messages, or letters from your family lawyer trying to negotiate the appointment.
Step 4: Submitting a Solemn Declaration
If the medical exam is impossible to complete due to the ex-spouse’s refusal, you must swear a Solemn Declaration before a notary or lawyer. 📝 You will state that you understand you are permanently forfeiting the right to sponsor this step-child to Canada in the future, and submit this declaration alongside a formal Letter of Explanation to IRCC.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
Adding a non-accompanying dependent involves financial costs, even if they are not receiving a PR card. Here is a breakdown of expected expenses:
- IRCC Processing Fees: There are no processing fees or RPRF required for non-accompanying family members during your initial PR application. If a step-child’s status is changed to accompanying while processing under an economic stream, the fee is $270 CAD. If you choose to sponsor them later under the Family Class, the total fee is $180 CAD (consisting of a $90 CAD sponsorship fee and a $90 CAD processing fee).
- Medical Exam Fees: Panel Physicians set their own rates, but a pediatric medical exam typically costs between $150 and $300 CAD depending on the country.
- Lawyer Fees: If an ex-spouse is uncooperative, retaining a Canadian law firm to draft Solemn Declarations and Letters of Explanation usually costs between $1,500 and $3,500 CAD.
| Child’s Situation | Declare on PR Application? | Medical Exam Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Accompanying Step-Child | Yes, Mandatory | Yes, Mandatory |
| Non-Accompanying (With Ex-Spouse) | Yes, Mandatory | Yes, Mandatory (Unless formally waived) |
| Child over 22 years old | List on IMM 5406 only | No, not considered a dependent |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Declaring a step-child does not drastically change the overall PR timeline if the process goes smoothly. Standard federal Express Entry applications take approximately 6 months. However, if there are delays in getting the step-child to a Panel Physician due to an uncooperative ex-spouse, your application may be paused, extending processing times by 2 to 4 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens if I simply don’t mention the step-child?
Failing to declare a step-child is considered misrepresentation. IRCC can refuse your PR application, ban you from Canada for 5 years, and permanently bar you from ever sponsoring that child in the future.
Will my PR be refused if the step-child is sick?
Under recent Canadian policy changes, most medical inadmissibility rules regarding excessive demand on health services have been relaxed for dependent children. It is highly unlikely a child’s illness will cause your PR to be denied.
Do I have to pay the Right of Permanent Residence Fee for them?
No. Dependent children are exempt from the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF), which is currently $600 CAD. Additionally, you do not pay any processing fees for non-accompanying dependents at the initial stage. You pay a $270 CAD fee if their status changes to accompanying during your economic PR application, or $180 CAD (which includes a $90 CAD sponsorship fee and $90 CAD processing fee) if you choose to sponsor them under the Family Class in the future.
Can I change a non-accompanying child to accompanying later?
Yes. If your PR application is still processing and the custody situation changes, you can submit an IRCC Webform to switch their status to accompanying, provided they have passed their medical exam.
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