In Canada, every single dependent child and spouse must be fully declared on your PR application and undergo mandatory medical and security screening. This rule applies even if they are “non-accompanying” and staying in their home country. Failing to examine a family member results in a lifetime ban on sponsoring them later.
When migrating to Canada, many applicants make the difficult choice to leave family members behind temporarily. You might plan to move to Winnipeg or Halifax first, secure a good job, and then sponsor your spouse or children a few years later. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) allows this, referring to these relatives as “non-accompanying family members.” However, there is a massive legal catch that ruins thousands of applications every year.
Even if your child or spouse is absolutely not coming to Canada right now, they must still be declared on your application forms and they must pass an official Canadian medical exam. ⚠️ IRCC enforces this rule strictly to prevent applicants from hiding family members who have severe criminal records or expensive medical conditions. Because navigating ex-spousal custody issues and medical exams from afar is extremely complex, it is strongly advised to hire a Canadian immigration lawyer from our directory to manage your paperwork.
Step-by-Step Process for Handling Non-Accompanying Family
You cannot simply leave names off your federal application. The Canadian government requires a complete accounting of your immediate family tree. Here is how you must handle non-accompanying relatives.
Step 1: Identifying Who Must Be Declared
You must list your legally married spouse, your common-law partner, and all your dependent children (generally those under 22 years old). 🔍 This includes children from previous marriages, children born out of wedlock, and legally adopted children, regardless of who currently has primary custody over them.
Step 2: Completing the Background Declarations
When filling out your IMM 5406 (Additional Family Information) and your main PR application, you must list these individuals and clearly check the box stating they are “Non-Accompanying.” You must provide their current addresses, dates of birth, and exact relationship to you.
Step 3: Booking the Immigration Medical Exam (IME)
This is the most critical step. Every non-accompanying dependent must visit an IRCC-approved Panel Physician in their home country to complete an Immigration Medical Exam. 💉 Even if your ex-spouse has full custody of your 5-year-old child and refuses to let them move to Canada, that child must still be medically examined.
Step 4: Providing Police Clearance Certificates
If your non-accompanying spouse or any non-accompanying child is over the age of 18, they must provide a police clearance certificate from every country they have lived in for more than six months. If they have a serious criminal record, it could potentially render you, the main applicant, inadmissible to Canada.
Step 5: Signing the IMM 5604 (Separation Declaration)
If you are separating from your minor child and leaving them with your ex-spouse abroad, you will likely need to have your ex-spouse sign an IMM 5604 form. 📝 This document must be notarized. It officially declares that the other parent acknowledges you are moving to Canada and that the child is remaining behind.
Step 6: Acknowledging the Lifetime Ban Risk
If you absolutely cannot force your ex-spouse to take your child for a medical exam, you must submit a sworn statutory declaration proving you made every legal effort to do so. 🏢 An officer will warn you that if the child is not examined, you will be permanently banned from sponsoring them in the future under Regulation 117(9)(d). You must sign this acknowledgment to proceed with your own PR.
How Much Does it Cost for Non-Accompanying Members?
Even though they are not coming to Canada, non-accompanying family members still generate mandatory expenses in Canadian dollars (CAD):
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Who Pays? |
|---|---|---|
| PR Processing Fees | $0 CAD | No fee, as they are not getting PR status |
| Right of PR Fee (RPRF) | $0 CAD | Not required for non-accompanying members |
| Immigration Medical Exam | $150 – $300 CAD per person | Main Applicant / Family Member |
| Foreign Police Certificates | $20 – $100+ CAD per person | Main Applicant / Family Member |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Dealing with non-accompanying family members can severely delay your PR application. If your ex-partner is uncooperative and refuses to take your child for their medical exam, your file will stall. IRCC generally gives you 30 to 60 days to provide the medical results. If you must go through the legal process of swearing an affidavit to exclude the child, expect an extra 2 to 4 months of delays on your overall PR timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does Canada care if my child is not coming with me?
IRCC must ensure that you are not trying to sneak a medically inadmissible family member into the system later. By examining everyone now, the government protects the Canadian healthcare system and ensures all background checks are clear before granting you status.
What happens if I simply forget to declare a child?
Forgetting to declare a dependent is considered misrepresentation. If discovered, you will be banned from sponsoring that child for the rest of your life. Additionally, your own Permanent Resident status could be revoked, leading to your deportation.
Can I force my ex-spouse to take our child to the doctor?
No. The Canadian government cannot force a foreign national to undergo a medical exam. If your ex-spouse refuses, you must gather evidence (emails, lawyer letters, text messages) proving you tried, and submit a formal declaration accepting that the child will be forever banned from sponsorship.
Do I have to declare my parents or siblings?
You must list your parents and siblings on your IMM 5406 Additional Family Information form, but they are NOT considered your dependents. Therefore, parents and siblings do not need to undergo medical exams or police checks for your PR application.
Can a non-accompanying spouse visit me in Canada later?
Yes, but it is very difficult. If your spouse applies for a Temporary Resident Visa (visitor visa) later, border officers will be highly suspicious. They will likely assume your spouse intends to live in Canada illegally since you are a Permanent Resident living there.
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