Will everyone in my family get permanent residency if I get it?

One of the frequent questions we get is if everyone in the family i.e. spouse and kids will get permanent residency should anyone get it. The answer is yes!

Some basics to get started!

When you apply for permanent residency,  you apply as a family and submit 1 application.  Bear in mind that it is ONLY the immediate family (i.e. spouse and kids) that will get it. This means that if your spouse will be able to work if you specify them in your application. Everyone in the application will get their own permanent residency card. This is very important because you would need it while traveling in and out of Canada. 

Some caveats and information that you might be interested in - 

• You can also add your spouse/common-law partner later, if you were single at the time of getting your Canadian PR! 
• The official SLA for Canadian express entry is 6 months. A lot of applications get processed sooner. 
• Remember that you can add someone as your spouse ONLY after you are married. Do not try to fudge the relationship status as common law because you need to submit the official marriage certificate post ITA. Documents for common law are much more complicated and different. 
• If you are getting married in a few months then consider filing your application later or if possible try to get your civil court marriage so that you can file your Express entry application as a couple. Better for points and you as a family. 
• Decide wisely with your spouse/partner accordingly. 

Now for my US friends,  who are trying to apply for this program!!!

How different is the Canadian express entry different from US H1B program?

This process is totally different than what is there in the States! Typically, employment based immigration is popular in the US and employers have to file the green card application in the EB1, EB2 or EB3 categories. Employers will file for just the individual and not for rest of the family members.  Besides there is no way of tracking the progress and it could take years or decades to get. Hope this provides relief to a lot of my US friends!

Next steps - Get started with express entry today!

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