Dear Miss Powell,

I just got a work permit to go to Canada, but I want my wife and son to accompany me. How do I get them into Canada?

T.J.

Dear T.J.,
There are various ways that your wife and son can ‘get into Canada’. The route you take depends on how long you would like them to remain in Canada and what you would like them to be able to do. Since I do not know the details of your situation, I will highlight the main ways of entering Canada from Jamaica on a temporary basis. These are by applying for a work permit, study permit and temporary resident/visitor’s visa.

Usually, if you wish your spouse and dependent children to accompany you, the best approach would be to submit their application at the same time with yours. At that time, you could apply for an open work permit for her. Nevertheless, this does not prevent your wife and son from now submitting an application independently, provided that they are able to meet the requirements. As you know, the average processing time for work permits is two to three months, and the procedure would essentially be the same. Ensure to submit a copy of your work permit with her application. I will not elaborate too much about study permits as you will be required to pay international tuition fees.

temporary resident visa

Your wife and son may submit an application for temporary resident visa to the visa section of the High Commission of Canada in Kingston. This process would be the cheapest, fastest and simplest. Your family would be required to submit a completed application, marriage certificate, birth certificates, passport, proof of income, job letter, school letter, proof of bank accounts, other assets, and pay the required fee. The fee is based on the number of entries they would like to make into Canada. The processing time is about three to four weeks. The application may be submitted via mail, in person or delivered via the drop box at 3 West Kings House Road in Kingston.

If your son is under 22, he may be included in the application with your wife. If he is over 22, he will need to submit a separate application along with proof of occupation, income and assets. If your son is over 22 and a student, you will need to provide him with a letter stating that you are supporting him.

Remember that the authorities are looking for information in the application to satisfy them that your family will leave at the end of the time granted and that they will have enough money to cover their living expenses when they are there.

While this method is the quickest, it has various limitations such as: the length of time that your wife and son may be allowed to remain in Canada, which may be limited to six months or less; they will not be permitted to work or attend school; they may also need medical insurance. If they require a multiple-entry visa, it is usually recommended that proof of medical insurance which will be valid in Canada be presented with the application.

If you have doubts about your wife’s qualifications or eligibility under any of the above categories, contact a lawyer or immigration consultant and submit a copy of your documents so that they can assess the case and assist her with the process. Best of luck to you and your family.


* Deidre S. Powell is a lawyer, mediator and notary public who is a member of the Jamaican and Ontario, Canada bars, with main office located in Ottawa, Ontario. Her areas of practice are in immigration, personal injury, family and administration of estates. She is on the roster of mediators for Ottawa, Toronto, and the Dispute Resolution Foundation of Jamaica. Email: info@deidrepowell .com.