The Changes to Family Composition
The officers would need to examine all family members when they assess the electronic Application for Permanent Residence (e-APR). This would be applicable to all accompany and non-accompanying family members. It is worth noting that the addition of family members to the application could take place at any time during the process. In fact, it could even take place after the authorities issue the visa but prior to the applicant obtaining permanent resident status. Therefore, applicants would need to inform Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) of any changes in their family composition immediately. This would typically apply to changes such as:
- The birth of a child
- Marriage
- Divorce
Situations could arise where principal applicants might not include a spouse or a common-law partner in their application. This is especially so if:
- Their relationship is not genuine or,
- They entered into the relationship primarily for acquiring a status or a privilege under the Act
This is in accordance with the provisions specified in R4 (1).
Similarly, the principal applicant might not include the details of an adopted child as well. This is especially so if:
- Their relationship did not create a genuine parent-child relationship or,
- They entered into the relationship primarily for acquiring a status or a privilege under the Act
This is in accordance with the provisions specified in R4 (2).
In addition, officers would need to note that the provisions specified in A11.2 do not apply when an applicant adds a family member to their application after the electronic Application for Permanent Residence (e-APR). However, the authorities would need to assess the family member regardless of this. Therefore, the principal applicant would need to provide Additional Family Information to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). In addition, the principal applicant would need to pay the applicable fees online.
Source: Citizenship and Immigration
