Immigrating to Canada when expecting a baby; How it works; Many people who immigrate to Canada do so because they want the best for their children, but immigrating when you’re expecting can be stressful and somewhat complicated, particularly if you are applying through the spousal sponsorship process, as most parents-to-be will be.
Luckily, there are ways to ensure that your application goes as smoothly as possible while making sure that your child has all of the benefits of being born in Canada, including access to health care and education that may be otherwise unavailable where you’re currently living.
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Table of Contents
Step 1: Find a lawyer
The first step to immigrating to Canada when expecting a baby is finding a lawyer.
This is important because a lawyer can help you with the paperwork and ensure that everything is in order. They can also help you understand the process and what to expect.
Lawyers will charge anywhere from $250 to $750 for an initial consultation, but their fee usually includes all future meetings and consultations.
In terms of fees, the average cost of hiring a lawyer ranges from $2,000 – $4,000 Canadian Dollars (CAD). For example, at Joyce Njoku Law Firm, we offer two packages for new parents: Basic ($2,500 CAD) and Complete ($5,000 CAD).
Both packages include preparation of documents, document review by lawyers with experience in Immigration law to make sure they are complete and accurate, legal research on any subject matter relating to your case (including changes in the law), guidance on how best to apply for citizenship or permanent residency while still abroad as well as post-application advice on problems which may arise during the processing period.
The Basic package includes 2 hours face-to-face time with a lawyer who will prepare all documents required by Immigration New Zealand before you leave home or prior to travel if necessary.
Step 2: Fill out forms
You will need to fill out multiple forms in order to immigrate to Canada. The first form you will need is the application for permanent residence.
This form is used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to assess whether you meet the requirements to live in Canada permanently.
You will also need to fill out a medical exam form and a police check form. These forms are required to make sure that you are eligible to move to Canada.
These forms ask questions about your health and criminal history, and also make sure that all of your information is correct so that your new life in Canada can start smoothly.
Step 3: Pre-Approval Process
If you want to move to Canada with your family, the first step is to get pre-approved. The pre-approval process is simple: you just need to fill out an online application and submit it to the Canadian government.
Once you’re approved, you’ll be able to move to Canada and start the process of applying for permanent residency.
You will have to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) as well as personal information.
You’ll also have to pay a processing fee that is currently set at $550 CAD or $600 USD.
If you’re eligible, you will receive your pre-approval letter in 3-4 months. Once you’re pre-approved, you can apply for permanent residency status if desired.
Your spouse and children are entitled to work permits while they wait for their permanent residency applications to be processed. Permanent residents may also sponsor other family members’ applications, who must meet specific criteria.
The time frame varies depending on whether they are relatives by blood or marriage and what country they come from.
After receiving approval, you’ll need to undergo medical examinations, attend language tests and pass criminal background checks before being granted permanent residency.
If all goes smoothly, the entire process takes about 2 years. But keep in mind there are no guarantees – sometimes things don’t go according to plan.
For example, if you marry someone after getting pre-approved but before arriving in Canada then you will have to restart the immigration process with them as your sponsor which means going through everything again including paperwork and payments.
Step 4: Getting Your Child Into Canada (and other babies)
You and your child will need valid passports to travel to Canada. If your child was born in another country, you’ll also need to get them a Canadian passport.
You can apply for a passport online or at a Passport Canada office.
You may also need a visa for your child, depending on their citizenship and where they’re travelling from.
If you’re coming to Canada from another country with your child, you may be able to apply for a family visa.
Step 5: The actual moving process
The actual moving process can be daunting, but there are some things you can do to make it less stressful.
First, make sure you have all the necessary documents in order.
Second, start packing well in advance so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
Third, hire a reputable moving company to help with the heavy lifting.
Fourth, give yourself plenty of time to adjust to your new surroundings. And finally, reach out to your support network for help and advice.
You may find that others will want to contribute by providing meals or doing housework or even just listening while you vent about the difficulties.
As long as you plan ahead and keep an open mind, migrating to Canada is an exciting adventure that will bring a lifetime of happiness.
If this is the first time you’ve immigrated anywhere, the adjustment period can take a little longer than usual.
You’ll need to learn how public transportation works, get used to different customs, and figure out what products are available locally.
It’s also worth considering where your partner or spouse’s workplace is located and how far away it is from where you live.
Conclusion
In concluding, you can get successful with your immigration to Canada; Congratulations on your new arrival! Here are a few things you need to know about immigrating to Canada with a baby. The first step is to apply for permanent residency.
You can do this by filling out an application form and sending it, along with the required documents, to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).
Once your application is approved, you will be issued a permanent resident card. You will need this card when you travel to Canada.