Is There Any Point for a Child While Applying for Canada PR?

The concept of awarding points in the Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) application process is well-established. However, many applicants wonder about the role of children in this process. Specifically, they ask whether a child can contribute to the total points and, if not, how the presence of a child affects their application.

Understanding the Canadian PR Scoring System

The Canadian PR application system uses a points-based assessment to evaluate applicants. Points are awarded based on various factors including age, education, work experience, and official language proficiency. The goal is to attract skilled workers who can contribute to the Canadian economy and society.

No Points for Children

It is a common misconception that children accompanying a PR applicant can contribute points to the overall application. In reality, children do not receive any points in the Canadian PR system.

The Government of Canada's Express Entry system, which uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), does not include any specific points for families or dependents. While children are important to the primary applicant, they do not contribute to the points required for a successful application.

Note: It's important to understand that the presence of a child itself does not detract from the application; rather, the funds required to support the child are accounted for in the financial aspect of the application. Applicants need to demonstrate the ability to support the entire family, including any dependent children.

The Financial Aspect of Supporting Children

While children do not contribute points, the financial aspect of supporting a child is significant. Canadian immigration authorities require applicants to show proof that they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their dependents, including children. This can be in the form of bank statements, investment accounts, or evidence of employment income.

Government guidelines suggest that a family of four, for example, needs a minimum of $51,301 per year to maintain a standard of living in Canada. This amount needs to be demonstrated in the financial portion of the application. Therefore, having a child increases the total amount of funds that need to be maintained in Canada.

The Impact on Your Application

The presence of a child does not inherently disqualify an application. However, it does require the applicant to demonstrate a higher level of financial stability. Here are some key points to consider:

Increased Financial Proof: Applicants need to provide additional documentation to show the ability to support a larger family. Standard of Living: Ensure that the income and financial resources are sufficient to meet the living standards as dictated by the Canadian government. Support for Young Children: If the child is under the age of 18, extra attention may be given to the health care and education aspects of the application.

Conclusion

In summary, while children do not contribute to the points required for a Canadian PR application, they do necessitate a greater financial commitment. The presence of a child in your application requires a careful demonstration of the ability to support the entire family. Applicants who plan to bring children with them should focus on building a strong financial profile to meet the required standards.

Understanding these nuances of the Canadian PR application process can help you navigate the intricacies and increase your chances of successful submission. If you have specific questions or require further guidance, consider consulting with a legal or immigration professional.