Family Matters

Children born in Canada are Canadian citizens by birth (jus soli). They receive a Canadian birth certificate and can apply for a Canadian passport. However, having a Canadian-born child does NOT automatically confer immigration status on the parents — they remain temporary residents and must maintain their own status. Register the birth with the provincial vital statistics office within 30 days.

Spousal open work permit (OWP) eligibility was significantly tightened in January 2025. The principal applicant must generally hold a TEER 0 or TEER 1 occupation, OR work in a select in-demand TEER 2 or TEER 3 occupation on IRCC's published list, AND have approximately 16 months or more of remaining permit validity. Dependent children are generally no longer eligible for OWPs under the tightened rules. The CUAET OWP is a special category and may have different rules — consult an RCIC or immigration lawyer to confirm current eligibility for your specific situation. This is general information only — rules change frequently. Source: IRCC family OWP eligibility page, Sept 2026.

If you are married or in a common-law relationship with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, they can sponsor you through the in-Canada spousal or common-law partner class. Processing takes approximately 12 months. You can apply for a spousal open work permit (SOWP) to bridge the gap during processing. Strong applications include extensive evidence of a genuine relationship: joint lease, shared finances, photos, communication history.

EI maternity and parental benefits require 600 hours of insurable employment in the last 52 weeks. Benefits are 55% of average insurable earnings. Apply online through Service Canada. Quebec has its own program (QPIP), which is more generous. Standard maternity leave is 15 weeks; parental leave is 35 to 61 weeks depending on the option chosen. Both parents can share parental leave.

Family law falls under provincial jurisdiction in Canada. In custody disputes between parents in Canada and Ukraine, Canadian courts apply the best interests of the child test. The Hague Convention on International Child Abduction may apply. Taking a child to Ukraine without the other parent's written consent may constitute parental abduction under Canadian law. If you are in a custody dispute, consult a family law lawyer immediately — do not travel with the child without legal advice.

The Ukraine family reunification PR pathway closed on October 22, 2024. Current options for bringing relatives: super visa (stays of up to 5 years per entry, private medical insurance required) or regular visitor visa. The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is only available after obtaining permanent residence. Bringing siblings or extended family is very limited. Be wary of consultants claiming to have Ukraine-specific family reunification pathways — they no longer exist.

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment for families with children under 18. CUAET holders who are residents of Canada can qualify once they meet residency requirements and file a Canadian tax return. Maximum annual benefit: approximately $8,157 per child under 6 and $6,883 per child aged 6–17 (2026–2027 benefit year). Actual amounts decrease as family net income rises above ~$38,237 — the reduction rate is 7% for one child, 13.5% for two children, 19% for three, and 23% for four or more. Single-parent households receive the full amount (no splitting). Use the CRA CCB calculator online to estimate your family's actual benefit. Apply through CRA My Account or by mailing form RC66. Processing takes about 8 weeks. Also check your province for additional child benefit top-ups.