Can my spouse and children be included in my provincial nominee application?

Yes. When you apply for permanent residence through a PNP stream, you can include your spouse or common-law partner and any dependent children in your application. IRCC defines dependent children based on age and other criteria — generally unmarried children who are financially dependent on you.

Your dependants do not need to independently qualify for immigration. They are included on the strength of your nomination and primary application. Once permanent residence is granted, the entire family receives PR status together.

At the provincial nomination stage, some provinces ask for information about your family members and may include them in the nomination certificate. Others issue the nomination to the principal applicant only, with family members included at the federal IRCC stage. Either way, you should declare all family members — including children born after you submit — to avoid complications.

There are conditions. If a dependant is inadmissible (for example, due to a health condition or criminal matter), it can affect the entire application depending on the circumstances. IRCC conducts health and background checks on all family members included in the application, not just the principal applicant.