Wait times in Toronto and Montreal are the longest. It really depends on whether your file is identified for expedited processing. Even expedited processing can be around a year. Due to the large volume of asylum seekers currently entering Canada waitlists will continue to grow so would anticipate anywhere up to 2+ years for a hearing. That would mean if everything goes well you will only be able to reunite with your family in 3-6 years. You can calculate exactly what your family will qualify for but it’s around $2500 based on some quick math. Your wife and your eldest child will likely both have to work full-time to support the family to live in Toronto and that’s without many extras just housing, transportation, food and phone. I would really suggest another city especially if both of them have no plans on working full-time. Your 19 year old is considered an adult so will not receive much in terms of additional benefits compared to a child 17 and under. Minimum wage is $15.50/hr although there are taxes and deductions so you don’t take home $15.50/hr. Many claiming asylum are dependent on charity for food, clothing, household goods because welfare does not give them enough to live on especially in expensive cities. Just trying to be honest. If they could live with your family that would save them a lot of money. Your family can tell them what the current rental rates where they live to have an idea of the potential cost. Dependent on the landlord and the sex of your children you may have difficulty renting only a 2 bedroom especially if the 19 years old is a boy. Due to competition landlords are able to be picky and chose a family with one child for the 2 bedroom over a family of 4. I would ask your family in Toronto about a realistic picture of how difficult it is to live in Toronto on welfare or minimum wage. Comparing it to your home country is not helpful. Some families don’t want to worry their families so don’t give a true picture of how they are living in Canada and that it is a struggle. Things like how much they spend on food a week, transportation, housing, etc. for their family. If they have lived somewhere for an extended period of time their rent will be under current market value so would look online or ask about current rental rates nearby if they live in a apartment building. Are they willing to come and collect you from Montreal? If not, do you have the funds to travel to Toronto via train or a private car service? Many end up in Montreal because they don’t have the funds to travel to Toronto.
https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/employment-social-support/employment-support/employment-seekers-in-financial-need/ontario-works-rates/
