I have received my PR - do I need a Facilitation VISA for my daughter?

[sws80]

I am looking for some help regarding my situation:

My wife is Canadian and I am British. I have received my PR via Family Class Sponsorship. During the application process we have had a daughter who is eligible for a Canadian Passport but we've not applied yet. I have accepted a job offer in Canada and we are moving in 3 weeks. Do we need to get a Facilitation VISA for our daughter as she only has British passport? If so how do we go about getting one at short notice? I have trawled the CIC website for clues but at a loss what the process is in London, UK. Do the High Commission issue these?

Thanks

 

[Cedeel]

I would try to get her a Canadian passport. As far as I know, citizens must present a Canadian passport upon arrival.

From the CIC website:

Issuance of a facilitation visa is not to be done merely for the convenience of the client, but in cases where not facilitating their travel would result in undue hardship (usually created through no fault of the client).

However, it also states:

when new, replacement or emergency passports cannot be issued in a sufficiently timely fashion and where the travel is urgent: ... for dual nationals coming to Canada for the first time

So it would probably be advisable to contact the High Commission to see whether they would be able to get her a passport in good time, or if such a visa would be appropriate.

Link

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Your daughter doesn't need a Facilitation Visa. You need to apply for her Certificate of Citizenship immediately. If the child is under the age of 2, you can apply concurrently for a limited validity Canadian passport. If she is over the age of 2, then she can travel to Canada on her British passport as a visitor. Carry proof of the Certificate app. CBSA will not have any issues with this.

No offense but it wasn't very smart to leave this to the last minute. Though your daughter is Canadian, without proof of it, you may face issues such as getting her healthcare.