Step-Child

[BiscuitCa]

I am divorced and I am applying for Express Entry for myself and my biological daughter, I also have a step daughter (my child’s sister) who is my dependent since birth. My ex-husband/her father and her mother have given me the blessings to take her to Canada with me.

She is under 21 years old, I have raised her but I have not formally adopted her and I would like to know if she qualifies as my dependent.

I would like some advise please. Thank you in advance!

 

[dotslash227]

She needs to be formally adopted by you for her to be called as your dependent. Do you have any documentary evidence that suggests that your stepdaughter is your dependent/daughter?

Since you are separated/divorced and her father is not your husband anymore, in absence of any document that suggests that you have formally adopted her, it is not legal for you to call your stepdaughter as stepdaughter or daughter.

You should consult a family and an immigration lawyer and get your documents straight and also formally adopt your stepdaughter through the necessary paperwork for her to be your dependent.

 

[BiscuitCa]

She needs to be formally adopted by you for her to be called as your dependent. Do you have any documentary evidence that suggests that your stepdaughter is your dependent/daughter?

Since you are separated/divorced and her father is not your husband anymore, in absence of any document that suggests that you have formally adopted her, it is not legal for you to call your stepdaughter as stepdaughter or daughter.

You should consult a family and an immigration lawyer and get your documents straight and also formally adopt your stepdaughter through the necessary paperwork for her to be your dependent.

Thank you for that information. We will consult an immigration lawyer and being the adoption process. You were very helpful.