Find out how family sponsorship in Canada allows you to bring your loved ones to the country for permanent residency. Get insights into the eligibility criteria and the application procedure.
In Family Sponsorship, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and individuals registered under the Canadian Indian Act can support specific family members to move to Canada and secure Canadian permanent residence.
Introduction about Family Sponsorship in Canada
To begin exploring Family Sponsorship in Canada, read the introduction below.
What is Canada Sponsorship
Canada has consistently aimed to welcome a range of eligible immigrants, and Family Sponsorship is the second largest category of immigration due to the government’s dedication to reuniting families.
Through Family Class Sponsorship, Canadian permanent residents, citizens, or individuals registered under the Canadian Indian Act can sponsor a foreign national to immigrate to Canada.
Once approved, the sponsored person gains permanent resident status in Canada, allowing them to live and work in the country without any restrictions. After five years of being a permanent resident and residing in Canada for at least 1,095 days within that time frame, they can apply for Canadian citizenship.
Which Family Members Can You Sponsor in the Family Class?
Under Family Class Sponsorship, you can sponsor certain family members to immigrate to Canada and become permanent residents. The eligible relatives you can sponsor include:
- Spouse or Common-Law Partner: Your legal spouse or common-law partner (you must have lived together for at least one year) or conjugal partner (a partner you cannot marry or live with due to significant barriers).
- Dependent Children: Your biological or adopted children who are under the age of 22 and not married or in a common-law relationship. Children over 22 may qualify if they are financially dependent on you due to a physical or mental condition.
- Parents and Grandparents: Your parents or grandparents, provided you meet the financial requirements to support them.
- Other Relatives: In some specific circumstances, you may be able to sponsor other family members, such as orphaned siblings, nephews, nieces, or grandchildren under 18 who have no parents alive.
Make sure you meet the specific eligibility criteria and financial requirements set by the Canadian government for each category of sponsorship.
Eligibility Requirements For Family Sponsorship in Canada
To participate in Family Sponsorship in Canada, you must meet specific eligibility requirements as the sponsor.
Criteria for the Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident Sponsor
If the foreign national qualifies for family sponsorship as outlined above, there are further criteria you, as the sponsor, must fulfill.
As the sponsor, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Reside in Canada.
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered under the Indian Act.
- Meet financial requirements to support the sponsored relative’s basic living and health needs not covered by Canada’s public health services.
- Not receive social assistance, except for reasons of disability.
- Not owe debt such as unpaid loans or child support.
- Not have declared bankruptcy.
- Not be in prison.
- Have a clean sponsorship record with past relatives.
- Prove your relationship to the person being sponsored.
- Legally reside in Canada and have not been ordered for removal.
Depending on the relationship with the sponsored person, additional documentation may be required.
For some categories, such as sponsoring parents or grandparents, you must express interest to sponsor and be invited to apply before proceeding.
Additional requirements vary depending on whether you live inside or outside Quebec.
If you live outside Quebec, you must commit to financially supporting the sponsored person for 3 to 20 years and repaying any provincial assistance they receive.
If you live in Quebec, you must follow Quebec’s specific sponsorship rules, which include a commitment to support the person for at least 10 years. After submitting your sponsorship application, you will receive instructions on how to complete a special agreement with the Quebec government.
Criteria for the Family Members Being Sponsored
The sponsored family members must also meet certain requirements to be eligible for permanent residence under family sponsorship. Typically, the immediate family members being sponsored must fall under one of the established categories and fulfill the specific criteria for that category. Additionally, they must:
- Make every effort to support themselves and their dependents if they are not dependents of the Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Commit to the responsibilities outlined in the undertaking.
- Live outside Canada at the time of application, unless they are legally in Canada on a valid temporary visa such as a work or study permit.
- Provide proof of the relationship, including documents like birth or marriage certificates and photos.
- Not pose a health risk to the general public in Canada.
- Have no criminal record.
Given the different categories in family sponsorship and the specific criteria and documentation needed, it is advisable to consult with an immigration lawyer to understand the exact requirements for your situation.
How To Apply For Family Sponsorship
Navigating through immigration policies can be challenging, but don’t worry we are here to help! Speak to our experienced team of professional consultants about your unique case!
Book a consultation: ask.imple@gmail.com
