If you are a citizen of Canada or even a permanent resident, you can bring your loved ones into the country through the Canada Family Sponsorship Program. Under this program, you’ll be able to sponsor your loved ones into the country to live with you. It includes your spouse, common-law partner, children, or other members of your family.
The Canada Family Sponsorship Program has played a very important role in helping families reunite. So, if you want to reconnect with your loved ones by bringing them into the country, here is how you can go about the sponsorship process. Here at Checklist Visa, we break down everything you need to know to successfully sponsor your family.
Understanding the Canada Family Sponsorship Program
The Canada Family Sponsorship Program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their family members into the country. It helps reunite families by allowing you to sponsor your family members, including your spouse, common-law partner, children, parents, and other relatives.
As a sponsor, there are certain qualifications you need to meet. Aside from being a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, you must prove you can financially support your family members. Also, there are income requirements before you can be eligible to sponsor your parents and grandparents. In addition, sponsors have to sign an agreement that they need to financially support their family members for a specific period while they are in Canada.
The family members you are sponsoring must also meet eligibility rules, such as passing background, health, and security checks. Sponsoring a family member through the Canada Family Sponsorship Program requires filling out an application form, submitting required documents, and paying fees.
Eligibility Requirements for Sponsorship
Check out the following eligibility requirements to find out whether or not you qualify for the program:
Sponsorship Eligibility
– Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
– At least 18 years old
– Living in Canada or planning to return after the family member arrives (for citizens living abroad).
– Not in prison, bankrupt, under a removal order, or charged with a serious offense.
Financial Requirements
– Must demonstrate the ability to financially support the sponsored family member.
– Sign an undertaking agreement to financially support the family member for a specific period, usually from 3 to 20 years, depending on the relationship.
Sponsorable Family Members
– Spouse or common-law partner.
– Dependent children under 22 years old.
– Parents or grandparents (under the Parent and Grandparent Program).
– Other relatives, such as orphaned siblings, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren under 18.
General Rules for Sponsoring Family Members
Spouse or Common-Law Partner
The spouse or partner you are sponsoring must first undergo and pass background, medical, and security checks. Once that is completed, you can submit your sponsorship application, including all required supporting documents, such as proof of your relationship. Married couples must submit a marriage certificate. Additionally, you will need to pay the necessary fees.
You can apply for sponsorship either from within Canada or abroad, though processing times may vary depending on the location. As part of the process, you will also be required to sign an agreement confirming your commitment to financially support your spouse or partner for three years after they arrive in Canada.
Dependent Children
Note that you can only sponsor dependent children who are unmarried and under 22 years old. You must be able to provide proof of your relationship, such as birth certificates. And just like with sponsoring a spouse or partner, your child will also have to go through background checks, as well as medical and security checks. Part of the application process is signing an agreement that you will financially support the child until ten years or until they reach 25 years old.
Parents and Grandparents
Aside from being a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the past three years before you can sponsor a parent or grandparent. In addition, you will sign an “undertaking agreement” stating you will financially support them for 20 years.
Due to high demand, sponsors must first submit an interest to sponsor form, and if selected, can proceed with the full application. For short-term stays, you may want to look into the Canada Visitor Visa or the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa as an option for extended visits.
Financial Requirements for Canada Family Sponsorship
When sponsoring family members under the Canada Family Sponsorship Program, you must meet certain financial requirements. Sponsors must show they have enough income to support the person they are sponsoring. This ensures that the sponsored family member won’t need government assistance while in Canada.
For most types of sponsorship, there is no minimum income requirement. However, if you’re sponsoring parents or grandparents, you must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI). This is based on your household size and is calculated over the past three years.
As part of the sponsorship process, the sponsor must sign an undertaking agreement. This is a legal promise to financially support the family member for a specific period, which varies depending on the relationship. For spouses or partners, the commitment is 3 years. For children, it’s 10 years or until they turn 25, whichever comes first. For parents and grandparents, the undertaking lasts 20 years.
If the sponsored person needs financial help during this time, the sponsor must repay the government. This agreement ensures that the sponsored family members are financially supported while they settle into a new life in Canada.
FAQs on Canada Family Sponsorship
How long does the sponsorship process take?
Depending on the family member you are sponsoring and their location, the sponsorship process can take several months to over a year. Spousal and child sponsorships generally take less time, around 12 months. However, sponsoring parents or grandparents could take longer because of the high demand. The processing time will also vary depending on the immigration office handling the application. Check with the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the estimated processing times. Also, ensure all documents are complete during the application to avoid delays.
Can I sponsor my siblings under the Canada Family Sponsorship Program?
You can only sponsor your siblings under the Canada Family Sponsorship Program under special circumstances. For instance, if your sibling is orphaned, under 18 years old, and not married, you may be able to sponsor them. Otherwise, siblings typically do not qualify under this program. However, there are other immigration options for siblings, such as the Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs.
Can I apply to sponsor multiple family members at once?
Yes, you are eligible to sponsor more than one family member on one application. For instance, you can sponsor your spouse and dependent children at the same time, or you can sponsor your parents or grandparents under one application as long as you meet the financial requirements. However, each dependent must still be eligible and have the required documentation.
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