What is family sponorship?

Family sponsorship in Canadian immigration refers to a program that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their eligible family members to come and live in Canada as permanent residents. The Family Class Sponsorship program is designed to reunite families by enabling close relatives to immigrate and reside together in Canada. This program emphasizes the importance of family unity and recognizes the fundamental value of keeping families together in a new country.

Under the Family Class Sponsorship program, eligible sponsors can sponsor various family members, including spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents. Canadian citizens or permanent residents who wish to sponsor a family member must meet certain criteria set by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to be eligible as sponsors.

Sponsorship eligibility involves demonstrating the ability to financially support the sponsored family member and agreeing to provide for their basic needs upon their arrival in Canada. Sponsors are required to sign an undertaking, committing to supporting the sponsored individuals financially for a specified period, ensuring they do not need to rely on social assistance.

The Family Class Sponsorship program acknowledges the significance of maintaining family ties and allows families to reunite and build a life together in Canada. It promotes social cohesion and cultural diversity by facilitating the integration of sponsored family members into Canadian society. Moreover, it contributes to the well-being and success of newcomers by providing them with the support and foundation necessary to thrive in their new home country.

This program is rooted in the Canadian government's commitment to family reunification and recognizes the positive social and economic impact of having families together in Canada. By offering opportunities for families to live and grow together, the Family Class Sponsorship program contributes to the vibrant and inclusive nature of Canadian communities.

How to I get a Family Sponsorship?

To be eligible to sponsor a family member under the Family Class Sponsorship program in Canada, individuals must meet specific criteria. Here are the key requirements:

Sponsor Eligibility:

  • Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Residency: Sponsors must be either Canadian citizens or permanent residents living in Canada. Canadian citizens residing outside Canada can also sponsor certain family members in specific circumstances.
  • Age and Financial Responsibility: Sponsors must be at least 18 years old and meet the financial criteria to demonstrate they can support the basic needs of the sponsored family members without relying on social assistance.

Relationship Eligibility:

  • Spouse, Common-law Partner, or Conjugal Partner: Sponsors can sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner, provided the relationship is genuine and recognized under Canadian law.
  • Dependent Children: Sponsors can sponsor their dependent children, including adopted children, stepchildren, and children intended to be adopted.

Commitment and Undertaking:

Sponsors must commit to supporting the sponsored family member(s) financially for a specific duration, typically three to ten years, depending on the relationship and the sponsored individual's age.

Admissibility Requirements:

Both the sponsor and the sponsored family member(s) must meet admissibility requirements. This involves demonstrating that they do not pose a security risk, have a criminal record, or have health issues that could endanger public health or safety.

Application Process:

Sponsors need to submit a complete sponsorship application package to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a Canadian visa office. The application includes various forms, documents proving the relationship, financial support, and undertaking to provide for the basic needs of the sponsored family member(s)

Meeting these criteria and providing accurate documentation is crucial to qualify as a sponsor under the Family Class Sponsorship program. It's essential to thoroughly review the specific requirements for the intended family sponsorship category and follow the application process outlined by IRCC to ensure eligibility and a successful sponsorship application.

More Info on other programs

  • Caregiver Program

    The Caregiver Program in Canada is designed to address the country's need for individuals who provide care for children, elderly persons, or people with medical needs when Canadian citizens or permanent residents are unable to do so themselves.

    More info 

  • Pilot Programs

    In Canadian immigration, pilot programs refer to initiatives designed to test and evaluate new immigration pathways, policies, or programs on a temporary basis.

    More info 

  • Express Entry

    The Express Entry System is a points-based system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for permanent residency for skilled workers.

    More info 

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to process family sponsorship in Canada?

A: Family Sponsorship processing time is currently estimated to be 15-33 months.

Q: How much money do I need to sponsor under the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship?

A: Sponsors under the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) based on their family size + 30%. To prove they meet the MNI requirement, potential sponsors must provide their Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the last 3 taxation years before applying.

Q: What age is considered a dependent in Canada?

A: The age limit of dependent children (for immigration purposes) has changed from “under 19” to “under 22.” This change applies to all new applications received on or after October 24, 2017. If you are a Canadian citizen, your child may already be a Canadian citizen, even if your child was born outside Canada.