Canada, renowned for its welcoming immigration policies and commitment to family unity, provides multiple pathways for citizens and permanent residents to bring their loved ones from abroad. Under the umbrella of Family Sponsorship in Canada, these pathways include spousal, parental, grandparental, and dependent child sponsorships.
Canada's dedication to keeping families together is clear in its immigration targets, with over half a million newcomers expected to be welcomed annually from 2023 to 2025. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the ins and outs of securing a family sponsorship in Canada, ensuring your loved ones can join you in the Great White North.
Understanding Family Sponsorship in Canada
Family sponsorship in Canada is a government program allowing Canadian citizens and permanent residents over 18 years old to sponsor their relatives for Canadian permanent residency. This includes spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, and even grandparents.
Sponsoring a Spouse or Common-Law Partner
One of the most common methods of Canada family sponsorship is through spousal or common-law partner sponsorship. This pathway allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner to live, study, and work in Canada.
What Is a Spouse or Common-Law Partner?
A spouse is defined as a life partner bound by a legal marriage. Conversely, a common-law partner implies a long-term relationship without a formal marriage, provided the couple has lived together for at least 12 consecutive months.
Who Can Sponsor?
One must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor a spouse or common-law partner. Upon arrival in Canada, the sponsor must also prove financial capability to care for the sponsored individual's fundamental needs.
Sponsoring Parents and Grandparents
Canadians can ensure the unity of their extended family through parental and grandparental sponsorship. This allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents to become permanent residents of Canada.
Who Can Sponsor?
One must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor parents or grandparents. The sponsor must also meet specific income requirements and agree to financially support their parents/grandparents for up to 20 years upon arrival in Canada.
The Super Visa Program
For those looking to reunite with their families without permanent residency, the Super Visa Program is a perfect fit. This visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to stay in Canada for up to two years on each visit over ten years. The Super Visa is a faster alternative to the Parents' Sponsorship Canada program.
Who Is Eligible for Super Visa Canada?
Applicants must be parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to be eligible for a Super Visa. They must also pass an immigration medical exam and have medical insurance from a Canadian company valid for at least one year.
Sponsoring Dependent Children
Canadian citizens or permanent residents can also sponsor their dependent children. This includes children under the age of 22 who are not married or in a common-law relationship.
Who Can Sponsor?
Like other sponsorship programs, the sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. The sponsor must also prove financial stability to support the essential needs of the sponsored child upon their arrival in Canada.
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors
The eligibility criteria to become a sponsor under the Family Sponsorship in Canada program are comprehensive. Sponsors must be at least 18 years old, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and financially capable of supporting the sponsored individual. Certain conditions, such as receiving social assistance, being convicted of a violent crime, or declaring bankruptcy, may disqualify a person from becoming a sponsor.
Application Process for Family Sponsorship
The application process for family sponsorship in Canada involves four major steps:
Step 1: Obtain the Application Package
The first step towards a successful family sponsorship application in Canada is obtaining the application package. This package is readily available on the Canadian government's website. It contains the necessary forms and a detailed guide that will help you understand the sponsorship process better. Reading this guide thoroughly before filling out the forms is crucial to avoid any mistakes hindering your application.
Step 2: Pay the Application Fees
Once you have the application package, the next step is to pay the necessary application fees. These fees cover the cost of processing your application and are non-refundable, regardless of the application outcome. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure all forms are correctly filled, and all required documents are attached before applying.
Step 3: Submit the Application
After paying the application fees, you are ready to submit your application. Ensure you've completed all the necessary forms, attached documents, and signed where required. Your application should be submitted following the instructions provided in the application guide. Any errors or omissions in this step could lead to delays or even rejection of your application.
Step 4: Send in Additional Information
Following the submission of your application, the IRCC might request additional information. This could include medical examination results, police background checks, and biometrics. Complying promptly with these requests is essential to avoid unnecessary application processing delays.
Processing Time and Fees
The processing time and fees for a family sponsorship vary depending on the relationship with the sponsor and whether the sponsored applicant is living in Canada. The typical processing time ranges from 15 to 23 months, while the fees range from 150 CAD per child to 1,080 CAD for a spouse, partner, parent, or grandparent.
Its robust family sponsorship programs demonstrate Canada's commitment to family unity. Whether you're looking to sponsor a spouse, parent, grandparent, or dependent child, Canada provides multiple pathways to ensure your family can join you in the Great White North. With careful planning and adherence to the guidelines, you can navigate the Family Sponsorship Canada process and reunite with your loved one. Its robust family sponsorship programs demonstrate Canada's commitment to family unity.
FAQs
Are There Any Special Considerations for Sponsoring Parents and Grandparents?
Yes, in addition to the general eligibility criteria, there are specific requirements for sponsoring parents and grandparents, as outlined in the blog. These include income requirements and a commitment to support the sponsored family member for a certain period.
What Happens if My Application for Family Sponsorship is Denied?
If your application is denied, the reasons for the refusal will be explained. Depending on the reasons, you may be able to appeal the decision or reapply after addressing the issues identified. Be sure to consult with an immigration expert to understand your best options.
