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How Can I Sponsor My Family to Canada?

The importance of family is a mainstay of life in Canada, therefore, family sponsorship programs are a pillar of Canadian immigration policies. The pandemic slowed down the processing of some family sponsorship applications, however, Canada is looking to get back on track by increasing the number of new immigrants welcomed under its Spouses, Partners, and Children category to 80,000 per year until at least 2030.

Additionally, under Family Class Sponsorship to Canada, IRCC will also increase the number of parents and grandparents admitted as permanent residents from 23,500 in 2022 to 28,000 by 2024.

If you have been waiting for the right time to sponsor a family member- that right time is now!

What You Need to Know About Family Sponsorship to Canada

Eligibility

Family sponsorship is open to all Canadian citizens and permanent residents who meet the eligibility criteria. To be eligible, you must:

• A Canadian citizen or a permanent resident over the age of 18
• Currently living in Canada or planning on returning once your family sponsorship application is approved
• Not currently receiving any form of social assistance other than for disability purposes
• Be willing and able to financially cover the basic necessities (like food, clothing, and shelter) of any person you are sponsoring

You cannot apply for Family Sponsorship in Canada if:

• You are on a temporary visa, or your permanent resident application is still being processed
• Have certain criminal convictions
• Have previously failed to meet the financial obligation of a sponsored family member

Family Sponsorship of Spouses, Partners, and Children

Most family sponsorship applications to Canada involve a spouse, common-law partner, or dependent children. Because Canada recognizes common-law relationships, marriage certificates are not required to sponsor a Canadian partner, however, both partners must be at least 18 and can prove they have lived together for at least 12 months.

Dependent children under the age of 22 can be included on a family sponsorship application, provided, they do not have their own families. Children over 22 may be eligible for sponsorship if a physical or mental disability prevents them from caring for themselves.

When you sponsor a family member, you must sign an ‘undertaking agreeing to provide necessities for the sponsored parties. The duration of that agreement ranges from 3 years for a spouse and up to 10 years for a dependent child.

Family Sponsorship of Parents and Grandparents

In addition to the general eligibility requirements needed to act as a sponsor, family sponsorship of parents and grandparents requires the sponsor to satisfy Minimum Necessary Income (MIN) requirements proving they meet income the minimum threshold for three consecutive years. Sponsors must also sign an ‘undertaking’ agreeing to be financially responsible for that person including any social assistance received by those family members for a period of 20 years.

Sponsoring Non-Immediate Family Members

In some cases, you may be able to sponsor a non-immediate family member, like a sibling, cousin, niece, or nephew if you meet the eligibility criteria. These conditions include having no other closer relations to the sponsor, being related by blood or adoption, and having no other family living in Canada. This program is often referred to as ‘Lonely Canadian’ sponsorship.

Applying For Family Sponsorship in Canada

Once you have confirmed your eligibility to sponsor a family member, you can proceed with a Family Sponsorship to Canada application:

• Applications are available online; read and review all instructions before you begin
• Pay all application fees. These may include fees for biometrics, third-party fees for medical and police certificates
• Submit your completed application via mail. Make sure the application includes all necessary documents and fees; otherwise, applications will be returned
• The sponsored party will be contacted during processing and asked to provide medical exams, police certificates, and biometrics

Families belong together and if you require assistance with Family Sponsorship to Canada, we are here to help.