Bringing Your Loved Ones to Canada

Being able to reunite with family members is a fundamental aspect of immigration that holds great significance for many individuals. Canada recognizes the importance of family unity and offers various sponsorship programs to facilitate the immigration of close family members. In this blog, we will explore the family sponsorship program in Canada, outlining the eligibility requirements, application process, and benefits of bringing your loved ones to join you in Canada.

Understanding Family Sponsorship

Family sponsorship is a program designed to allow Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their family members to immigrate to Canada. Through family sponsorship, individuals can sponsor their spouse or common-law partner, dependent children, parents, and grandparents to live in Canada as permanent residents.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to sponsor a family member to Canada, you must meet certain criteria set by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The eligibility requirements vary depending on the relationship between the sponsor and the sponsored family member. Here are the key eligibility criteria for some of the common types of family sponsorship:

1. Sponsoring a Spouse or Common-law Partner:

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
• You must demonstrate that you are not receiving social assistance for reasons other than a disability.
• You must sign an undertaking promising to provide for the basic needs of your spouse or common-law partner and any dependent children.

2. Sponsoring Dependent Children:

• You must meet the same eligibility criteria as listed for sponsoring a spouse or common-law partner.
• The dependent child must be under 22 years of age and not have a spouse or common-law partner.
• In some cases, you may be able to sponsor a child over the age of 22 if they have been financially dependent on you since before the age of 22 due to a physical or mental condition.

3. Sponsoring Parents or Grandparents:

• You must meet the same eligibility criteria as listed for sponsoring a spouse or common-law partner.
• You must meet the minimum necessary income requirement to demonstrate that you can financially support your parents or grandparents.
• You must sign an undertaking promising to provide for the basic needs of your parents or grandparents and repay any provincial social assistance payments they receive.

Application Process

The family sponsorship application process involves several steps, including:

1. Submit the Sponsorship Application:

As a sponsor, you must submit a sponsorship application to IRCC along with all required supporting documents. The application must demonstrate your relationship with the sponsored family member and your ability to financially support them.

2. Sponsored Family Member Applies for Permanent Residence:

Once the sponsorship application is approved, the sponsored family member can apply for permanent residence in Canada. They must submit their application to IRCC, including all required forms and supporting documents.

3. Medical Examination and Background Check:

As part of the permanent residence application process, the sponsored family member must undergo a medical examination to ensure they meet Canadian health standards. Additionally, both the sponsor and the sponsored family member will undergo background checks for criminal and security reasons.

4. Wait for a Decision:

After submitting the permanent residence application, the sponsored family member must wait for a decision from IRCC. Processing times may vary depending on factors such as the type of application and the country of residence.

5. Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR):

If the application is approved, the sponsored family member will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document. This document, along with a valid passport, serves as proof of their status as a permanent resident of Canada.

6. Arrival in Canada:

Once the COPR is received, the sponsored family member can make arrangements to travel to Canada and become a permanent resident. They must comply with any additional entry requirements, such as obtaining a permanent resident visa, if applicable.

Benefits of Family Sponsorship

Bringing your loved ones to Canada through family sponsorship offers numerous benefits, including:

• Reuniting with Family: Family sponsorship allows you to reunite with your spouse, children, parents, or grandparents and build a life together in Canada.
• Access to Healthcare and Education: As permanent residents of Canada, your sponsored family members will have access to publicly funded healthcare and education services.
• Work and Study Opportunities: Sponsored family members are eligible to work and study in Canada, opening up opportunities for personal and professional growth.
• Pathway to Citizenship: After living in Canada as permanent residents for a certain period, sponsored family members may be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship, granting them the right to vote and access other benefits of citizenship.