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The Ultimate Guide for Family Sponsorship in Canada
- Admin
- Express Entry
- November 1, 2023
Canada is renowned for its inclusive and family-friendly immigration policies, allowing Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their family members for immigration.
Family sponsorship is a heartfelt and noble way to reunite loved ones and build a better future together in this beautiful and diverse country.
As a leading Canadian immigration service provider, Sambhav Immigration is committed to helping families come together through the family sponsorship program.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the key aspects of family sponsorship in Canada, providing accurate information to help you make an informed decision.
What is Family Sponsorship?
Family sponsorship is an integral part of Canada’s immigration system. It enables Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor certain family members for permanent residency.
The primary goal of this program is to promote family reunification. Family members eligible for sponsorship include spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents.
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors
Before initiating the family sponsorship process, sponsors must meet specific eligibility requirements. To sponsor a family member, you must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Demonstrate the financial ability to support the sponsored family member(s).
- Sign an undertaking, agreeing to provide financial support for your family member(s) for a specific period.
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsored Family Members
The eligibility criteria for sponsored family members vary depending on the relationship:
Spouse or Common-law Partner: You must prove the genuine nature of your relationship. This includes providing evidence of cohabitation, shared financial responsibilities, and emotional commitment.
Dependent Children: Children sponsored under this category must be under the age of 22 and unmarried. They can also be over 22 if they are financially dependent due to a physical or mental condition.
Parents and Grandparents: These relatives can be sponsored under the Family Class program. However, there is a cap on the number of applications accepted each year, and sponsors must commit to financially supporting their parents or grandparents for 20 years.
Financial Responsibilities of Sponsors
Sponsors must sign an undertaking, a legally binding contract, to financially support their sponsored family members.
This undertaking ensures that the sponsored family members do not need to seek social assistance upon their arrival in Canada.
The length of the financial commitment varies:
- 3 years for a spouse or common-law partner.
- 10 years for a dependent child under the age of 22.
- 20 years for parents and grandparents.
Application Process
Sponsoring a family member involves several steps:
- Sponsors must submit an application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- The sponsored family member must also submit an application for permanent residence.
- Both applications are assessed, and the sponsored family member must undergo medical and criminal admissibility checks.
- Once approved, the sponsored family member can receive permanent residence.
In-Canada vs. Out-of-Canada Sponsorship
Family sponsorship can be conducted either in Canada or from outside the country.
In-Canada sponsorship is for those who have already been living in Canada with their family members on a temporary basis, such as a visitor or student. Out-of-Canada sponsorship is for family members residing abroad.
Processing Times
The processing times for family sponsorship applications vary based on several factors, including the type of relationship, the country of origin of the sponsored family member, and the backlog of applications.
IRCC updates processing times regularly, and it’s crucial to stay informed about current wait times.
Completing the Application
Sambhav Immigration strongly advises seeking professional assistance to complete the family sponsorship application. Mistakes or missing documents can lead to delays or refusals.
Our experienced team can guide you through the process, ensuring all requirements are met accurately.
Financial Evaluation
To qualify as a sponsor, you must prove your financial ability to support your family member(s).
This requires meeting the minimum necessary income (MNI) requirement, which is set by the Canadian government each year.
Sponsors must provide proof of income, such as tax returns and employment records.
Reunification of Family Members
The ultimate goal of family sponsorship is the reunification of family members. Once your family member receives permanent residency in Canada, they can live, work, and study in the country.
They can also access healthcare, education, and other social benefits available to all Canadian permanent residents.
Changes in Sponsorship Regulations
Sponsorship regulations may change over time, so it’s crucial to stay informed about any updates.
Working with a reputable immigration service provider like Sambhav Immigration ensures that you receive the latest information and guidance on sponsorship regulations and policies.
Conclusion
Family sponsorship in Canada is a heartwarming way to reunite with loved ones and provide them with the opportunity for a brighter future.
At Sambhav Immigration, we are dedicated to assisting Canadian citizens and permanent residents in bringing their family members to Canada.
Our expertise in immigration law and processes ensures that your sponsorship journey is smooth and successful.
If you’re considering family sponsorship in Canada, reach out to Sambhav Immigration today. Our experienced team is here to answer your questions, provide guidance, and help you navigate the complex family sponsorship process.
We believe that families belong together, and we’re here to make that a reality for you.
