Family Class Sponsorship
Many Canadian citizens and permanent residents have loved ones living abroad that they wish they could join them in Canada. The Canadian government is committed to keeping families together whenever possible and offers a number of ways to allow this dream to become a reality under its Family Class Sponsorship class.
Canada’s Family Class Sponsorship programs are the most generous family reunification programs in the developed world.
Family Members Eligible for Sponsorship
To be eligible, the person seeking sponsorship must be a:
- Spouse, Common-law partner or Conjugal partner or fiancé
- Spouse’s or common-law partner’s dependent child
- Dependent child, Grandchild who is still a dependent
- Mother or father, Grandmother or grandfather
- Sibling, nephew, niece, or grandchild under 18 years who is unmarried and whose parents are deceased
Who is a Spouse/Partner?
Individuals under these categories are eligible for sponsorship:
- Spouse: legally valid marriage in country of origin and under Canadian law
- Common-law partner: At least 1 year of uninterrupted cohabitation in a conjugal relationship
- Conjugal partner: Conjugal relationship for at least 12 months where couple is prevented from living together due to immigration barriers, religious reasons, sexual orientation or marital status
- Same-sex relationships: considered valid for immigration purposes under these categories
Who is a Dependent Child?
A child of the sponsor, or a child of the sponsor’s spouse or common-law partner, can be considered a dependent child if they are under age 22 and don’t have a spouse or common-law partner of their own. Children over age 22 can be dependents if they relied on their parents for financial support before age 22, and are unable to financially support themselves due to a mental or physical condition.
Sponsorship Eligibility
In order to sponsor, you must…
- be 18 years of age or older,
- be a Canadian citizen, Registered Indian or permanent resident,
- be sponsoring a member of the family Class,
- live in Canada or provide evidence, if you are a Canadian citizen living outside of Canada, that you will live exclusively in Canada once the person you are sponsoring becomes a permanent resident.
- sign an agreement with your spouse or common-law partner confirming that each of you understands your obligations and responsibilities,
- sign an undertaking promising to provide for your spouse or common-law partner’s basic requirements and, if applicable, those of his or her dependent children,
- prove that you have sufficient income to provide basic requirements for your spouse or common-law partner’s dependent children
You may NOT sponsor if you…
- signed an undertaking for a previous spouse or common-law partner and three years have not elapsed since he or she became a permanent resident and,
- receive social assistance for a reason other than disability,
- are in default of an undertaking, an immigration loan, a performance bond, or family support payments.
- are an undercharged bankrupt,
- were convicted of an offence of a sexual nature, a violent criminal offence, an offence against a relative that results in bodily harm or an attempt or threat to commit any such offences—depending on circumstances such as the nature of the offence, how long ago it occurred and whether a pardon was issued
- were previously sponsored as a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner and became a permanent resident of Canada less than 5 years ago
- are under a removal order,
- are detained in a penitentiary, jail, reformatory or prison,
- have already applied to sponsor your current spouse or common-law partner and a decision on your application has not yet been made.
How We Can Help
- Determining your and your family members eligibility as per Canada Immigration Law.
- Help you filling the correct documentation, application errors can even lead to refusals.
- We will represent your case before Immigration Canada in order to obtain the Permanent Residence visa for your loved one.
Frequently Asked Questions about Family Sponsorship
Who can sponsor a family member to Canada?
Canadian citizens, permanent residents and persons registered under the Indian Act who are at least 18 years old can sponsor eligible relatives. Citizens living abroad may sponsor a spouse or child if they show they will return to Canada when the relative becomes a permanent resident.
Which relatives can be sponsored?
Spouses, common-law and conjugal partners, dependent children, and parents and grandparents (through the Parents and Grandparents Program when it accepts applications). Other relatives qualify only in limited circumstances.
Is there an income requirement?
There is usually no minimum income to sponsor a spouse, partner or dependent child, unless the child has children of their own. Sponsoring parents or grandparents requires meeting the minimum necessary income for the three tax years before applying.
Inland or outland spousal sponsorship: which should we choose?
Inland sponsorship is for spouses already in Canada and may come with an open work permit while the application is processed. Outland sponsorship is processed through the visa office abroad and allows travel more easily. The right choice depends on your situation, and we assess it in the first consultation.
How long is the sponsorship undertaking?
You commit to supporting the sponsored person for a set period: three years for a spouse or partner, ten years or until age 25 for a dependent child, and twenty years for parents and grandparents (different rules apply in Quebec).
Not sure where you stand? Request a free assessment or talk to a Manuleaf consultant in Surrey, BC.
