Canada offers various family immigration programs designed to help Canadian citizens and permanent residents reunite with family members. Through Canada’s Family Sponsorship Programs, individuals can sponsor a spouse, children, parents, or grandparents, allowing them to become permanent residents of Canada. This guide covers eligibility requirements, types of family sponsorship, and the step-by-step application process for family immigration to Canada.
1. Overview of Family Immigration to Canada
Canada’s Family Sponsorship Program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor eligible family members for Canadian permanent residency. This program is part of Canada’s commitment to family reunification, enabling families to live together and settle in Canada. Family sponsorship is available for spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, parents, grandparents, and in some cases, orphaned relatives.
2. Types of Family Sponsorship Programs
A. Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship
The Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for permanent residency.
- Eligibility: Sponsors must prove their relationship and meet financial requirements to support the spouse or partner in Canada.
- Inland vs. Outland Sponsorship:
- Inland Sponsorship: For spouses already living in Canada, allowing them to apply for an Open Work Permit during processing.
- Outland Sponsorship: For spouses residing outside Canada, allowing them to remain in their home country during processing.
B. Dependent Child Sponsorship
The Dependent Child Sponsorship program allows sponsors to bring their biological or adopted children to Canada as permanent residents.
- Eligibility: Dependent children must be under 22 and unmarried. For children over 22 with physical or mental conditions, an exception may apply.
C. Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship
The Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship (PGP) program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents.
- Eligibility: Sponsors must meet minimum income requirements and sign a financial commitment to support the parent or grandparent for up to 20 years.
- Limited Quota: This program has limited intake each year, and applicants must be invited by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to apply. Sponsors must express interest and join the PGP lottery, as demand often exceeds available spots.
D. Other Family Members (Orphaned or Close Relatives)
In rare cases, Canadians may sponsor orphaned relatives (siblings, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren under 18) or other close relatives if they have no other family members who could sponsor them.
- Eligibility: The orphaned relative must be under 18, unmarried, and related to the sponsor. For close relatives, sponsors must demonstrate no other family in Canada.
3. Eligibility Requirements for Family Sponsorship
A. Sponsor Requirements
To be eligible as a sponsor, individuals must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Reside in Canada (citizens living abroad must demonstrate intent to return to Canada once the family member becomes a permanent resident).
- Not be receiving social assistance, except for disability benefits.
- Meet the financial requirements to support the family member (some exceptions apply, especially for spousal sponsorship).
B. Financial Requirements
Sponsors must prove they can financially support their family members once they arrive. Specific income requirements vary based on the sponsored family member:
- Spouse or Dependent Child: No minimum income requirement (except in Quebec, where income requirements may apply).
- Parent or Grandparent: Sponsors must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) based on their family size and provide proof of income from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the past three tax years.
4. Required Documents for Family Sponsorship Application
While required documents vary by type of sponsorship, here are commonly required documents for a family sponsorship application:
- Proof of Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Residency: Passport, citizenship certificate, or permanent resident card of the sponsor.
- Proof of Relationship:
- Marriage Certificate: For spouses.
- Proof of Cohabitation: For common-law partners.
- Birth or Adoption Certificates: For dependent children.
- Proof of Relationship to Sponsor: For parents, grandparents, or orphaned relatives.
- Financial Documents: Proof of income (e.g., Notice of Assessment from CRA) for parent or grandparent sponsorship.
- Police Certificates: Police clearances from countries where the sponsored family member has lived for six months or more.
- Medical Exam: Medical examination conducted by an IRCC-approved panel physician.
- Additional Forms and Photographs: Completed immigration forms, passport-size photos, and supporting documents based on the specific family category.
Note: All documents not in English or French must be translated by a certified translator.
5. Family Sponsorship Application Process
The family sponsorship application process involves two stages: the sponsor application and the permanent residence application for the family member.
Step 1: Determine Eligibility and Collect Required Documents
Ensure both the sponsor and family member meet eligibility requirements. Gather documents and proofs specific to the family member’s relationship to the sponsor.
Step 2: Submit the Sponsorship and Permanent Residence Applications
The application package includes the sponsorship application for the Canadian citizen or permanent resident and the permanent residence application for the sponsored family member. Applications are typically submitted together to IRCC.
Step 3: Pay the Application Fees
Fees vary by sponsorship type but generally include the sponsorship fee, processing fee, right of permanent residence fee, and biometric fee if applicable. For example:
- Spouse or Partner Sponsorship: Approximately CAD $1,050.
- Dependent Child Sponsorship: CAD $150 per child.
- Parent or Grandparent Sponsorship: Fees may vary and include additional sponsorship fees.
Step 4: Biometrics and Medical Exams
The sponsored family member may need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) and undergo a medical examination. IRCC will notify the applicant when biometrics and medicals are required.
Step 5: Wait for Processing and Decision
Processing times vary based on the sponsorship type. Spouse and dependent child sponsorships typically take 12 months to process, while parent and grandparent sponsorships may take longer.
Step 6: Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
If approved, the family member receives a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and, if outside Canada, a permanent resident visa to enter Canada.
6. Common Questions About Family Sponsorship in Canada
1. How long does family sponsorship take in Canada?
Processing times vary. Spouse and child sponsorships generally take around 12 months, while parent and grandparent sponsorships can take up to 2 years or more.
2. Can I sponsor my spouse if they are already in Canada?
Yes, you can apply through the Inland Spousal Sponsorship option if your spouse is already in Canada. This route may allow them to obtain an Open Work Permit while the application is processed.
3. Can I sponsor my sibling to Canada?
Direct sibling sponsorship is not allowed. However, if your sibling is an orphaned relative under 18 or meets other specific conditions, they may be eligible.
4. Is there an income requirement for sponsoring a spouse?
No, there is no minimum income requirement for sponsoring a spouse or dependent child, except for Quebec residents who may need to meet provincial requirements.
5. What if my sponsorship application is refused?
If refused, you can appeal the decision or reapply if you meet the requirements. An immigration lawyer may assist with the appeal process.
6. Can my family member work in Canada while the application is being processed?
If applying through Inland Sponsorship, spouses and common-law partners may apply for an Open Work Permit.