Canada offers several pathways for family immigration, allowing Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor close family members to join them. Through Canada’s Family Sponsorship Program, you can sponsor your spouse, children, parents, grandparents, and other eligible relatives to become permanent residents. This guide explains the different types of family sponsorships, eligibility requirements, and the steps to apply.
1. Overview of Canada’s Family Sponsorship Program
The Family Sponsorship Program is part of Canada’s immigration system designed to support family reunification. It allows eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor close family members for permanent residency. Sponsoring family members is a way to help them start a new life in Canada with support from family already living in the country.
2. Types of Family Sponsorship Programs in Canada
Canada has multiple sponsorship categories for family members:
A. Spousal and Common-Law Partner Sponsorship
This program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residency.
- Inland Sponsorship: For partners who are already living together in Canada.
- Outland Sponsorship: For partners who are living outside Canada. Outland applicants can stay in their home country while the application is processed.
- Eligibility: Sponsors must prove the relationship is genuine, and both partners must be at least 18 years old.
B. Dependent Child Sponsorship
This program allows sponsors to bring their biological or adopted children to Canada as permanent residents.
- Eligibility: Children must be under 22 and unmarried. For children over 22 with certain disabilities or mental conditions, exceptions may apply.
C. Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship
The Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program (PGP) allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada.
- Eligibility: Sponsors must meet a minimum income threshold to support their parent(s) or grandparent(s) financially. Sponsors are responsible for their family members’ well-being for up to 20 years.
- Application Cap: This program has an annual quota, so interested sponsors must submit an Expression of Interest and may be selected through a lottery system.
D. Other Eligible Family Members
In special cases, Canadian citizens and permanent residents may sponsor other close relatives, such as:
- Orphaned Relatives: Siblings, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren under 18 who have no parents.
- Other Relatives: In rare cases, relatives other than parents or siblings, but this option is limited and often requires the sponsor to have no other family members.
3. Eligibility Requirements for Family Sponsorship in Canada
A. Sponsor Eligibility
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 when the family member obtains residency).
- Not receive social assistance, except for disability benefits.
- Be financially able to support the sponsored family member.
B. Financial Requirements
Sponsors need to demonstrate financial stability for certain family members, specifically parents and grandparents:
- Minimum Income Requirement: For parents and grandparents, sponsors must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement based on family size, including dependents already residing in Canada.
- Spouses and Children: No income requirement, except in Quebec, where income requirements may apply.
4. Required Documents for Family Sponsorship Applications
While specific documents vary by sponsorship type, these are generally required:
- Proof of Citizenship or Permanent Residence: Passport, PR card, or citizenship certificate of the sponsor.
- Proof of Relationship:
- Marriage Certificate: For spouses.
- Proof of Cohabitation: For common-law partners.
- Birth or Adoption Certificates: For dependent children.
- Financial Documents: Proof of income (tax assessments, pay slips) for parents and grandparents.
- Police Certificates: Police clearance for each country the applicant has lived in for more than six months since age 18.
- Medical Examination: The sponsored family member must complete a medical exam with an approved physician.
- Additional Forms and Photos: Completed immigration forms, passport-size photos, and supporting documents depending on the category.
Note: Documents not in English or French must be translated by a certified translator.
5. Family Sponsorship Application Process
The family sponsorship application involves two primary stages: the sponsorship application (completed by the sponsor) and the permanent residence application (completed by the family member).
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Ensure both the sponsor and family member meet the eligibility requirements, and gather necessary documentation to support the application.
Step 2: Complete the Application Package
Download the appropriate Family Sponsorship Application Package from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Include all required forms, supporting documents, and identity documents.
Step 3: Pay Application Fees
Fees for family sponsorship applications vary by category and typically include:
- Sponsorship fee: CAD $75
- Processing fee: CAD $475 for spouses or partners
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee: CAD $500
- Biometric Fee: CAD $85 (if required)
Step 4: Submit the Application
Submit the complete application package to the appropriate IRCC office. Double-check that all forms are complete and that supporting documents are included to avoid delays.
Step 5: Biometrics and Medical Exams
The sponsored family member may be asked to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) and undergo a medical examination at an IRCC-approved clinic.
Step 6: Processing and Approval
Processing times vary based on the type of sponsorship and IRCC’s current workload. Spousal sponsorships typically take 12 months, while parent and grandparent sponsorships may take up to 2 years or longer.
Step 7: Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
If approved, the sponsored family member will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and, if they are abroad, a visa to travel to Canada.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does family sponsorship take in Canada?
Processing times vary. Spouse and child sponsorships usually take around 12 months, while parent and grandparent sponsorships may take up to 2 years or more.
2. Can I sponsor my spouse if they are already in Canada?
Yes, the Inland Sponsorship Program allows spouses already in Canada to apply. They may also be eligible for an Open Work Permit while the application is processed.
3. Can I sponsor my sibling to Canada?
Direct sponsorship for siblings is not available. However, in some cases, siblings under 18 who are orphaned or other relatives who have no other family members may be eligible.
4. Do I need to meet a financial requirement to sponsor my family?
Income requirements apply to sponsors for parents and grandparents, but no minimum income is required for sponsoring a spouse or dependent child (except in Quebec, where some financial requirements apply).
5. Can my family member work in Canada while waiting for the sponsorship application?
If the spouse is applying through the Inland Sponsorship Program, they may apply for an Open Work Permit.
6. Can I appeal if my sponsorship application is refused?
Yes, sponsors can appeal a refused sponsorship application. Consulting an immigration lawyer or consultant may help strengthen the appeal.