Family Sponsorship in Canada

Family Sponsorship in Canada: A Process for Reuniting Families

Canada is a country that values family reunification, and offers several immigration programs that enable Canadians and permanent residents to sponsor family members to come and live in the country. If you're interested in sponsoring a loved one, such as your spouse, children, or other family member, we can help you navigate the process. Simply complete a free online assessment, and a member of our Canadim team will contact you to discuss your options.

What is family reunification sponsorship?

Family reunification sponsorship enables a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to help certain family members immigrate to Canada. This program aims to maintain family unity by offering the possibility of bringing immediate family members, such as spouses, children or parents, into the country, under certain conditions. The process can be complex, but it offers a direct route for families to reunite in Canada.

Who can I sponsor to come to Canada?

Who you can sponsor depends on your status in Canada and your relationship with the member you wish to sponsor. In general, you can sponsor :

Your spouse or common-law partner: If you're married or in a common-law relationship with a partner, you can sponsor them.

Your dependent children: These are your biological or adopted children, or those of your spouse or de facto partner, who are under 22 years of age and financially dependent on you.

Your parents and grandparents: Under certain conditions, you can sponsor your parents or grandparents for a permanent resident visa.

Other family members: In exceptional cases, you can sponsor extended family members, such as brothers and sisters, under certain conditions.

How can I qualify to sponsor a family member?

To be eligible to sponsor a family member, you must meet several criteria, including :

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Intend to live in Canada once your loved one is admitted.
• Be able to provide for the financial needs of the family member you are sponsoring, so that he or she is not dependent on social assistance.
• Have a sufficient income, depending on the number of dependents (including family members you are sponsoring).

In addition, some people may not be eligible to sponsor a relative due to their financial situation, immigration status or history.

Who doesn't have the right to sponsor a relative?

Some people can't sponsor a family member. Here are a few examples:

• People with outstanding debts to the Canadian government, such as student loan repayments or tax debts.

• Permanent residents currently living outside Canada cannot sponsor, unless their relative is already in Canada with valid temporary status.

• People convicted of certain crimes or with a criminal record may be refused the right to sponsor.

• People who have already sponsored other family members, but have not met their financial obligations to those they have sponsored, may be excluded from this program.

How long does sponsorship take?

The length of time it takes to process a sponsorship application depends on a number of factors, including the family member's country of origin and the complexity of the file. As a general rule, it can take between 12 and 24 months for an application to be processed. However, these times can vary, and it's important to check with IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) for the latest information.

Sponsoring a family member in Quebec

The sponsorship process in Quebec is different from that in the rest of Canada, as the province has a separate immigration agreement with the federal government. If you live in Quebec, you must obtain approval from the Quebec government before you can sponsor a family member. This process includes demonstrating your ability to support the family member you wish to sponsor, and may include additional province-specific requirements. Once approved by Quebec, the application will then be sent to the federal government for final processing.

In summary, family sponsorship in Canada is a powerful way to reunite loved ones, but it has strict requirements that are important to understand before submitting an application. Whether you are the sponsor or the family member to be sponsored, our team can guide you every step of the way to maximize your chances of success.