Are You Eligible for Canada Family Sponsorship?

Canada’s Family Sponsorship program helps citizens and permanent residents come together with close family members. This program shows Canada’s support for family and multiculturalism. If you want to bring someone close to you to Canada, you should be familiar with the criteria and the steps to process an application.

What is Family Sponsorship Canada?

Family Sponsorship Canada is the way in which Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor family members to become permanent residents of Canada. The Family Sponsorship Program aims to reunite families and help them to settle in Canada.

Who can be sponsored?

Under Canada’s Family Sponsorship program, you can sponsor the following family relationships:

• Spouse, Common-law partner, or Conjugal Partner: Two people in a bona fide, committed relationship with the sponsor.
• Dependent Child: A child who is under the age of 22, unmarried and living with the sponsor.
• Parent and Grandparent: Under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), parents and grandparents can be sponsored; however, there are quota limits on an annual basis.
• Other Relatives: In very limited circumstances, you may sponsor another relative; for example, if the relative is under 18, orphaned, and not married or in a common-law relationship.

Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors

To sponsor a family member, you must:

• Only Canadian citizens or permanent residents are eligible to act as sponsors.
• A sponsor should be at least 18 years old, the legal age of sponsoring.
• It is essential to prove that you are able to financially support the individual you are sponsoring, ensuring that they do not require social assistance.
• If you are a sponsor, make sure your PR is not under a removal order.
• Make sure you are not in default of previous sponsorships that caused trouble.

Did You Know The Eligibility Criteria for Sponsored Individuals?

The person you’re sponsoring must be eligible under the following categories:

• They should be your close family member.
• They must pass medical, criminal, and background checks and have to be clean in all terms.
• The individual(s) you are calling should not be a risk to public safety, nor should they have a criminal background.

How Can You Apply For The Sponsorship? Know The Steps

1. Assess Eligibility: The sponsor and applicant need to be eligible.

2. Obtain Documents: You must collect any necessary documents, including proof of relationship, documents showing income, and identification documents.

3. File Application: You must fill out an application package and submit it to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

4. Processing Time: Processing time can differ; however, you should refer to the IRCC website for current processing times.

5. Interviews or Biometrics: If needed, you must attend an interview or provide biometrics to process the application.

6. Decision: You should receive notice of their decision from IRCC and, if approved, instructions.

Things to Consider:

• Processing times can differ by type of application and country of the applicant. 
• As the sponsor, you will need to meet Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirements, especially if you are sponsoring either a parent or grandparent. 
• The sponsor is required to provide financial support to the sponsored relative for a certain amount of time.

Questions You May Ask Later

Q1: Can I sponsor a sibling?

A: Generally, you cannot sponsor a sibling, although you may be able to do so if:

• They are orphaned,
• Under the age of 18,
• Not married or in a common law partnership; and,
• You meet all other eligibility requirements.

There may be some limited additional exceptions so consult IRCC or an immigration professional.

Q2: How long will it take to sponsor an immediate family member?

A: The time taken to process an application is different for each type of family member you are sponsoring, and the context from which the family member is applying. As such, the best way to obtain accurate timelines is to check the timelines shown in the IRCC Processing Times tool on a regular basis.

Q3: Can I sponsor a relative if I am living outside Canada?

A: Typically, you must be living in Canada to sponsor a family member. The exception is if you are a Canadian citizen (not a permanent resident) living abroad, as long as you intend to return to Canada once your sponsored family member is a permanent resident.

Q4: What if my sponsorship request is refused?

A: If your request is refused, you might have the right to appeal the decision to the Immigration Appeal Division (certain sponsorships, such as spousal), or reapply if you think the issue can be resolved or there have been changes in your situation. Make sure to carefully read the reasons for the refusal and consult legal advice where required.

Q6: Can I withdraw my sponsorship after applying? 

A: Yes, you can withdraw your sponsorship application before the final decision. After the permanent residence is approved for the sponsored person, you can no longer withdraw the sponsorship – you will, however, remain financially responsible for the duration of the undertaking.

Why do you need the right consultant for an immigration program?

A consultant could help you make sure that your sponsorship application is appropriate, accurate, and that it meets all the legal requirements. Immigration law is complicated, and working with a consultant will help mitigate the risk of delays or refusals. It could save lots of time and costly mistakes while enhancing the opportunity for success within family sponsorship.

Bottom Line

Canada’s Family Sponsorship program provides a legal process for a citizen or permanent resident in Canada to reunite with their family members. If you know your family are eligible, and you go carefully through the application process, your chances of success will be improved. Whether you are an applicant or sponsor, remember to always check the most current information, and consider professional advice when you are unsure.