Family reunification is a key aspect of Canada's immigration policy. The family sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their close relatives to come to Canada as permanent residents. This guide outlines the steps and requirements for sponsoring family members.
📝 In this article:
Eligibility to Sponsor
Who You Can Sponsor
Sponsorship Process
Financial Requirements
Commitments and Obligations
Applying for Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
1. Eligibility to Sponsor:
To sponsor a family member, you must:
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Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
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Be at least 18 years old.
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Reside in Canada (if you are a permanent resident) or intend to live in Canada when your sponsored relative becomes a permanent resident (if you are a Canadian citizen living abroad).
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Be able to provide financial support for the sponsored person and meet minimum income requirements.
2. Who You Can Sponsor:
Eligible family members include:
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Spouse or Common-Law Partner: Someone you are legally married to or have lived with in a conjugal relationship for at least one year.
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Dependent Children: Children under 22 years old who are not married or in a common-law relationship. Children over 22 may qualify if they have a physical or mental condition that prevents them from supporting themselves.
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Parents and Grandparents: Sponsorship is available through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), which has an annual application window and lottery system.
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Other Relatives: In certain cases, you may sponsor other relatives such as orphaned siblings, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren under 18 who are not married or in a common-law relationship.
3. Sponsorship Process:
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Step 1: Check Eligibility: Ensure you and your family member meet all eligibility requirements.
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Step 2: Submit the Application: Complete and submit the sponsorship and permanent residence applications together. This includes forms, supporting documents, and fees.
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Step 3: Application Processing: The application will be reviewed by IRCC. This may involve background checks, medical exams, and biometric data collection.
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Step 4: Decision: If approved, your family member will receive confirmation of permanent residence (COPR) and a permanent resident visa (if applicable).
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4. Financial Requirements:
Sponsors must demonstrate that they have sufficient income to support their family members. This involves providing proof of income for the past three years and meeting the minimum necessary income (MNI) threshold, which varies depending on family size and is updated annually by IRCC.
5. Commitments and Obligations:
Sponsors must sign an undertaking to provide financial support for the sponsored family member for a specific period:
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Spouse or Common-Law Partner: 3 years.
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Dependent Children: 10 years or until the child turns 25, whichever comes first.
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Parents and Grandparents: 20 years.
6. Applying for Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP):
The PGP has specific steps and timelines:
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Expression of Interest: Submit an interest to sponsor form during the annual intake period.
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Invitation to Apply: If selected, you will receive an invitation to submit a complete application.
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Application Submission: Complete and submit the application within the specified deadline.
🎬 Conclusion:
Sponsoring family members to come to Canada is a rewarding process that requires careful planning and adherence to immigration requirements. By understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and financial obligations, you can successfully reunite with your loved ones in Canada.
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