For Canada, family sponsorship is a well-established pathway for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their close family members to live with them in Canada. Here’s a detailed overview tailored to Canada’s family sponsorship program.
Eligibility Criteria
Sponsor Eligibility:
- Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Agree to support the family member financially when they arrive.
- Must meet certain income requirements, except for sponsoring a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner, or dependent children.
Sponsored Relative Eligibility:
- Spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner.
- Dependent children (including adopted children).
- Parents and grandparents (though this often involves a lottery system due to high demand).
- Under specific conditions, you may also sponsor other relatives, including siblings, nephews, nieces, or grandchildren, if they meet certain eligibility requirements.
Application Process
Application Package: Download the application package from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website, which includes guidebooks and forms for both the sponsor and the sponsored relative.
Gather Documentation: Both the sponsor and the sponsored person must collect necessary documents, including proof of relationship, financial documents, and other supporting documents as listed in the application guide.
Pay the Fees: Application fees include processing fees for the sponsor and the sponsored person, the right of permanent residence fee, and biometrics fee if required.
Submit the Application: Depending on the category of family sponsorship, applications may be submitted online or by mail to the appropriate address or visa office.
Processing: The IRCC will review the application for completeness, and a visa officer will then assess the sponsor’s eligibility, the relationship between the sponsor and the sponsored person, and other factors.
Processing Times
Processing times can vary widely depending on the type of family member being sponsored and the country they are coming from. Spousal sponsorship tends to be quicker than parental or grandparental sponsorship. The IRCC website provides updated processing times based on the type of sponsorship.
Financial Requirements
For most types of sponsorship, except spouses, partners, and dependent children, the sponsor must meet minimum income requirements. This requirement ensures the sponsor can support the family member financially for a specified period. The amount varies depending on the size of the family unit.
Parent and Grandparent Super Visa
As an alternative to the standard sponsorship process, the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit Canada for up to two years without renewing their visa. This visa can be valid for up to 10 years, providing a long-term, but temporary, option for family reunification.
Services Your Portal “Talent Services” Could Offer for Canadian Family Sponsorship
- Application Guidance: Offer comprehensive assistance with the application process, including help with filling out forms correctly and compiling the necessary documentation.
- Financial Assessment: Provide services to help potential sponsors assess and document their financial eligibility.
- Legal Consultation: Connect clients with immigration lawyers for complex cases or appeals.
- Pre-arrival Services: Help sponsored family members prepare for life in Canada, including finding housing, employment, enrolling children in schools, and understanding healthcare and other services.
- Tracking and Updates: Keep clients informed about the status of their application and any changes in Canadian immigration policies that might affect their case.