Family sponsorship

Family reunification is a key goal of Canada’s immigration policy, and the Family Sponsorship Programs make this possible. Through these programs, Canadian citizens or permanent residents can sponsor their spouse, partner, dependent children, parents, grandparents, and other relatives to become permanent residents.

Sponsor your spouse, partner, or dependent children

This program allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, common-law or conjugal partner, or dependent children to become permanent residents of Canada.

Requirements

The sponsor must be at least 18 years old, a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act. Sponsors must be able to demonstrate financial stability to support the family member(s) they are sponsoring.

Application Process

The sponsor and the person being sponsored must apply together. The application package consists of two parts: the sponsorship application and the permanent residence application. The application package must be mailed to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The processing time can vary depending on the country of origin of the person being sponsored.

Sponsor your parents and grandparents

Through this program, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident can sponsor their parents or grandparents to become permanent residents.

Requirements

The sponsor must meet the minimum necessary income level for this program by submitting notices of assessment issued by the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) in support of their sponsorship. The sponsor must also agree to support their relative for a period of 3 to 20 years to help them settle in Canada.

Application Process

The application process for this program is somewhat different as it works on an invitation system. Sponsors must first submit an “Interest to Sponsor” form, and IRCC will invite potential sponsors in the order their submissions were received until the annual limit is reached. Those who are invited can then submit a complete application.

Sponsor your relatives

This program is for Canadian citizens or permanent residents who wish to sponsor certain relatives to come to Canada.

Requirements

The relative must be a brother or sister, niece or nephew, grandchild who is orphaned, under 18 years of age and not married or in a common-law relationship, or another relative of any age or relationship, but only under specific conditions. The sponsor must meet set income thresholds and agree to support their relative for a period ranging from 3 to 20 years.

Application Process

The sponsor and the sponsored relative must apply together, similarly to the spouse, partner or dependent children sponsorship process. The sponsor must prove that they meet the minimum income requirements by providing documents showing their financial resources for the past 12 months.

In Pathway2Canada, our dedicated team of professionals is here to guide you through the complexities of these sponsorship programs. We understand that every case is unique and requires a personalized approach. Our team ensures that your application aligns with the latest immigration rules, thus improving your chances of a successful outcome. Your family’s journey to permanent residency in Canada is our priority, and we’re committed to helping you every step of the way.