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How to Sponsor Your Family to Canada

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Learn the step-by-step process of sponsoring your family to Canada. This detailed guide covers eligibility criteria, application procedures, required documents, FAQs, and tips for a successful family sponsorship.


Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Understanding Family Sponsorship in Canada
  3. Who Can You Sponsor?
  4. Eligibility Criteria
  5. Step-by-Step Application Process
  6. Required Documents
  7. Application Fees and Processing Times
  8. Tips for a Successful Application
  9. Common Mistakes to Avoid
  10. 50 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  11. Conclusion
  12. References

1. Introduction

Sponsoring your family to Canada is a significant step towards family reunification and building a life together in a country known for its diversity and opportunities. This comprehensive guide aims to simplify the family sponsorship process by providing detailed information on eligibility criteria, application steps, required documents, and expert tips to help you navigate the process smoothly.


2. Understanding Family Sponsorship in Canada

Family Sponsorship is a program under the Family Class Immigration category managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor certain family members to become permanent residents of Canada.


3. Who Can You Sponsor?

3.1 Spouse, Common-Law Partner, or Conjugal Partner

You can sponsor your:

  • Spouse: Legally married to you.
  • Common-law partner: Lived together in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 consecutive months.
  • Conjugal partner: In a relationship for at least one year but unable to live together due to exceptional circumstances.

3.2 Dependent Children

  • Age: Under 22 years old.
  • Marital Status: Not married or in a common-law relationship.
  • Exceptions: Over 22 but dependent due to a physical or mental condition.

3.3 Parents and Grandparents

  • You can sponsor your parents and grandparents under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), which has a limited intake and specific requirements.

3.4 Other Relatives

Under specific circumstances, you may sponsor:

  • Orphaned Brothers or Sisters: Under 18, unmarried.
  • Orphaned Nephews or Nieces: Under 18, unmarried.
  • Lonely Canadian Provision: If you have no other family members in Canada, you can sponsor one relative of any age.

Table 1: Eligible Family Members for Sponsorship

Family Member Eligibility Criteria
Spouse Legally married
Common-law Partner Cohabitation for 12 months
Conjugal Partner Relationship for 12 months, unable to cohabit
Dependent Children Under 22, unmarried
Parents and Grandparents Limited intake, must meet income requirements
Orphaned Siblings/Nieces Under 18, unmarried, parents deceased
Other Relatives Under Lonely Canadian Provision

4. Eligibility Criteria

4.1 Eligibility for Sponsors

To be eligible to sponsor a family member, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  • Live in Canada (Canadian citizens can sponsor from abroad but must reside in Canada when the family member arrives).
  • Not be receiving social assistance (except for disability).
  • Meet Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirements for parents and grandparents sponsorship.
  • Not be bankrupt, in prison, or under a removal order.
  • Not have defaulted on previous sponsorship undertakings.

4.2 Eligibility for Family Members

The family member being sponsored must:

  • Be admissible to Canada (no criminal record, pass medical exams).
  • Provide required documents to prove relationship.
  • Meet specific criteria based on their relationship to the sponsor.

5. Step-by-Step Application Process

5.1 Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

  • Assess Your Situation: Ensure you and your family member meet all eligibility criteria.
  • Choose the Right Program: Identify which family member you can sponsor and under which program.

5.2 Step 2: Gather Required Documents

  • Proof of Relationship: Marriage certificates, birth certificates, adoption papers.
  • Identity Documents: Passports, national IDs.
  • Financial Documents: Tax returns, employment letters.
  • Additional Documents: Divorce certificates, death certificates (if applicable).

5.3 Step 3: Complete the Application Forms

  • Sponsorship Forms: IMM 1344, IMM 5481.
  • Immigration Forms: IMM 0008, Schedule A, Additional Family Information.
  • Use the Document Checklist: IMM 5491.

5.4 Step 4: Pay the Application Fees

  • Fees Include:
    Fee Type Amount (CAD)
    Sponsorship Fee $75
    Principal Applicant Processing Fee $490
    Right of Permanent Residence Fee $515
    Biometrics Fee $85
    Total (Spouse/Common-law Partner) $1,165
  • Payment Method: Pay online through the IRCC payment portal.

5.5 Step 5: Submit Your Application

  • Mailing Address: Send your complete application to the address specified in the instruction guide.
  • Organization: Use the document checklist to ensure all forms are signed, dated, and documents are correctly ordered.

5.6 Step 6: Medical Exams and Police Certificates

  • Medical Exams:
    • Must be performed by an IRCC-approved panel physician.
    • Valid for 12 months.
  • Police Certificates:
    • Required from all countries where your family member has lived for six months or more since age 18.

5.7 Step 7: Application Processing

  • Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR): You will receive an AOR once IRCC begins processing your application.
  • Background Checks: Security and background checks are conducted.
  • Additional Information: Be prepared to provide additional documents if requested.

5.8 Step 8: Final Decision and Next Steps

  • Approval: If approved, your family member will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
  • Landing in Canada: They must present the COPR at a Canadian port of entry.
  • Permanent Resident Card: Issued after arrival in Canada.

6. Required Documents

6.1 For the Sponsor

  • Proof of Status: Canadian passport, citizenship certificate, or permanent resident card.
  • Financial Documents (especially for parents and grandparents):
    • Employment letters.
    • Recent pay stubs.
    • Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
  • Relationship Documents:
    • Birth certificates.
    • Marriage certificates.
    • Adoption papers (if applicable).

6.2 For the Family Member(s)

  • Identity Documents: Passport, birth certificate.
  • Civil Status Documents: Marriage certificate, divorce certificate (if applicable).
  • Police Certificates: From all countries lived in for six months or more since age 18.
  • Medical Exam Report: Completed by a panel physician.
  • Photographs: As per IRCC specifications.
  • Additional Documents: Depending on the family member being sponsored.

7. Application Fees and Processing Times

7.1 Application Fees

Table 2: Application Fees for Family Sponsorship

Family Member Sponsorship Fee Processing Fee Right of PR Fee Biometrics Fee Total (CAD)
Spouse/Common-law Partner $75 $490 $515 $85 $1,165
Dependent Child $75 $150 per child N/A $85 (if applicable) Varies
Parent/Grandparent $75 $490 $515 $85 $1,165
Other Relatives $75 $490 $515 $85 $1,165

Note: Fees are subject to change. Always verify on the IRCC website.

7.2 Processing Times

  • Spouse/Common-law Partner: Approximately 12 months.
  • Dependent Children: Varies; check the IRCC processing times tool.
  • Parents and Grandparents: Can take 20-24 months or longer due to high demand.
  • Other Relatives: Processing times vary.

8. Tips for a Successful Application

  • Complete All Forms Accurately: Double-check for errors or omissions.
  • Provide Strong Evidence: Include comprehensive proof of relationship and eligibility.
  • Organize Documents: Follow the document checklist meticulously.
  • Certified Translations: Provide certified translations for any documents not in English or French.
  • Keep Copies: Retain copies of all submitted documents.
  • Stay Updated: Monitor your application status and respond promptly to any IRCC communications.
  • Professional Advice: Consider consulting an immigration lawyer or consultant for complex cases.

9. Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Incomplete Applications: Missing signatures, forms, or documents.
  • Incorrect Fee Payment: Paying the wrong amount or incorrect method.
  • Expired Documents: Submitting expired passports or outdated forms.
  • Not Meeting Eligibility Criteria: Applying without ensuring eligibility.
  • Uncertified Translations: Submitting translations that are not certified.
  • Not Updating IRCC: Failing to inform IRCC of address or circumstance changes.

10. 50 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General Questions

Q1: Can I sponsor my spouse if I’m unemployed?

A1: Yes, you can sponsor your spouse even if you are unemployed. There’s no minimum income requirement for spousal sponsorship, but you must not be receiving social assistance (except for disability benefits) and should demonstrate how you plan to support your spouse.


Q2: How long does the family sponsorship process take?

A2: Processing times vary depending on the family member being sponsored. Spousal sponsorship generally takes about 12 months, while parents and grandparents sponsorship can take 20-24 months or longer.


Q3: Can my sponsored family member work in Canada while the application is being processed?

A3: For inland spousal sponsorship, the spouse may be eligible for an open work permit. Other family members generally cannot work in Canada until they become permanent residents.


Q4: What is the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement?

A4: MNI is the minimum income you must have to sponsor parents and grandparents. It varies based on family size. Refer to Table 3 below.

Table 3: Minimum Necessary Income (2021)

Family Size (Including Sponsor) MNI (CAD)
2 $32,898
3 $40,444
4 $49,106
5 $55,694
6 $62,814
7 $69,934
Each Additional Person $7,120

Note: These figures are updated annually.


Q5: Can I sponsor my sibling to Canada?

A5: Only under specific circumstances, such as if they are orphaned, under 18, and unmarried, or if you have no other family members in Canada (Lonely Canadian Provision).


Q6: Can I sponsor my common-law partner?

A6: Yes, if you have lived together in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 consecutive months.


Q7: Can I sponsor my parents or grandparents?

A7: Yes, under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), which has a limited intake and specific income requirements.


Q8: How do I express interest in sponsoring my parents or grandparents?

A8: You must submit an Interest to Sponsor form during the intake period announced by IRCC.


Q9: What if I miss the intake period for parents and grandparents sponsorship?

A9: You can consider the Super Visa, which allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for up to 2 years at a time.


Q10: Can I sponsor my adult child?

A10: Generally, no. Dependent children must be under 22 years old and not married. Exceptions apply for those over 22 with certain disabilities.


Application Process Questions

Q11: How do I check the status of my application?

A11: Use the IRCC online portal or link your application to an online account.


Q12: Do I need to provide original documents?

A12: Provide certified copies unless originals are specifically requested.


Q13: Is biometrics required for family sponsorship?

A13: Yes, your sponsored family member will need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo).


Q14: Do we need to translate documents not in English or French?

A14: Yes, provide certified translations for any documents not in English or French.


Q15: Can my family member visit Canada while the application is in process?

A15: Yes, but they must obtain a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) and meet entry requirements.


Q16: What is the Right of Permanent Residence Fee?

A16: It’s a fee of $515 CAD that must be paid before a permanent resident visa is issued.


Q17: Can I appeal if my sponsorship application is refused?

A17: Yes, you can appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division within 30 days of the refusal.


Q18: How long is the sponsorship undertaking?

A18: The length varies:

  • Spouse/Common-law Partner: 3 years.
  • Dependent Child: 10 years or until they turn 25, whichever comes first.
  • Parents/Grandparents: 20 years.

Q19: Can I sponsor multiple family members at once?

A19: Yes, if they are eligible and you meet the income requirements (if applicable).


Q20: What if my family member fails the medical exam?

A20: Medical inadmissibility can be a ground for refusal unless exemptions apply.


Eligibility and Admissibility Questions

Q21: Can I sponsor my stepchild?

A21: Yes, if they are the dependent child of your spouse or common-law partner.


Q22: Can I sponsor my adopted child?

A22: Yes, if the adoption is legally recognized and completed before the child turns 18.


Q23: Can I sponsor my fiancé(e)?

A23: No, Canada does not have a fiancé(e) sponsorship category. You must be married or meet the criteria for common-law or conjugal partners.


Q24: Can I sponsor my cousin?

A24: Generally, no. Only under the Lonely Canadian Provision if you have no other family in Canada.


Q25: Can I sponsor my spouse if we married recently?

A25: Yes, but you must provide substantial evidence to prove the genuineness of the marriage.


Q26: What is considered a dependent child over 22?

A26: A child over 22 who is unable to financially support themselves due to a physical or mental condition and has depended on their parents since before turning 22.


Q27: Can I sponsor my spouse if I’m on social assistance?

A27: No, unless the assistance is for disability.


Q28: Do I need to meet income requirements to sponsor my spouse?

A28: No, there is no minimum income requirement for sponsoring a spouse.


Q29: Can I sponsor my spouse if I live outside Canada?

A29: Yes, if you are a Canadian citizen. You must plan to live in Canada when your spouse becomes a permanent resident.


Q30: What happens if I defaulted on a previous sponsorship undertaking?

A30: You cannot sponsor another family member until you repay the debt.


Post-Application Questions

Q31: How will my family member receive their Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)?

A31: IRCC will send the COPR and instructions, either electronically or by mail.


Q32: What happens if my family member’s application is delayed?

A32: Delays can occur due to incomplete applications or high volumes. You can contact IRCC for updates.


Q33: Do we need to inform IRCC if we move?

A33: Yes, you must update IRCC with any address changes.


Q34: Can my sponsored family member work in Canada upon arrival?

A34: Yes, as permanent residents, they can work without restrictions.


Q35: Will my family member have immediate healthcare access upon arrival?

A35: It depends on the province; some have a waiting period.


Q36: Can my sponsored family member study in Canada?

A36: Yes, permanent residents can study without a study permit.


Q37: What if my family member’s medical exam reveals health issues?

A37: Medical inadmissibility can lead to refusal, but exemptions exist for spouses, partners, and dependent children.


Q38: Can we expedite the application?

A38: There’s no formal process for expediting, but urgent cases may be considered.


Q39: What if I want to withdraw my sponsorship application?

A39: You can withdraw before a decision is made. Some fees may not be refundable.


Q40: Can my family member be denied entry even after approval?

A40: Yes, final entry is at the discretion of the border services officer.


Miscellaneous Questions

Q41: Can I use a representative?

A41: Yes, complete the Use of a Representative form (IMM 5476).


Q42: Can my family member apply under humanitarian and compassionate grounds?

A42: Yes, but these applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis and are typically for exceptional circumstances.


Q43: Is there a fee waiver available?

A43: Fee waivers are generally not available for family sponsorships.


Q44: Do we need to provide biometrics?

A44: Yes, biometrics are mandatory.


Q45: How do I withdraw the sponsorship if needed?

A45: Contact IRCC via the web form or in writing before a final decision.


Q46: Can my family member be inadmissible due to criminality?

A46: Yes, criminal inadmissibility can lead to refusal.


Q47: What is the Super Visa?

A47: A visa that allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for up to 2 years at a time, valid for up to 10 years.


Q48: Can I sponsor my family member if I was sponsored less than 5 years ago?

A48: If you were sponsored as a spouse, you cannot sponsor a new spouse for 5 years.


Q49: Can my family member include their dependents in the application?

A49: Yes, eligible dependents can be included.


Q50: What if my family member’s passport expires during processing?

A50: They should renew it and inform IRCC to update the application.


11. Conclusion

Sponsoring your family to Canada is a meaningful journey that requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following this comprehensive guide and adhering to IRCC guidelines, you can navigate the process more confidently. Remember, thorough preparation and honesty are key to a successful application.


12. References


Disclaimer: This guide is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and policies are subject to change. For personalized assistance, consult a licensed Canadian immigration lawyer or authorized consultant.

Related Blogs:

How to Sponsor Your Parents & Grandparents to Canada

How to Sponsor Your Spouse to Canada: A Comprehensive Guide

How to Sponsor Your Husband to Canada: A Comprehensive Guide

How to Sponsor Your Wife to Canada: A Comprehensive Guide

How to Sponsor Your Siblings to Canada: A Comprehensive Guide