Family Sponsorship

Family sponsorship is a process that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their close family members to come and live with them in Canada. This program is designed to reunite families who have been separated due to various reasons such as work or study. The Canadian government recognizes the importance of family and strives to keep families together.

The family sponsorship program is open to Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are at least 18 years old and meet the necessary requirements. They can sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, dependent children, parents, and grandparents. However, it's important to note that the requirements vary depending on the relationship between the sponsor and the sponsored person.

One of the most important requirements for family sponsorship is financial eligibility. Sponsors are required to show that they can financially support their sponsored family members for a period of three to ten years, depending on the relationship between the sponsor and the sponsored person. This means that the sponsor must have enough income to meet the minimum necessary income requirement, which varies depending on the size of the family unit.

When a spouse or common-law partner applies for permanent residency through the In-Canada Spouse or Common-Law Partner Class, they may also apply for an open work permit while they wait for their application to be processed. Once their application is confirmed by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), they may be eligible to receive an open work permit that will allow them to work in Canada for any employer until a decision is made on their permanent residency application. This helps alleviate financial stress and allows the sponsored person to integrate into Canadian society by gaining valuable work experience while their application is being processed.

Another important requirement for family sponsorship is that the sponsor must be able to provide basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing to the sponsored person for a period of time. They must also sign an agreement with the Canadian government, stating that they will support their sponsored family members and that they will not seek financial assistance from the government.

It's important to note that the family sponsorship process can be lengthy and complex, and it's advisable to seek the assistance of an immigration consultant to guide you through the process. The process can take anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on various factors such as the relationship between the sponsor and the sponsored person, the number of applications being processed, and the current immigration policies.

In conclusion, family sponsorship is an excellent opportunity for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their close family members. The program allows families to be together and provides a better quality of life for sponsored family members. If you're considering sponsoring a family member, it's important to carefully review the eligibility requirements and seek the assistance of an immigration professional to ensure a successful application.