Sponsorship
Canada places a strong emphasis on family reunification in its immigration policies. The country offers several immigration programs that enable Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their family members for immigration. Family reunification is a cornerstone of Canada's immigration policy, reflecting the country's commitment to fostering strong family ties and enabling individuals to build their lives in a supportive and inclusive environment. It's important to check the most recent immigration regulations and guidelines as they may be subject to change.
Eligibility
Your relatives can live, study, and work in Canada if they become permanent residents of Canada. You can sponsor certain relatives to come to Canada if you’re at least 18 years old and one of the following:
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a Canadian citizen
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a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act
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a permanent resident of Canada
Undertaking
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The sponsorship process involves the sponsor committing to supporting their family member financially and ensuring they do not rely on social assistance. The sponsored individuals are expected to meet certain eligibility criteria, and the process typically involves an application and assessment by immigration authorities.
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Sponsorship Requirements
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To qualify for permanent residency under the Family Sponsorship program, the sponsored family member must meet the eligibility criteria set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The specific requirements may vary depending on the relationship between the sponsor and the sponsored individual.
Spouse or Common-law Partner: Sponsors can sponsor their legally married spouses or common-law partners.
Parents and Grandparents: Sponsors can sponsor their parents or grandparents to join them in Canada.
Dependent Children: Sponsors can sponsor their dependent children, including adopted children.
Other Family Members: In some cases, sponsors may be able to sponsor other eligible family members, such as siblings or other relatives in certain circumstances.
Who can you sponsor?
Spouses and Partners
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouses or common-law partners for permanent residency in Canada. This program is designed to keep families together and promote the reunification of couples.
Sponsor Relatives
In addition to the immediate family members mentioned above, there are also provisions for sponsoring other family members, such as adopted children, orphaned relatives, and certain family members in exceptional circumstances.
Dependent Children
Parents in Canada can sponsor their dependent children for permanent residency. This includes children under a certain age or those who are financially dependent on their parents due to a physical or mental condition.
Adopted Children
Canada recognizes the importance of family unity, including adopted children, in its immigration policies. Canadian citizens and permanent residents have the opportunity to sponsor adopted children for immigration to Canada through the Family Class Sponsorship program.
Parents and Grandparents
Canadian citizens and permanent residents have the option to sponsor their parents and grandparents to become permanent residents in Canada. This program aims to facilitate family unity by allowing extended family members to join their loved ones in Canada.