Your Ultimate Guide to Canada's Family Sponsorship Program
Family Sponsorship
The Family Sponsorship Program in Canada is an incredibly essential initiative that has massively contributed to the betterment of Canadian society. At the heart of this program is the belief that families should always be given the opportunity to thrive and live together in Canada. The program enables Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their family members, such as their spouses, dependent children, parents, and grandparents, for permanent residency in Canada.
The sponsorship process requires a sponsor to pledge financial assistance to their sponsored family members for three to ten years, depending on several eligibility requirements, such as the age and relationship status of the sponsored family member. Additionally, the sponsored family member must undergo medical examinations and fulfill other requirements to be granted permanent residency.
In essence, the Family Class sponsorship program is an invaluable pillar of Canada’s immigration policy that aims to enable families to stay connected and support their comprehensive integration into Canadian society.
Speak with an immigration specialist.
A highly qualified and experienced immigration specialist, possessing a valid license will be at your service to help facilitate and streamline all your immigration processes. You can rest assured that you will receive top-quality guidance and support from an expert whose knowledge of Canadian immigration laws and regulations is unparalleled. Our consultant will assist you every step of the way in navigating the complex world of immigration, from obtaining work permits, visas, permanent residency, to successfully gaining citizenship.
Whether you're a business owner seeking to expand your operations globally, an individual looking to start your entrepreneurial journey abroad, or you are an individual looking to work, study or reunite with family, a licensed immigration consultant will provide you with the necessary expertise and support needed to make your immigration dreams a reality.
How Family Sponsorship Works
Canadian citizens and permanent residents are eligible to sponsor their relatives to live permanently in Canada through the Family Sponsorship Program. Eligible relatives include spouses, children, parents, grandparents, siblings, and nephews/nieces under 18. The sponsor must be 18 years or older, a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, and must pass background checks and medical exams. The processing times for Family Sponsorship can take several months or even years. The program reunites family members and strengthens family bonds in a safe and welcoming country like Canada.
Prepare Documentation
Gather the required documentation, which may include your passport, proof of net worth, business plan, educational credentials, language test results, and any other documents specified by the program.
Medical Examination and Security Clearance
Undergo a medical examination by a designated physician to ensure you meet the health requirements. You may also be required to provide police certificates to demonstrate your good character and pass security checks.
Receive Approval
If your application is approved, you will receive a confirmation of approval or a letter of introduction.
Secure a Commitment (Start-up Visa Program)
If you're applying under the Start-up Visa Program, secure a commitment from a designated organization in Canada that is willing to support your business idea.
Application Processing
Your application will be reviewed by the relevant immigration authorities. This may involve verification of the information provided, assessment of your business plan, and evaluation of your eligibility.
Landing in Canada
Once approved, you can make arrangements to travel to Canada. You will need to show your approval letter at the port of entry and may be required to undergo further screening.
Submit the Application
Complete the application forms for your chosen business immigration program accurately and provide all the necessary supporting documents. Pay the application fees.
Interview or Evaluation (Entrepreneur Program)
If you're applying under the Entrepreneur Program, you may be required to attend an interview or undergo an evaluation process to assess your business knowledge and suitability.
Start or Invest in Business + Reporting and Compliance
Fulfill any reporting requirements, such as submitting regular updates on your business progress or complying with conditions outlined in your immigration approval.
Frequently asked questions
The answers to these questions are correct at the time of writing but may change. While this is meant to provide you with general answers to your questions, the answers should not be taken as legal advice.
Please contact us to obtain the most up-to-date information.
Family sponsorship is a program that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their eligible family members to come and live in Canada as permanent residents.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents.
To sponsor a family member, you must meet certain criteria, including being at least 18 years old, residing in Canada or planning to return once the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident, and demonstrating the ability to financially support the sponsored person.
In some cases, you may be able to sponsor other eligible relatives, such as siblings, nephews, or nieces, but these applications are subject to specific criteria and limitations.
Processing times for family sponsorship applications can vary. It typically takes several months to over a year, depending on the specific category of sponsorship and other factors.
As a permanent resident, you can sponsor certain family members, such as a spouse, common-law partner, or dependent child. However, Canadian citizenship is generally required to sponsor parents or grandparents.
Yes, sponsors need to meet the minimum necessary income level to support their sponsored family members. The specific income requirements depend on factors like family size and location.
Yes, you can sponsor your spouse if you were legally married outside of Canada. However, you would need to provide proof of the validity of your marriage.
In some cases, you can sponsor a family member who is already in Canada, but they must have legal status in the country. There are specific processes and requirements for in-Canada sponsorship.
Yes, you can sponsor a family member even if you are living outside Canada, as long as you can demonstrate that you plan to live in Canada when the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident.
There are no limits on the number of spouses, common-law partners, or dependent children you can sponsor. However, there are limits on the number of parents and grandparents that can be sponsored through the Parents and Grandparents Program.
