Family Sponsorship

The Family Sponsorship program is a cornerstone of Canada's immigration policy, allowing Canadian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their family members by sponsoring them for permanent residence in Canada. The program aims to promote family reunification by enabling close family members, such as spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents, to immigrate to Canada. Family Sponsorship is an essential pathway to immigration, reflecting Canada's commitment to maintaining strong family ties and building diverse, inclusive communities.

Under the Family Sponsorship program, sponsors take on certain responsibilities to provide financial support to the sponsored family member for a specific period. This support ensures that the sponsored family members do not need to rely on social assistance from the Canadian government. Family Sponsorship is a popular and effective way to bring loved ones together, offering a straightforward and relatively fast route to permanent residency for eligible family members.

Key Features of the Family Sponsorship Program

The Family Sponsorship program offers several unique features that distinguish it from other immigration pathways:

• Reuniting Families: The program facilitates the reunification of families by allowing Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their eligible family members for permanent residence in Canada.
• Multiple Categories of Sponsorship: The program includes several categories for sponsorship, such as spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, parents, grandparents, and other eligible relatives.
• Guaranteed Processing Priority: Family Sponsorship applications are given priority processing by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), reflecting Canada's commitment to keeping families together.
• Financial Responsibility: Sponsors must demonstrate their ability to financially support the sponsored family members and sign an undertaking agreement to provide this support for a specific period, depending on the type of sponsorship.
• Pathway to Permanent Residence: Successful sponsorship leads to permanent residency for the sponsored family member, allowing them to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada.

Types of Family Sponsorship

The Family Sponsorship program is divided into several categories based on the relationship between the sponsor and the sponsored person. The main types of family sponsorship include:

• Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship: Allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residence. This category includes both Inland (if the partner is already in Canada) and Outland (if the partner is outside Canada) sponsorship streams.
• Dependent Child Sponsorship: Allows the sponsorship of biological or adopted children under the age of 22 who are unmarried and do not have a common-law partner. In certain cases, children over the age of 22 may also be sponsored if they are financially dependent on their parents due to a physical or mental condition.
• Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship: Enables Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents to immigrate to Canada. This category is subject to a lottery system due to high demand and limited spaces available each year.
• Other Relatives Sponsorship: In exceptional cases, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident may sponsor other relatives, such as orphaned brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren, if they meet specific eligibility criteria.

Eligibility Requirements for Family Sponsorship

Both the sponsor and the sponsored family member must meet specific eligibility requirements to qualify for the Family Sponsorship program:

Sponsor Requirements

• Citizenship or Permanent Residency: The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen, a person registered under the Canadian Indian Act, or a permanent resident of Canada.
• Age: The sponsor must be at least 18 years old.
• Financial Capability: The sponsor must demonstrate the ability to provide financial support for the sponsored family member and meet a minimum income requirement (if applicable). The sponsor must also sign an undertaking agreement to provide financial support for a specific period.
• No Outstanding Debts: The sponsor must not have any outstanding sponsorship undertakings, bankruptcy issues, or be in default of previous sponsorship agreements.
• No Criminal Record: The sponsor must not have a criminal record related to violent or serious offenses. Certain exceptions may apply if the sponsor has received a pardon or demonstrated rehabilitation.
• Location in Canada: The sponsor must reside in Canada or demonstrate their intention to return to Canada if sponsoring from abroad. For sponsoring parents and grandparents, the sponsor must be physically residing in Canada.

Sponsored Family Member Requirements

• Relationship to Sponsor: The sponsored person must be a close relative of the sponsor, such as a spouse, common-law partner, dependent child, parent, or grandparent. The relationship must be genuine and meet the legal definitions set by IRCC.
• Admissibility to Canada: The sponsored family member must be admissible to Canada, which means they must not have a criminal record, pose a security threat, or have a serious health condition that could place an excessive demand on Canada's healthcare system.
• Additional Criteria: Specific eligibility criteria may apply depending on the type of sponsorship, such as proof of relationship, medical examinations, and supporting documentation.

Financial Responsibility and Undertaking Agreement

When sponsoring a family member, the sponsor must sign an undertaking agreement that commits them to provide financial support for the sponsored person(s) for a specific period. The duration of the undertaking depends on the type of sponsorship:

• Spouse, Common-Law Partner, or Conjugal Partner: The undertaking lasts for three years from the date the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident.
• Dependent Child: The undertaking lasts for 10 years or until the child turns 25, whichever comes first.
• Parent or Grandparent: The undertaking lasts for 20 years from the date the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident.
• Other Relatives: The undertaking duration varies depending on the relationship and specific circumstances of the sponsorship.

Application Process for Family Sponsorship

The application process for Family Sponsorship generally involves several steps, which must be carefully followed to increase the chances of a successful outcome. Here is a detailed breakdown of the process:

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Before applying, both the sponsor and the sponsored family member should ensure they meet all eligibility requirements for Family Sponsorship. Consulting with an immigration expert can help clarify these requirements and identify any potential issues that need to be addressed.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Applicants must collect all necessary documents to support their application. Required documents typically include:

• Proof of Status: The sponsor must provide proof of their Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, or status under the Canadian Indian Act.
• Relationship Documents: Proof of the relationship between the sponsor and the sponsored person, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, adoption documents, and photographs.
• Financial Documents: Proof of the sponsor's financial capability, including income statements, employment letters, and bank statements.
• Police Clearance Certificates: For the sponsored person and any accompanying family members, a certificate proving that they have no criminal record.
• Medical Examination Results: Medical exam results for the sponsored person and any accompanying family members.
• Additional Documents: Depending on the type of sponsorship, additional documents may be required, such as proof of intent to return to Canada (if applicable) or proof of adoption (if sponsoring an adopted child).

Step 3: Complete the Application Forms

Both the sponsor and the sponsored family member must complete the required application forms. These forms can be completed online or downloaded from the IRCC website. The forms must be filled out accurately and completely, and all required signatures must be included.

Step 4: Pay the Application Fees

The application fees for Family Sponsorship include a sponsorship fee, a processing fee for the principal applicant, a right of permanent residence fee, and fees for any accompanying family members. The total amount will vary depending on the type of sponsorship and the number of family members being sponsored. Additional costs may include medical exams, police certificates, and language tests.

Step 5: Submit the Application

After completing all forms and gathering all required documents, the sponsor must submit the complete application package to IRCC. Applications can be submitted online through the IRCC portal or by mail, depending on the type of sponsorship. It is important to ensure that all documents are organized and submitted according to IRCC guidelines to avoid delays or refusals.

Step 6: Wait for Processing

Once the application is submitted, IRCC will review it to ensure all requirements are met. Processing times vary depending on the type of sponsorship, the applicant’s country of residence, and other factors. Generally, it can take several months to over a year to receive a decision. Sponsors and applicants can check their application status online through their IRCC account.

Step 7: Receive Decision

If the application is approved, the sponsored family member will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a Permanent Resident Visa (if applicable). The COPR is used to confirm the sponsored person's status as a permanent resident upon arrival in Canada.

Step 8: Arrive in Canada and Activate Permanent Residence

Upon arrival in Canada, the sponsored family member must present the COPR, passport, and any other requested documents to a Canadian border services officer. The officer will verify the information and officially activate the sponsored person's permanent resident status.

How Facts Immigration Consulting Processes Family Sponsorship Applications

At Facts Immigration Consulting, we provide comprehensive support to clients throughout the entire process of sponsoring a family member for permanent residence in Canada. Here’s how we assist our clients:

Initial Consultation

We begin with an initial consultation to assess the client’s eligibility for Family Sponsorship and discuss the specific requirements for the type of sponsorship they wish to pursue. We provide an overview of the application process, including timelines, documentation, and potential challenges.

Document Preparation

Our team assists clients in gathering and preparing all necessary documents, ensuring that each document meets IRCC standards and is complete and accurate. We provide templates, checklists, and detailed guidance to make sure nothing is overlooked. We also help clients prepare proof of relationship documents, such as affidavits, photographs, and letters of support.

Application Submission

We guide clients through the process of completing and submitting their Family Sponsorship application, whether online or by mail. We ensure that all forms are filled out correctly, fees are paid, and documents are submitted in a timely manner to avoid delays.

Follow-Up and Status Updates

Our team monitors the application status and provides regular updates to the client. We communicate with IRCC on behalf of the client to address any issues or requests for additional documentation. We ensure that all deadlines are met and provide ongoing support throughout the process.

Pre-Arrival and Settlement Guidance

Once the application is approved, we provide pre-arrival guidance, including advice on travel arrangements, packing, and preparing for arrival in Canada. We also offer settlement services, such as assistance with finding housing, registering for healthcare, and accessing community resources to help clients settle smoothly in Canada.

Conclusion

The Family Sponsorship program is a vital pathway for reuniting families in Canada. The application process involves several steps, from determining eligibility to submitting a complete application for permanent residence. At Facts Immigration Consulting, we provide end-to-end support to ensure a smooth and successful sponsorship process, helping our clients bring their loved ones to Canada with confidence and peace of mind.