One of the key pillars of Canada’s immigration system is family reunification, ensuring that families can stay together as newcomers embark on their journey in Canada. Family sponsorship stands as the second-largest category of new permanent residents to Canada, right after economic immigration.
This article will guide you on how to sponsor your family members, including parents, grandparents, spouses, and dependent children, to join you in Canada.
Who Can Sponsor Family Members?
You are eligible to sponsor certain family members to come to Canada if you meet the following conditions:
- You are at least 18 years old
- You are a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or registered as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act
Additional eligibility requirements may apply based on the specific family sponsorship program.
Sponsoring Spouses, Common-law, and Conjugal Partners
If you wish to sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner, you can apply through the Spousal Sponsorship program. The sponsored individual must either be legally married to you or have lived with you for at least 12 months in a marriage-like relationship. This applies to both opposite-sex and same-sex couples.
The sponsor must provide financial support for the sponsored person for three years and cannot receive social assistance (except for disability benefits). Depending on your situation, you may apply for either Inland Sponsorship (where both spouses live in Canada) or Outland Sponsorship (where the spouse lives abroad).
For Inland Sponsorship, your spouse must already hold temporary resident status in Canada, and they may be eligible for an Open Work Permit during the application process.
Sponsoring Dependent Children
To sponsor a child for Canadian immigration, the child must be under 22 years old and unmarried. The process involves submitting a sponsorship profile to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), followed by an application for permanent residence.
Sponsors must agree to support the child financially for a set period, ensuring their well-being during the initial years of settlement.
Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is one of the most popular immigration pathways for family reunification in Canada. This program operates on a lottery basis, where eligible sponsors submit an “interest to sponsor” form, hoping to be selected to apply for their parents’ or grandparents’ permanent residency.
Once selected, sponsors must commit to providing for the sponsored individual’s basic needs, including medical expenses, housing, and food. This program enables parents and grandparents to live permanently in Canada and reunite with their families.
By understanding the different sponsorship pathways, you can determine the best option for your family’s immigration to Canada.