Family Class Sponsorship

Immigration

Family Class Sponsorship is a vital component of Canada's immigration system, allowing Canadian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their close family members. Under this program, eligible sponsors can bring their spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents to Canada.

This initiative reflects Canada's commitment to preserving strong family bonds and ensuring the well-being of its residents.


Through Family Class Sponsorship, individuals can navigate the immigration process with the support of their loved ones, fostering a sense of belonging and unity within the diverse fabric of Canadian society. It plays a crucial role in shaping Canada as a welcoming and inclusive nation, where families can thrive and contribute to the vibrant cultural mosaic that defines the country.

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Family Class Sponsorship

Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada have the opportunity to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency in Canada.


To do so, they must:


  1. Provide financial support for their parents or grandparents.
  2. Ensure that the sponsored individuals do not rely on government social assistance.


Before expressing their interest to sponsor online through the IRCC website, applicants must meet specific criteria. If they meet these requirements, they will proceed to complete the interest to sponsor form. The IRCC employs a lottery system where randomly selected eligible candidates are invited to apply and submit a comprehensive application with all necessary forms and documents.


The process to sponsor your parents and grandparents involves six steps:


  1. Submit the interest to sponsor form.
  2. Receive an invitation to submit a complete application.
  3. Obtain the application package.
  4. Pay the relevant application fees.
  5. Submit the application.
  6. Provide additional documents during the processing period.


Family Class Sponsorship

Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are married to a foreign national possess the entitlement to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner via the family sponsorship program. This program facilitates sponsorship whether the applicant's spouse is located within Canada (inland) or abroad.


Inland spousal sponsorship


The Inland Spousal Sponsorship program allows applicants already residing in Canada to remain in the country while their permanent residence application is being processed. It is crucial for the applicant to take responsibility for ensuring their status in Canada is maintained throughout the processing of their permanent residency application. It is recommended that applicants refrain from traveling overseas, as there is a risk of being denied entry into Canada upon their return.


However, there are several benefits associated with applying under the Inland Spousal Sponsorship route:


  • Ability to apply for healthcare once the open work permit is obtained.
  • Permitted to stay in Canada during the process, provided that status (e.g., work permit, visitor status, student) is maintained.




Overseas Spousal Sponsorship


Overseas spousal sponsorship is generally the route chosen by applicants who are not currently in Canada and are unable to obtain a visa to travel to Canada. However, there are instances where applicants in Canada opt for this option if they intend to travel back and forth between their home country and Canada during the processing of their application.




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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions. 

Family Class Sponsorship

  • Who can sponsor a family member for Canadian immigration?

    Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are at least 18 years old can sponsor certain family members to come to Canada.

  • Which family members can be sponsored through the family class program?

    Spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents can be sponsored.

  • What are the financial requirements for sponsors?

    Sponsors must demonstrate the ability to financially support their sponsored family members and meet minimum income requirements set by the Canadian government.

  • Can a sponsor apply to bring more than one family member at a time?

    Yes, a sponsor can apply to bring multiple eligible family members at the same time.

  • How long does the sponsorship process usually take?

    The processing time can vary depending on the relationship between the sponsor and the sponsored person, as well as other factors. It can range from several months to over a year.

  • Can sponsored family members work or study in Canada?

    Sponsored spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children may be eligible for an open work permit or study permit.

  • Can a sponsored family member live in Canada while their application is being processed?

    Yes, in many cases, sponsored family members can live in Canada during the processing of their application.

  • What happens if the sponsor and sponsored family member separate or divorce?

    If the sponsorship application is still in process, the sponsor must inform the immigration authorities. If the sponsorship has already been approved, the sponsor is still financially responsible for the sponsored family member.

  • Are there any situations where a sponsor may not be eligible?

    Yes, sponsors with certain criminal convictions or who are in default of a previous sponsorship undertaking may not be eligible to sponsor a family member.

  • Can a sponsored family member later sponsor their own family members?

    Yes, once a sponsored family member becomes a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, they can apply to sponsor their own eligible family members.