Family Class Sponsorship Canada: A Complete Guide to Sponsor your Family

Are you a Canadian citizen or permanent resident looking to sponsor your family to come and live in Canada?

Navigating the Family Class Sponsorship process can be complex and overwhelming, but with the right information and guidance, you can successfully reunite with your loved ones.

Family reunification is a core principle of Canada’s immigration policy, and the Family Class Sponsorship program allows eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their immediate family members to become permanent residents of Canada.

However, the process involves various requirements, documents, and timelines that need to be carefully followed to ensure a smooth and successful sponsorship.

If you are considering sponsoring your family to come to Canada, it is crucial to understand the intricacies of the Family Class Sponsorship program.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, from eligibility criteria to application submission, to help you navigate the complexities and reunite with your family in Canada.

What is Family Class Sponsorship?

Family Class Sponsorship is a program in Canada that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their family members to come and live with them in Canada.

This program is designed to help keep families together and reunite them in Canada. Under the Family Class Sponsorship program, individuals can sponsor their spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents.

The sponsorship process involves the sponsor agreeing to financially support their family members, ensuring they do not rely on government social assistance.

Additionally, sponsors must meet the income requirement, and the sponsored family members must meet certain eligibility criteria, such as passing medical exams and obtaining police certificates from their country of origin.

By sponsoring their family members, Canadian citizens and permanent residents can help them obtain permanent resident status in Canada, allowing them to live, work, and study in the country.

Who Can Be Sponsored Through The Family Class?

The Family Class Sponsorship Program in Canada allows close family members to be sponsored for permanent residency by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Eligible relatives who can be sponsored through this program include spouses, common-law partners, and conjugal partners, as well as dependent children and parents or grandparents.

To be eligible as a sponsor, the individual must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is at least 18 years old and fulfill certain basic requirements, such as being able to financially support the sponsored relative and signing a sponsorship agreement.

The program aims to reunite families and provide opportunities for close family members to live together in Canada.

Through the Family Class Sponsorship Program in Canada, individuals can sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residency.

Close family members who can be sponsored include spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners, dependent children, and parents or grandparents.

To be eligible as a sponsor, the individual must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is at least 18 years old.

There are also basic requirements that must be fulfilled, such as being able to financially support the sponsored relative and signing a sponsorship agreement.

By facilitating family reunification, the program aims to strengthen family ties and create opportunities for close family members to live together in Canada.

The Requirements of a Sponsor

The requirements of a sponsor for family class sponsorship in Canada are quite specific.

First and foremost, sponsors must be at least 18 years old.

Additionally, they must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

This ensures that the sponsor has a strong connection to Canada and can adequately support their sponsored family member.

Another crucial requirement is that sponsors must be financially able to support their sponsored family member without needing social assistance.

This ensures that the burden of financial support does not fall on the Canadian government or taxpayers.

In addition to these requirements, sponsors have certain obligations that they must fulfill. They are required to sign a sponsorship agreement, which outlines their responsibilities and the terms of the sponsorship.

This agreement is an important legal document that ensures both the sponsor and the sponsored family member are aware of their rights and responsibilities.

Sponsors are also obligated to provide financial support for a specified period of time once the sponsored family member arrives in Canada.

This ensures that the sponsored person has the financial means to establish themselves in the country. Furthermore, sponsors remain obligated to the undertaking agreement even in changing circumstances, such as divorce or separation.

This ensures that the sponsored family member’s well-being and financial stability are prioritized throughout the sponsorship process.

Overview of the Process

The family class sponsorship program in Canada offers an opportunity for Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their family members for permanent residency.

This program covers a range of family relationships, including dependent children, spouses or common-law partners, conjugal partners, parents, and grandparents.

Each type of sponsorship has specific eligibility criteria and requirements set by the Canadian government, such as income thresholds, sponsorship fees, and medical examinations.

To apply, sponsors need to submit a sponsorship agreement, the required fee, and relevant documents.

Processing times for family class sponsorship applications can vary, and additional conditions may apply based on the sponsored individual’s country of origin.

The primary objective of this program is to reunite families in Canada and facilitate their permanent settlement in the country.

Step One: Determine Eligibility for Family Sponsorship

To be eligible for family sponsorship in Canada, both the sponsor and the sponsored relatives must meet certain criteria.

First, the sponsor must be a Canadian permanent resident or citizen who is at least 18 years old.

They must also demonstrate financial capability, which means they must have enough income to support the sponsored relatives and not be receiving social assistance, unless due to disability.

The sponsored individuals, on the other hand, can fall into different categories.

These include the sponsor’s spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner; their dependent children or grandchildren; and their parents or grandparents.

In some cases, it is also possible to sponsor other relatives if they have no close relatives living in Canada and there is no one else who can sponsor them.

It is important to note that there are specific requirements for each category and additional conditions depending on the country of origin of the sponsored relatives.

Overall, the eligibility criteria for family sponsorship in Canada involve the sponsor being a Canadian permanent resident or citizen with financial capability, and the sponsored relatives falling into one of the eligible categories as defined by the Canadian government.

Step Two: Submit an Application to Sponsor a Family Member

Once you have determined that you meet the eligibility criteria for family class sponsorship in Canada, the next step is to submit an application to sponsor your family member(s).

This involves completing and submitting the appropriate forms and providing the necessary supporting documents.

The first step in the application process is to gather the required forms. This includes the Document Checklist – Sponsor, which outlines all the forms and documents you need to include in your application package.

The key form you will need is the Application to Sponsor.

This form requires information about both the sponsor and the sponsored family member(s) and serves as a request to sponsor your family member(s).

In addition to the Application to Sponsor, you will also need to complete the Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking.

This form is a contractual agreement between the sponsor and the Canadian government, stating that the sponsor will provide financial and emotional support to the sponsored family member(s) for a specific period of time.

Another important requirement is the Financial Evaluation form. This form assesses the sponsor’s financial stability and determines whether they meet the income requirements to sponsor their family member(s).

Depending on your specific situation, there may be additional forms or documents required.

For example, if you are in a common-law relationship, you may need to provide a Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union.

If the sponsored family member(s) have a medical condition, a Medical Condition Statement may also be required.

It is crucial to carefully complete all the necessary forms and provide all the required supporting documents to ensure a smooth processing of your family sponsorship application.

Step Three: Obtain Approval and Sign a Sponsorship Agreement

After submitting the family class sponsorship application, the sponsor must wait for approval from the Canadian government.

The application will undergo a thorough review to ensure that all the requirements have been met.

Once the application is approved, the sponsor will receive an Approval in Principle, indicating that they have met the eligibility criteria.

Upon obtaining approval, the sponsor is required to sign a sponsorship agreement with the Canadian government. This agreement outlines the sponsor’s obligations and responsibilities towards the sponsored family member(s).

One of the key obligations is the commitment to provide financial support for a specific period of time, which depends on the type of relationship.

Sponsors must ensure that the basic needs of their sponsored family member(s) are met, including providing food, shelter, and other necessities.

In addition to the financial support, sponsors are also obligated to repay any social assistance payments made to the sponsored family member(s) during the sponsorship period.

It is important to note that the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that sponsors cannot entirely waive their obligation to reimburse the government.

This means that sponsors are legally bound to fulfill their financial commitments as outlined in the sponsorship agreement, even if the sponsored family member(s) receive social assistance.

Step Four: Prepare and Submit the Permanent Residence Application

To successfully apply for permanent residence through family class sponsorship in Canada, applicants must ensure they have all the necessary documents and forms. These are crucial for demonstrating eligibility and ensuring a smooth application process.

Firstly, a valid passport or passport photocopies are required as proof of identity and nationality. Applicants should also include a recent photograph as per the specified guidelines.

Additionally, applicants need to include the receipt of the right of permanent residence fee payment. This fee is essential for the processing of the application.

Moreover, it is important to complete and include all the required forms specific to family sponsorship, along with any supporting documents and evidence.

These may vary depending on the relationship category, such as the spousal sponsorship application, dependent child sponsorship, or grandparent sponsorship program.

By gathering and submitting these necessary documents and forms, applicants can ensure their permanent residence application is complete and meets the eligibility criteria set by the Canadian government.

Step Five: Undergo Medical Examinations and Police Checks

As part of the family class sponsorship application process for permanent residence in Canada, both the sponsored individual and the applicants are required to undergo medical examinations and obtain police certificates.

The sponsored individual must undergo a medical exam conducted by an approved panel physician. The results of this examination must be submitted as a part of the application.

Additionally, applicants and family members over the age of 18 are required to provide police certificates from all countries where they have resided for more than six months since the age of 18.

The specific requirements for the medical exam may include a physical examination, laboratory tests, and, in some cases, biometrics.

The medical examination aims to assess the individual’s health and ensure that they do not pose a risk to public health or safety in Canada.

Obtaining police certificates usually involves applying to the appropriate authorities in each country of residence. These certificates serve to verify that applicants and family members have no criminal record or pose a security risk.

Completing the medical examinations and obtaining police certificates are essential steps in the family class sponsorship application process, as they demonstrate the admissibility of the sponsored individuals and their accompanying family members to Canada.

Step Six: Receive Final Decision on the Permanent Residence Application

Once the family class sponsorship application for permanent residence in Canada has been submitted, the applicant can expect to receive a final decision from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regarding their application.

This decision can come in the form of an approval, a refusal, or a request for additional information.

An approval means that the applicant and their sponsored family members have met all the necessary eligibility criteria and have provided the required documentation.

They will be granted permanent residence status in Canada. On the other hand, a refusal means that the applicant and their family members did not meet the requirements or failed to provide sufficient supporting documents.

In such cases, the applicant may have the option to appeal the decision or reapply in the future. Lastly, the IRCC may request additional information if they require further details or clarification about certain aspects of the application.

It is important for the applicant to promptly respond to these requests to avoid delays in the decision-making process.

Preparing Your Application

Preparing Your Application for Family Class Sponsorship in Canada

When applying for family class sponsorship in Canada, it is crucial to ensure that your application is properly prepared in order to increase your chances of success.

This process involves gathering the necessary documentation, completing forms accurately, and meeting the eligibility criteria set by the Canadian government.

To begin, it is important to determine which family sponsorship program is appropriate for your situation, whether it is spousal sponsorship, dependent child sponsorship, or the grandparent sponsorship program.

Additionally, understanding the income requirements and medical examinations that may be required will help you properly prepare your application.

It is also necessary to gather relevant police certificates, proof of relationship, and other supporting documents to strengthen your application.

By following the application process diligently and accurately preparing your documentation, you can ensure that your application for family class sponsorship in Canada is well-prepared and has the highest chance of approval.

Documents Required for the Application Process

The Canada family sponsorship application process necessitates the submission of various essential documents.

Both the sponsor and beneficiary must provide proof of their Canadian status, such as a valid permanent resident card or Canadian citizenship certificate, along with photographs. Receipts confirming the payment of required fees are also required.

To establish the relationship between the sponsor and beneficiary, supporting evidence such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, or proof of common-law or conjugal partnership may be necessary.

Demonstrating financial eligibility is crucial, which can be done through documents like income tax returns, employment letters, or bank statements. In certain cases, proof of past marriages or relationships might also be required.

To complete the application process, police certificates from all countries where the sponsor or beneficiary has lived for six months or more since the age of 18, as well as medical examination results, are essential.

Ensuring that all these necessary documents are included will streamline the family sponsorship application process.

In conclusion, Family Class Sponsorship in Canada is not merely a legal procedure; it presents an opportunity to reunite and strengthen family bonds.

While it might appear overwhelming at first, with the right information and guidance, navigating through the process can be smooth.

Love transcends borders, and the joy of having loved ones by your side is well worth the effort. So, take a step forward and embark on this journey to sponsor your family.

Together, you can build a life filled with love, support, and cherished memories in the beautiful land of Canada.