Navigating the Canadian immigration system can be complex; family sponsorship programs offer a structured pathway to bring loved ones to Canada permanently. Whether you’re a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, you might be eligible to sponsor family members to join you in this diverse and vibrant country. This blog outlines key details of Canada’s family and refugee sponsorship programs, providing insights into eligibility, processes, and responsibilities.
Understanding Family Sponsorship Programs
Canada’s Family Sponsorship Program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring close family members to Canada as permanent residents. The program is designed to reunite families and enable them to start new lives together. Here’s a closer look at who can be sponsored and the eligibility criteria.
Who Can Be Sponsored?
- Spouse or Partner:
- Spouse: A legally married partner, regardless of gender.
- Common-law Partner: A person with whom you have lived, in a marriage-like relationship, for at least one year.
- Children:
- Dependent Children: Children under 22 who are unmarried and not in a common-law relationship. Children over 22 may be eligible if they are financially dependent due to a physical or mental condition.
- Parents and Grandparents:
- To sponsor parents or grandparents, you must first submit an “interest to sponsor” form. The government of Canada invites a limited number of applicants to apply for sponsorship under this category.
- Other Relatives:
- In specific circumstances, you may sponsor orphaned siblings, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren under the age of 18.
Eligibility Criteria
To sponsor a family member, you must:
- Be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or an individual registered under the Canadian Indian Act.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Demonstrate the ability and willingness to provide financial support for the sponsored family member(s).
Certain conditions and income guidelines apply, affecting sponsorship of spouses, partners, or children and other relatives. There are specific financial requirements to ensure you can support them adequately for a period of time.
The Sponsorship Process
The process of sponsoring a family member involves several steps:
- Submit an Application: Complete and submit the appropriate sponsorship application and forms, including copies of required documentation.
- Financial Undertaking: You must provide financial support for your family member(s) for a specific period of time; the time varies depending on the type of sponsorship. For example, support for parents and grandparents lasts for 20 years, while support for a spouse or partner is required for 3 years.
- Application Processing: After filing, the application is reviewed by immigration authorities. If approved, your family member(s) will be granted permanent residency; they can start their new life in Canada.
Private Sponsorship of Refugees
In addition to family sponsorship, Canada offers the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program, which allows private groups or individuals to sponsor refugees. This program provides refugees with a lifeline, helping them find safety and stability in Canada.
Eligibility for Sponsorship
Refugees who can be sponsored under this program include:
- Convention Refugees: Individuals who have fled their home country due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, social group, or political opinion.
- Country of Asylum Class: Those who have been seriously affected by conflict or human rights violations and cannot find a durable solution in their current country of refuge.
Types of Sponsors
- Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs): Organisations with formal agreements with the Canadian government to sponsor refugees.
- Groups of Five (G5): Groups of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who come together to sponsor a refugee.
- Community Sponsors (CSs): Organisations or community groups that sponsor refugees and provide support.
Responsibilities of Sponsors
Sponsors must assist with various aspects of the refugee’s resettlement, including:
- Meeting them upon arrival.
- Finding suitable housing and providing start-up costs.
- Offering ongoing support for basic needs, such as food and transportation.
- Helping with language learning and employment.
What Happens if Your Application is Refused?
If your sponsorship application is refused, you will receive a written decision. You can appeal this decision to the Immigration and Refugee Board within 30 days. Consulting with an immigration lawyer provides valuable assistance in navigating the appeal process.
Get Expert Help!
Sponsoring family members for permanent residence to Canada can be complex; having the right support is crucial. At BRT, we offer a user-friendly platform to connect you with experienced legal professionals who can guide you through the sponsorship process. Our platform ensures you find a licensed and vetted lawyer or paralegal to assist you in making your sponsorship journey smoother and more successful.Visit BRT to find the right legal professional for your sponsorship needs and start your journey today!
Read about: Permanent Residency Application in Canada
