FAMILY SPONSORSHIP
Canada, known for its multicultural tapestry, actively seeks to reunite families through its Family Sponsorship Program. This program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor eligible family members for permanent residence, enabling them to live, work, and study in Canada.
Understanding the program's intricacies is crucial for a successful application. Let's delve into the key aspects of Family Sponsorship in Canada:
Who Can Be Sponsored?
The program encompasses a range of eligible family members, including:
- Spouse or Common-Law Partner: This category allows you to sponsor your spouse or common-law partner, reuniting you and building a life together in Canada.
- Dependent Children: You can sponsor your dependent children, whether biological, adopted, or stepchildren. To be considered dependent, they must be under 22 years old and unmarried (with some exceptions for children with disabilities).
- Parents and Grandparents: A separate program stream exists for sponsoring your parents and grandparents. This program operates on a lottery system with a limited number of applications accepted each year.
Eligibility Requirements for Sponsors
To sponsor a family member, you must meet specific criteria:
- Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Residency: You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada, at least 18 years old.
- Residence: You must be residing in Canada, or if a citizen living abroad, have the intention to return to Canada once your sponsored relative becomes a permanent resident.
- Financial Ability: You need to demonstrate your ability to financially support your sponsored family member(s) for a specific period, currently three years. This involves proving sufficient income to meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirements set by the government.
- Undertaking: You are legally obligated to provide for the basic needs of your sponsored family members for the specified period.
Sponsorship Categories: Outland vs. Inland
The sponsorship process involves choosing the appropriate category based on your spouse's location:
- Outland Sponsorship: This applies if your family member resides outside Canada. Processing times for outland applications typically take longer, averaging around 12 months.
- Inland Sponsorship: This option is available if your family member is already in Canada on a valid temporary status, such as a work permit or student visa. Processing times for inland sponsorships tend to be faster.
Seeking Support for a Smooth Journey
Family sponsorship can be a complex process. Book a free initial consultation and discuss in detail.