Moving abroad and leaving behind family members is an emotional challenge. However, Canada offers an opportunity for families to reunite through the Family Class Sponsorship program. This initiative allows certain family members to become permanent residents of Canada, enabling them to live, work, and study in the country with you. If you are looking to bring your loved ones to Canada, understanding the family sponsorship process is essential.

Overview of Family Class Sponsorship

The Family Class Sponsorship program is designed to allow Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their family members for permanent residence. To qualify, certain requirements must be met by both the sponsor and the individual being sponsored. Family sponsorship is a significant commitment, but it brings the joy of reuniting with loved ones.

Key Eligibility Requirements

• Eligibility of the Sponsor:
  • You must be at least 18 years old.
  • You must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident.
  • You must be able to provide financial support for your family member(s) and sign an undertaking agreement.
• Eligible Family Members: The Family Class Sponsorship program allows for the sponsorship of various family members, including:
  • Spouse or Common-Law Partner: A spouse or common-law partner, whether inside or outside of Canada, can be sponsored.
  • Dependent Children: Children under 22 years of age who are not married or in a common-law relationship can be sponsored.
  • Parents and Grandparents: Canadian citizens or permanent residents may sponsor their parents or grandparents to reunite with them in Canada.
• Financial Support: As a sponsor, you are responsible for providing financial support to your family members. You must meet the minimum necessary income requirements to demonstrate that you can support them without relying on government assistance. This is a legal commitment that ensures the individual(s) you sponsor will not become a burden on social services.

Spousal Sponsorship: Reuniting with Your Partner

The spousal sponsorship program is one of the most commonly used immigration streams under the Family Class category. It is designed to reunite couples by allowing Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner. The Canadian government prioritizes these applications due to the importance of family reunification.

• Eligibility for Spousal Sponsorship: To be eligible to sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner, you must prove that your relationship is genuine and that you are financially stable to support them. Both in-Canada and outside Canada sponsorship applications are accepted.
• Processing Time: Spousal sponsorships are processed faster than other family sponsorship categories. Processing times for both in-Canada and out-of-Canada applications have been reduced to 12 months for 80% of cases, allowing couples to reunite quickly.
• Application Process:
  • Outside Canada: If your spouse is living abroad, you can submit an application for permanent residence. Once approved, they will receive a Spouse Visa, which allows them to become a permanent resident upon arrival in Canada.
  • Inside Canada: If your spouse is already in Canada, you can apply for an in-country spousal sponsorship. After approval, they will gain permanent resident status and can also apply for an open work permit while waiting for the decision.