Overview of Family Sponsorship
You Can Sponsor
- Spouse
- Common law partner
- Dependent children
- Grandparents and Parents
- Brothers or sisters
- Granddaughters and Grandsons
- Adopted children – less than 18 yrs of age and unmarried
Family Class (for spouse/common law or conjugal partner and dependent children) and In Canada Class
The “In Canada class” allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents who live in Canada with their spouse or common law partner (In the same household) to sponsor them. With the sponsorship application, the foreign national (FN) may apply for an open work permit (only in an “In Canada class application)
The Family Class allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents who do not live together with their spouse/common law or conjugal partner to sponsor them.
The average processing time for this program is twelve (12) months.
General Requirements For The Sponsor
- At least 18 years old
- A Canadian citizen, a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act or a permanent resident,
- Living in Canada:
O if you’re a Canadian citizen living outside Canada, you must show that you plan to live in Canada when your sponsored relative becomes a permanent resident. (In Canada class applicants MUST live Inside Canada).
O You can’t sponsor someone if you’re a permanent resident living outside of Canada.
- able to prove that you are not receiving social assistance for reasons other than a disability
You must also be able to show that you can provide basic needs for:
- Yourself
- Your spouse or partner
- Your spouse or partner’s dependent child(ren) (if applicable)
- Your dependent child(ren) (if you’re sponsoring only your dependent child).
General Requirements for the Person Being Sponsored
Can be either sex and must be:
For a spouse:
- legally married to the sponsor
- At least 18 years old
For common-law partner
- Isn’t legally married to the sponsor
- Can be either sex
- Is at least 18 years old
- Has been living with the sponsor for at least 12 consecutive months, meaning you’ve been living together continuously for 1 year in a conjugal relationship, without any long periods apart
Any time spent away from each other should have been
- short
- temporary
Children Under 18 Sponsorships
The Government of Canada prioritizes family reunification by allowing the sponsorship of dependent children for permanent residency. Parents who meet sponsorship requirements can submit applications for their children under 18 to become Canadian PRs.
Note: Canada has a separate process for sponsoring adopted children.
The Canadian federal government, through IRCC, believes that reuniting families enhances social well-being and contributes positively to the economy. For more details, please contact us.
CONTACT US TODAY!
Are you planning to bring your child to Canada to live with you? Contact Us today!
We can assist you with the sponsorship application process to send your child under the age of 18 to Canada. We are licensed immigration consultants in Canada and are always available to assist you with your application, help you prepare the appropriate documents, submit your application, follow up and inform you of the status of your application.
For more information, please contact us today for a consultation.
