Family Class Sponsorship
Family class sponsorship in Canada is a program that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor certain family members to come and live in Canada as permanent residents. This program is designed to help reunite families and allow close relatives to live together in Canada. The family members who can be sponsored under this program include:
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1. Spouse or Common-Law Partner:
You can sponsor your spouse (legally married) or common-law partner (living together in a conjugal relationship for at least one year). -
2. Dependent Children:
You can sponsor your dependent children, including adopted children and orphaned relatives under certain conditions. -
3. Parents and Grandparents:
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can also sponsor their parents and grandparents. -
4. Other Relatives:
In some cases, you may be able to sponsor other eligible relatives, such as siblings, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren if they meet specific criteria.
To be eligible to sponsor a family member, you must meet certain
requirements,
including being at least 18 years old, being a Canadian citizen or
permanent resident, and demonstrating the ability to support the family
member financially.
You will also need to sign a sponsorship agreement, committing to
providing financial support for the sponsored family member.
The sponsored family members will need to meet certain eligibility
criteria as well, including passing medical exams and security checks.
The process for family class sponsorship typically involves several steps:
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1. Eligibility Assessment:
Both the sponsor and the sponsored family member(s) must meet the eligibility requirements. -
2. Submit Application:
The sponsor submits a sponsorship application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). -
3. Processing Time:
IRCC reviews the application and processes it. Processing times can vary depending on the relationship and the specific circumstances. -
4. Decision:
Once the application is processed, IRCC will make a decision on the sponsorship application. If approved, the sponsored family member(s) will be issued a permanent resident visa. -
5. Arrival in Canada:
The sponsored family member(s) can then come to Canada as permanent residents. -
6. Financial Responsibility:
The sponsor is financially responsible for the sponsored family member(s) for a specified period.
It's important to note that the sponsorship process can be complex, and it's advisable to consult the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or seek legal advice to ensure that you meet all the requirements and complete the application correctly. The rules and requirements may also change over time, so it's essential to check the most up-to-date information from IRCC.
