Canada provides sponsorship programs for its citizens and permanent residents who want to reunite with their loved ones in Canada. These programs enable specific family members to obtain permanent residency in Canada. Among the highly favored pathways for immigration to Canada, family sponsorship programs facilitate the swift reunification of citizens and permanent residents with their spouses and immediate family members, featuring expedited processing times, as Canada recognizes the importance of not delaying family reunions.
Sponsorship encompasses two primary elements:
- It permits your family member to move to Canada and acquire permanent residency (PR).
- It entails a personal commitment from you to ensure their essential needs are met and to offer financial support to that individual.
To sponsor a family member, you need to fulfill certain eligibility criteria. Qualified sponsors should:
- Hold Canadian citizenship or permanent residency.
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Reside in Canada, or have intentions to return to Canada once your spouse or partner obtains permanent residency in the country.
- Demonstrate both the ability and willingness to support your family member’s essential financial requirements for a duration of three years.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor family members who want to immigrate to Canada through the following programs:
Spousal, Common-Law Partner or Conjugal Partner Sponsorship
You could qualify to sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residency in Canada, regardless of whether they are currently living within Canada with a valid temporary visa or residing abroad, under this program.
Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship
To sponsor a parent or grandparent, citizens and permanent residents must show their ability to provide financial support for their family by meeting the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) based on their family size. They must also commit to offering financial support to their sponsored family members when necessary. Those who meet the above requirements could sponsor their parents and grandparents to Canada as a Permanent Resident under this program.
However, those who cannot provide ongoing permanent support for their parents or grandparents may qualify for a Super Visa, which is a multi-entry, long-term visa designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, since Canada is always dedicated to reuniting family members.
Dependent Child Sponsorship
The child sponsorship program in Canada enables Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their biological or adopted children below the age of 22 for permanent residency, provided that these children are unmarried and do not have any children of their own.
However, a child who is older than 22 years can be classified as a dependent if they have a physical or mental condition that hinders their ability to be self-sufficient.
Other Close Relative Sponsorship
In highly particular circumstances, close relatives such as orphaned siblings, nephews, nieces, and grandchildren can potentially be sponsored to Canada. To sponsor an orphaned family member, they must be below 18 years of age, unmarried, and have a blood or adopted relationship with you.
