The Spousal Sponsorship Visa

For permanent residency in Canada, Canadian citizens or permanent residents may sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner. To qualify as a sponsor, you must provide proof of your relationship and demonstrate your ability to financially support the sponsored family member.

Length of Undertaking

When you sponsor a family member for permanent residency in Canada, you are required to provide financial support and assistance for a specific period.

The undertaking is for three years from the date the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident for spouses, common-law partners, or conjugal partners.

Help for Abused Spouses or Partners

If your life partner is experiencing abuse and you are sponsoring them, there are resources and support available. The Government of Canada administers the Family Violence Initiative, a programme that provides financial support for services like crisis counselling, shelters, and legal aid to individuals who have experienced family violence.

If you were sponsored to come to Canada as a spouse or partner, and your relationship with your sponsor ended within three years of becoming a permanent resident, you may face a five-year sponsorship bar. This means that you will only be able to sponsor another person after five years.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as if your sponsor mistreated or neglected you, or if you and your partner have children who would suffer if you were unable to sponsor someone else.

Sponsoring Your Partner Who Lives With You in Canada

If you are sponsoring your spouse or common-law partner who currently resides in Canada, the process is slightly different. Although you will still be required to fulfil the eligibility criteria and submit supporting documentation, your sponsored family member will not require a visa to enter Canada. Rather, they will submit an application for permanent residency from within Canada. This process may be more expeditious than sponsoring an individual who resides outside of Canada.

How to Apply? 

If you are considering sponsoring your life partner first, you should seek an initial consultation with an immigration lawyer or consultant to better understand the process and your responsibilities as a sponsor. If you are interested, please book a consultation with one of our licensed consultants.

Child Dependent Visa

A parent can sponsor a child who meets the IRCC’s definition of a child. Sponsoring a dependent child necessitates additional documentation, such as their birth certificate and proof of their relationship with the sponsor. It’s also worth noting that on October 24, 2017, the age limit for dependent children changed from under 19 to under 22. This means that if you have a child aged 19 to 21, they may still be eligible for sponsorship if they meet certain criteria.

Length of Undertaking

Sponsoring a family member for permanent residence in Canada means you have to help them financially for a designated period of time.

For dependent children over the age of 22, the undertaking lasts three years from the date they become permanent residents.

If the dependent child is under the age of twenty-two, the undertaking lasts for ten years, or until they turn twenty-five, at which point they become a permanent resident.

Sponsoring Adopted Child

If you adopted a child from another country, you may be able to sponsor them for permanent residency in Canada. The process involves providing proof of adoption and demonstrating that you have the financial resources to support your child.

The person you are sponsoring might still need to include the child in their application if the child is in the sole custody of a former spouse. The relationship between the sponsor and the child, as well as any existing legal agreements or court orders, will determine the precise requirements and documentation required.

Keep in mind that the child’s inclusion in the application is mandatory, regardless of whether or not the child is actually migrating to Canada with the sponsored relative. This impacts both the total processing time of the application and the MNI requirement.

Assume that you are sponsoring a child who is not in your custody. In that case, gathering all required documents, such as birth certificates, custody agreements, and permission from the other parent or legal guardian, is critical. This can help ensure that the application process runs smoothly and without delays or complications.

How to Apply? 

You should talk to an immigration lawyer or consultant first if you want to sponsor your child. They can explain the process and sponsoring requirements. You can book a meeting with one of our licensed consultants here if you’re interested.

Parents/Grand Parents Dependent Visa

The Family Sponsorship Programme enables Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor qualifying family members for permanent residency in Canada. Canada is a country that appreciates and promotes family reunification through its immigration policies. One of the most prevalent types of family sponsorship in Canada is for parents and grandparents.

To be considered a sponsor, you must meet certain income standards and show that you have the financial resources to assist your sponsored family members. You must also give proof of your relationship to your parents or grandparents.

Eligibility Criteria 

You have to fulfil the following criteria in order to sponsor your parents or grandparents:

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Meet the minimum income requirements for sponsoring your family member(s).
• Agree to provide financial support for your family member(s) for a set period after they arrive in Canada.
• Please submit a thorough application and accompanying materials.

Length of Undertaking

To apply for permanent residency in Canada as a family sponsor, you must provide monetary support and assistance for a set period of time.

For parents and grandparents, the undertaking lasts twenty years from the date the sponsored individual becomes a permanent resident.

Please keep in mind that the number of applications accepted each year is limited, so you should apply as soon as the programme starts.

Once approved, your parents or grandparents will be awarded permanent residency in Canada, allowing them to live, work, and study there. They will also be eligible for government-funded healthcare, education, and social services.

How to Apply? 

If you qualify and can assist your family financially, this programme can change your life. A licensed immigration consultant or lawyer can help with the application procedure if you require further information. Book a consultation with one of our licensed immigration consultants. 

Your Obligations

As a sponsor,

• You must financially support your sponsored family member for three to ten years, depending on their age and relationship with you. This assistance includes basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing.
• You are also responsible for making sure that the family member you are sponsoring does not need government assistance during this time.
• You must also offer social and emotional support to the family member you have sponsored.

Are You Eligible to Sponsor A Family Member?

The eligibility requirements for being a sponsor are as follows:

• The sponsored family member must be the Canadian citizen or permanent resident sponsor’s spouse, common-law partner, dependent child, parent, grandparent, sibling, niece or nephew, or grandchild
• The sponsor must also meet specific eligibility requirements, such as being at least 18 years old
• Residing in Canada
• Not being in default on any immigration loans or commitments
• The sponsor must also demonstrate that they are not receiving social assistance and have the resources to support the family member they are sponsoring.

Sponsor Your Other Relatives

Canada also permits individuals to sponsor other relatives, including siblings, nieces or nephews, cousins, and grandparents. This sponsorship, however, is only feasible in exceptional circumstances and subject to specific limitations. So, for instance, the sponsored relative must be under the age of 18 and not have any living parents.

Processing Time

Processing time varies based on factors such as 

• The sponsor’s relationship with the sponsored family member, 
• The sponsored person’s country of origin, and 
• The application’s submission.