• by Western Edge Immigrations Services
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Canada has long prioritized family reunification as a core part of its immigration policy, offering various pathways to help citizens and permanent residents bring their loved ones to join them in Canada. Known as Family Sponsorship, this program enables eligible Canadians to sponsor their close family members for permanent residency, fostering family unity and enriching Canadian society. For many, family sponsorship is a vital step in their journey to settle and thrive in Canada.

In this blog, we’ll explore the basics of Canada’s Family Sponsorship Program, including who can be sponsored, eligibility requirements, the application process, and how WE Immigration Services can assist you in bringing your family closer.

Who Can Be Sponsored Under Family Sponsorship?

Canada’s Family Sponsorship Program allows citizens and permanent residents to sponsor several categories of family members. The primary groups include:

1. Spouse or Common-Law Partner: Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to come to Canada as permanent residents. This option is open to both opposite- and same-sex couples, provided they meet the relationship requirements.
2. Dependent Children: Parents can sponsor their biological or adopted children who are considered dependents. Dependent children are usually those under 22 years old, though there are exceptions for those over 22 with specific conditions, such as a mental or physical dependency on the sponsor.
3. Parents and Grandparents: Canadian citizens and permanent residents can also sponsor their parents and grandparents, though this stream is highly popular and operates on a lottery system due to the limited number of available spots. Successful applicants receive permanent residency, while the Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for extended periods as long-term visitors.
4. Other Relatives: In rare cases, Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor a relative who does not fall into the above categories. This generally applies to those who have no other immediate family in Canada and are otherwise without close relatives abroad.

Eligibility Requirements for Family Sponsorship

Family sponsorship involves specific eligibility requirements that both the sponsor and the sponsored individual must meet:

• Sponsor Requirements: The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident aged 18 or older. They must demonstrate the ability to financially support their sponsored family member, ensuring they don’t need government assistance. In some cases, the sponsor may need to meet certain income thresholds, particularly when sponsoring parents or grandparents.
• Sponsored Individual Requirements: The sponsored person must also meet eligibility requirements, which vary based on the relationship to the sponsor. For instance, a spouse must prove the validity of their relationship, while a dependent child must meet the age and dependency criteria. All sponsored individuals must pass medical and security checks as part of the immigration process.

The Application Process for Family Sponsorship

The family sponsorship process involves several steps:

1. Submit Sponsorship and PR Applications: The sponsor must first apply to sponsor their family member. The sponsored individual also needs to submit a permanent residency application. Both applications are typically submitted together to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
2. Application Review: IRCC reviews the applications to confirm that all requirements are met. This process may include verifying the relationship, reviewing the sponsor’s financial stability, and assessing the admissibility of the sponsored person through medical exams and background checks.
3. Processing Time: Processing times vary depending on the relationship and the country of residence of the sponsored person. Spousal sponsorships, for instance, generally take around 12 months, while parent and grandparent sponsorships can take longer.
4. Decision and Arrival: Once approved, the sponsored family member is granted permanent residency and can move to Canada. They’ll have the same rights and responsibilities as other permanent residents, including access to healthcare, education, and the right to work.

How WE Immigration Services Can Help with Family Sponsorship

Navigating the family sponsorship process can be challenging, especially with the emotional weight of reuniting with loved ones. WE Immigration Services offers professional assistance to guide you through every step of the sponsorship journey. Our team of Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) can help:

• Assess your eligibility and the eligibility of your family members.
• Ensure that all documentation is complete and accurate.
• Guide you through potential complexities, such as proving a spousal relationship or meeting income requirements.
• Provide up-to-date information on processing times and requirements.

Our expertise can help make the sponsorship process smoother and increase the likelihood of a successful application.

Final Thoughts

Canada’s Family Sponsorship Program offers a unique opportunity for families to reunite and thrive together in one of the world’s most welcoming countries. With the right guidance, you can bring your loved ones closer and help them establish a new life in Canada.

If you’re interested in learning more about family sponsorship or starting an application, contact WE Immigration Services today. Let us help you bring your family one step closer to making Canada home.