How to Sponsor Your Family Member to Immigrate to Canada

Canada welcomes immigrants in order to strengthen its economy, reunite families, and help refugees. Within the 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan, the family sponsorship category is the second largest category of newcomers welcomed by Canada.

Canada’s family sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor close family members for permanent residence in Canada. This program is designed to reunite families by enabling eligible sponsors to bring their relatives to live in Canada permanently. 

Canada Needs Immigrants

Canada has one of the world’s lowest birth rates and oldest populations, which creates economic growth issues for the country. As a way to remedy this issue, Canada has increased its immigration levels since the 1980s in order to grow its population and labour force.

Recently, the country has welcomed over 400,000 immigrants per year, leaving the immigration rate at around 1.2%. This is approximately three times more immigrants per capita than the United States of America.

For the time being, Canada will continue to gradually increase its immigration levels. Immigration remains an important endeavour to support a healthy economy.

Determine Your Eligibility 

In order to apply and legally have your family member move to Canada, both you and the person you are sponsoring must be eligible for sponsorship. 

Sponsor’s Eligibility 

As a sponsor, you must be at least 18 years of age or older. You must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident (PR). You also have to be financially able to support the family member, as well as yourself. The family member you sponsor should not require social assistance from the government. 

You should also not be in prison, bankrupt, or under a removal order as a permanent resident, nor charged with a serious offence. For more information on income and sponsorship, see Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

The rules are a little different if you are a resident of Quebec, so make sure to consult the province of Quebec’s immigration website for more information.

Sponsored Person’s Eligibility 

The individual you sponsor must be a close family member, such as a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, dependent child, parent, grandparent, orphaned sibling, nephew, niece, or grandchild. 

If they are a dependent, they must be under the age of 22 years and not have a spouse or common-law partner. If they are over 22 years of age, they must be financially dependent on their parents due to a physical or mental condition. 

Gather Your Documents

Make sure to assemble all of the required documentation needed for applying for sponsorship. This includes proof of relationship, which are documents like marriage certificates and birth certificates. Financial documents like proof of income and tax returns, and employment letters, as well as proof of status in Canada, like citizenship records, or a permanent resident card.

Complete the Application Package and Checklist

The application process is conducted online through the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. This website contains a checklist to help you make sure you have all required documents.

Submit Your Documents Online

Make sure to follow the complete guide for sponsorship applications found on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

Processing and Additional Requests

The IRCC will review your application after you submit it online. This can take several months, depending on the type of sponsorship and your specific circumstances. 

Be prepared to provide additional information or documentation if requested by the IRCC. The person you are sponsoring may have to undergo a medical examination by an IRCC-approved panel physician, as well as provide police certificates from countries where they have lived for six months or more since the age of 18.

Decision and Arrival to Canada

The IRCC will notify you of their decision. If approved, the sponsored person will receive instructions on how to proceed with their permanent residence in Canada.

A Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a visa (if required) will be issued in order to travel to Canada. Upon arrival, the sponsored person needs to present their COPR and other documents to a border services officer in order to finalize their permanent resident status. The sponsored person will receive their PR card either by mail or by visiting at an IRCC office. 

Make sure to stay informed by frequently checking the IRCC website for update and changes to immigration policies and procedures. 

It is recommended to seek professional help from an immigration lawyer if you can afford it for assistance with complex cases or if you have questions about the process.

Be prepared for potential interviews. It is possible that the IRCC will want to interview you and the sponsored person to verify the authenticity of the relationship and other details of the application. 

Conclusion

Navigating Canada’s family sponsorship program can be a complex but rewarding process, facilitating the reunion of families and contributing to Canada’s vibrant multicultural society. As Canada continues to prioritize immigration as a means of economic growth and family reunification, the family sponsorship category remains pivotal in welcoming new residents to the country. By understanding the eligibility criteria, gathering necessary documents, and following the application process diligently, sponsors can greatly increase their chances of successfully bringing their loved ones to Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can sponsor a family member to immigrate to Canada?

To sponsor a family member, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, be at least 18 years old, and be able to financially support the sponsored family member. The sponsored person can be a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, dependent child, parent, grandparent, orphaned sibling, nephew, niece, or grandchild.

2. What documents are required for a family sponsorship application?

You will need documents proving your relationship (e.g., marriage certificates, birth certificates), financial documents (e.g., proof of income, tax returns), employment letters, and proof of status in Canada (e.g., citizenship records, permanent resident card).

3. How long does it take to process a family sponsorship application?

Processing times vary depending on the type of sponsorship and individual circumstances, but it generally takes several months. Additional requests for information or documents may extend this timeframe.

4. What happens after the application is approved?

If approved, the sponsored person will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and, if required, a visa to travel to Canada. Upon arrival, they must present these documents to finalize their permanent resident status with a border services officer.

5. Are there additional steps or requirements after arriving in Canada?

After arrival, the sponsored person will receive their permanent resident card either by mail or by visiting an Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) office. It’s important to stay informed about any updates or changes to immigration policies by checking the IRCC website regularly.

6. Should I seek professional help for my family sponsorship application?

While not mandatory, seeking advice from an immigration lawyer can be beneficial, especially for complex cases or if you have specific questions about the process. Lawyers can provide guidance on legal matters and ensure that your application meets all requirements.

For more information, consult the following links:

Sponsor a Family Member in Canada

Sponsor a Family Member in Quebec