When the world shut its doors during a global pandemic, it was Canada that remained open and welcoming of foreign nationals. Ever since, this spectacular country has been thriving at an exponential rate, given the unprecedented times of a global pandemic and other challenges.
But most importantly, what makes the Great White North even more appealing, is the fact that it places immense value on the reunification of families. How do we know this? Well, the introduction of the Canada Family Sponsorship speaks for itself.
Have you been living and working up in the north, wishing you had a relative close by? This is possible with the Family Class sponsorship program. In this article, we breakdown how the program works and go through the steps involved in the Canada sponsorship application process.
What is the Family Class Sponsorship Program?
The Canada Family Sponsorship aims to bring families together, enabling relatives to study and work in the country -provided they become permanent residents of Canada. In turn, you and your relatives get to make valuable memories while immersing yourselves into the rich Canadian culture.
Who Can I Sponsor?
You can sponsor your sibling, spouse, partner or dependent child. However, both you, as the sponsor, and the relative being sponsored, will be subject to certain criteria. For now, let’s take a closer look at the eligibility of both parties applying for the Canada Family Sponsorship.
Steps to the Canada Sponsorship Application Process
Below we break down a step-step process on how to go about applying for the Family Class Sponsorship Program, as well as the program requirements:
- Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
- Step 2: Know Who You Can Sponsor
- Step 3: Know How to Apply
- Step 4: What to Expect After You Apply
- Step 5: Prepare for the Day You Arrive
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before you can apply, you need to know if you qualify for the program. If you live and work in Canada as a permanent resident but would like to sponsor your relative, you stand a great chance. However, you need to be 18 years or older, be registered as a Canadian citizen or be a permanent resident.
If you’re living outside of Canada, you:
- Have to be a Canadian citizen and must plan to return so you can be present once your relative arrives in Canada;
- Understand that you can’t sponsor a relative if you’re a permanent resident residing out of Canada. You need to be inside the country when applying to sponsor and when the person arrives
- Must be able to prove that you won’t require any social assistance or government benefits, unless you’re disabled
You Can’t Sponsor a Relative if:
- you’ve been convicted of a violent or sexual crime and you’re in prison;
- you haven’t paid child support or are in arrears with child support;
- you have been declared bankrupt;
- you’ve received social assistance when you’re not disable;
- you’re in arrears with immigration payments or loans and
When compiling your Canada sponsorship application, bear in mind that different provinces will be subject to different conditions. For example, Quebec may require you to sign a contract in the form of an undertaking, which binds your sponsorship. if you fail to meet the sponsorship conditions or any other offense that was not listed.
Step 2: Know Who You Can Sponsor
You can sponsor the following persons:
- Your spouse who needs to be legally married to you and at least 18 years of age or older when applying for your Canada spousal sponsorship.
- Your common-law partner who shouldn’t be legally married to you, should be 18 years of age or older and should’ve been living with you for 12 months in a conjugal relationship without any separations. Any potential separation periods should’ve been temporary and short. Additionally, you will need to provide proof of a conjugal relationship – this can anything such as ownership of residential property being shared or joint leases or agreements.
- Your conjugal partner who shouldn’t be legally married to you or shouldn’t be in a common-law relationship with you. They should be 18 years of age or older, live outside of Canada and both parties should be in the relationship for at least one year. Additionally, they should be unable to live with you in their country of residence, nor should they be able to marry you due to legal and immigration circumstances or reasons. All of these factors that make up a conjugal relationship, would need to be proven when applying for sponsorship.
- Dependent children who should be under 22 years of age to classify as a “dependent child” and they shouldn’t have a spouse or common-law partner. They will also be classified as dependents if they’re not financially independent and if they have a physical or mental condition. Applicants must, therefore ensure that they meet both sets of criteria.
1. Make sure you have the Application Package
The package will contain a document checklist for both you, as the sponsor, and the person being sponsored. Additionally, it will contain the necessary forms required to fill out and an instruction guide.
You must ensure that you’re eligible to sponsor your relatives and take care of them once they join you, accurately list all relatives and ensure that your application is thoroughly completed. Lastly, we urge applicants to remain truthful in the information they provide, as failure in doing so will result in the application being rejected.
2. Pay the Application Fees
The fee for your Canada Family Sponsorship can’t be refunded. However, you will need to pay the fee for biometrics, right of permanent residence fee and processing fee, police clearance and other relevant fees, depending on the type of application or circumstance.
3. Submit your Application
You have to mail your application to the mailing address contained within the instruction guide. Alternatively, you could consider a courier service, which will enable you to track your application or you can use regular mail.
