Reuniting with your family in Canada is a rewarding and life-changing experience. By understanding the various options for sponsoring family to Canada and following the application process carefully, you can successfully bring your loved ones to Canada and build a future together.
Navigating the process of sponsoring family to Canada may seem complex. However, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the key steps, ensuring you have the necessary information to effectively manage the application and reunite with your family in Canada.
Sponsoring family to Canada visa options
Canada values family unity highly and offers several options for sponsoring family to Canada. These family sponsorship visas are designed to facilitate reuniting with your loved ones, who must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Sponsoring family to Canada: Spouse, Common-Law, Conjugal Partner
Reuniting with your spouse or partner in Canada is a priority for many. You can sponsor your partner under three primary categories: spouse sponsorship, common-law partner sponsorship, and conjugal partner sponsorship.
Spouse Sponsorship
For spouse sponsorship, Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their legally married spouse for permanent residence in Canada. To qualify, both parties must provide proof of marriage and demonstrate a genuine relationship. This proof might include joint financial accounts, shared property, and photos or communications showing the relationship’s authenticity.
Common-Law Partner Sponsorship
If you are in a common-law relationship, you can use the common-law partner sponsorship option. This category applies to partners who have lived together in a conjugal relationship for at least one year. Provide evidence such as joint leases, shared utility bills, and affidavits from friends and family to support your application.
Conjugal Partner Sponsorship
Conjugal partner sponsorship is available for couples in a conjugal relationship for at least one year but unable to live together due to exceptional circumstances like immigration barriers. Applicants must present proof of emotional, financial, and social interdependence.
Sponsoring family to Canada: Other Categories
Dependent Child Sponsorship
Reuniting with your dependent children is another crucial aspect of sponsoring family to Canada. Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their biological or adopted children to join them in Canada.
To qualify as a dependent child, the applicant must be under 22 years old and not married or in a common-law relationship. Children over 22 may still qualify if financially dependent due to a physical or mental condition. Sponsors must provide proof of the child’s relationship and financial support.
Sponsoring family to Canada: Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP)
Canada also offers programs for sponsoring parents and grandparents, recognizing the importance of family support. The Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP) allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence.
This program is competitive, with a limited number of applications accepted through a lottery system. Successful applicants must meet income requirements to prove their financial capability to support their parents or grandparents.
Super Visa
The Super Visa offers a long-term, multiple-entry visa allowing parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to two years at a time. To apply, sponsors must provide proof of financial support and medical insurance coverage.
Canada offers additional categories for family sponsorship, catering to extended family members and those with humanitarian and compassionate reasons.
Other Relative Sponsorship
In specific situations, Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor other relatives, such as orphaned brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, or grandchildren under 18 years old. To sponsor these relatives, sponsors must prove that no other close family members could be sponsored under more direct categories. They must also demonstrate their financial ability to support the sponsored relative.
Extended Family Member Sponsorship
This category is available in limited situations, including aunts, uncles, or cousins, if you can demonstrate a need for sponsorship and the ability to support them financially.
Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds
For those who do not meet standard sponsorship requirements, Canada provides an option to apply on humanitarian and compassionate grounds. This is for individuals facing severe family separation, persecution, or other significant hardships. Applicants must provide substantial evidence to support their case for special consideration.