1. What is a Family Sponsorship visa for Canada?
A Family Sponsorship visa for Canada is a type of Canadian immigration program that allows a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor their eligible family members to come to Canada and become permanent residents. This visa category helps families reunite and stay together in Canada. The sponsored family members can include a spouse or common-law partner, dependent children, parents, grandparents, and other eligible relatives.2. Who can sponsor a Family Sponsorship visa for Canada?
A Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is at least 18 years old and meets certain income requirements can sponsor their eligible family members to come to Canada through the Family Sponsorship program. They must also prove their ability to support the sponsored family members financially for a certain period of time.
3. What are the eligibility criteria for sponsors under the Family Sponsorship visa?
To be eligible as a sponsor under the Family Sponsorship visa, an individual must:
– Be at least 18 years old
– Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
– Prove that they can provide financial support to their sponsored family members
– Meet minimum income requirements
– Sign an agreement with the Canadian government promising to provide financial support for their sponsored family member
– Not have any criminal record and pass background checks
– Not be in default of any previous sponsorship agreements
4. Who are considered eligible family members under the Family Sponsorship visa?
The following individuals may be eligible as sponsored family members under the Family Sponsorship visa:
– Spouse or common-law partner
– Dependent children (under 22 years old)
– Children above 22 years old who are financially dependent on their parents due to disability or full-time studies
– Parents and grandparents
– Brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces or grandchildren if they are orphaned, under 18 years old and not married or in a common-law relationship
5. What is the process for sponsoring a Family Sponsorhip visa?
The process for sponsoring a Family Sponsorship visa typically involves the following steps:
1. Check eligibility: The sponsor should ensure that they meet all the requirements to be eligible to sponsor their family members.
2. Submit sponsorship application: The sponsor must submit a complete sponsorship application and pay the required fees. This includes forms, supporting documents, and proof of relationship with the sponsored family member.
3. Wait for approval: The Canadian government will review the application and make a decision on whether to approve or refuse it.
4. Submit permanent residence application: If the sponsorship is approved, the sponsored family member can then submit an application for permanent residence.
5. Medical and background checks: The sponsored family member must undergo medical examinations and security/background checks as part of their application process.
6. Receive final decision: Once all necessary steps have been completed, the sponsored family member will receive a final decision on their permanent residence status.
6. How long does it take to process a Family Sponsorship visa?
The processing time for a Family Sponsorship visa can vary depending on various factors such as the country of origin of the sponsored family member, number of applications being processed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and completeness of documentation provided by the sponsor and sponsored family member. On average, it takes around 12-18 months for a spouse or common-law partner sponsorship application to be processed, while parent/grandparent sponsorships may take up to 20-24 months.
7. Is there any limit on how many people can be sponsored under the Family Sponsorship program?
There are annual quotas set by IRCC for certain categories under the Family Sponsorship program, such as parents and grandparents sponsorships. These quotas may change from year to year, so it’s important for sponsors to check with IRCC before applying.
8. Can I still apply if I have been previously refused sponsorship?
Depending on the specific reason why their previous sponsorship application was refused, a sponsor may still be eligible to apply for the Family Sponsorship program. It’s best to seek guidance from a legal professional or immigration consultant in this situation.
9. Can sponsored family members work in Canada?
Yes, sponsored family members can work in Canada if they have been granted permanent residence through the Family Sponsorship program. Spouses and common-law partners may also be eligible for an open work permit while their application is being processed.
10. Is there a minimum income requirement for sponsors under the Family Sponsorship program?
Yes, sponsors are required to meet certain income requirements set by IRCC in order to demonstrate their ability to support their sponsored family members financially. The specific required amount will depend on the size of the sponsor’s household and where they reside in Canada.
2. Who is eligible to apply for a Family Sponsorship visa?
A family sponsorship visa is available for individuals who are at least 18 years old and are either:
1. Permanent residents or citizens of the country they wish to sponsor their family members to;
2. Ineligible to return to their home country due to humanitarian or compassionate reasons; or
3. Registered as an eligible sponsor under the Family Sponsorship Program.
Additionally, individuals must meet the financial requirements and have the ability to provide care and support for their sponsored family members. Sponsored family members can include spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners, dependent children, parents, grandparents, siblings, niece/nephew (under 18 years old and orphaned) or any other relatives if there are no other relatives listed above and the sponsor has no living relative in Canada (exceptional cases only).
3. How long does it take to process a Family Sponsorship visa in Canada?
The processing time for a Family Sponsorship visa in Canada can vary depending on several factors, including the type of sponsorship application (inland or outland), the country of nationality of the sponsored person, and the completeness of the application.As of January 2021, the average processing time for an inland sponsorship application is approximately 12 months. For outland sponsorship applications, the average processing time is approximately 23 months.
It is important to note that these times are only estimates and may vary based on individual circumstances and changes in immigration policies. It is always recommended to regularly check the Government of Canada’s website for updated processing times.
4. Can I sponsor my parents or grandparents for immigration to Canada?
Yes, you can sponsor your parents or grandparents for immigration to Canada under the Family Class sponsorship program. To be eligible, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, at least 18 years old, and meet specific income requirements. You will also need to prove that you can financially support your parents or grandparents for up to 20 years after their arrival in Canada. Additionally, your parents or grandparents must pass medical and criminal admissibility checks. 5. What are the financial requirements for sponsoring family members under the Family Sponsorship program?
The financial requirements for sponsoring family members under the Family Sponsorship program vary depending on the number of family members being sponsored, as well as the province or territory of residence of the sponsor. Generally, sponsors must demonstrate that they have enough income to support their family members and prevent them from relying on government assistance. Sponsors must also sign an undertaking to financially support the sponsored individuals for a specific period of time. The minimum necessary income required varies from year to year and is determined by Statistics Canada’s Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) and the size of the sponsor’s family unit.
6. Is there an age limit for sponsoring family members through the Family Sponsorship program?
There is no specific age limit for sponsoring family members through the Family Sponsorship program. However, the sponsor must be at least 18 years old and must meet certain income requirements to demonstrate that they can financially support their sponsored family member. Additionally, there may be age restrictions on who can be sponsored, such as a maximum age limit for dependent children or parents. It is best to check with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for specific details on age requirements for different types of sponsorships.
7. Can I sponsor my spouse or common-law partner if they are living outside of Canada?
Yes, you can sponsor your spouse or common-law partner if they are living outside of Canada. However, there are certain eligibility requirements that must be met, such as proving the genuineness of the relationship and meeting financial eligibility criteria. You will also have to submit a sponsorship application and an application for permanent residence on behalf of your spouse or partner. There may also be additional documents required depending on the country they are residing in. It is important to carefully follow all instructions and provide accurate information to avoid delays or refusal of the sponsorship application. It is recommended to seek legal advice from a licensed immigration lawyer to ensure a successful sponsorship application.
8. Do I need to provide proof of relationship when sponsoring a family member for immigration to Canada?
Yes, when sponsoring a family member for immigration to Canada, you will need to provide proof of your relationship with them. This can include documents such as:
– Birth certificates
– Marriage certificates
– Divorce or annulment papers
– Adoption papers
– Custody or guardianship documents
– DNA test results (if requested by immigration officials)
You may also need to provide additional evidence, such as photos, letters, and emails, to support your claim of a genuine relationship with your family member. It is important to provide sufficient evidence to prove the authenticity of your relationship in order for the sponsorship application to be successful.
9. What are the different forms required for a Family Sponsorship visa application?
The different forms required for a Family Sponsorship visa application vary depending on the country and specific visa category. However, some of the common forms that may be required include:
1. Application for Sponsorship and Undertaking (Form I-864): This form is required for sponsoring an immediate relative or family member for a green card in the United States.
2. Affidavit of Support (Form I-134): This form is required when sponsoring a family member for a non-immigrant visa to travel to the United States.
3. Sponsorship Evaluation Form: In some countries, sponsors are required to undergo an evaluation by a government agency or accredited organization to determine their financial ability to support their family members.
4. Visa Application Forms: The sponsored family member will need to fill out the appropriate visa application form for their country of residence, such as Form DS-160 for US visas or Form 1419 for Australian visas.
5. Identity and Civil Status Documents: Both the sponsor and the sponsored family member will need to provide proof of identity and civil status, such as birth certificates, passports, marriage certificates, etc.
6. Proof of Relationship: Evidence must be provided to show the relationship between the sponsor and the sponsored family member, such as birth certificates, marriage certificate, photos together, etc.
7. Financial Documents: Sponsors may be required to provide financial documents such as bank statements or tax returns to prove their ability to support their family members financially.
8. Police Clearance Certificate: Sponsors and/or sponsored family members may be required to provide police clearance certificates from each country they have resided in over a certain period of time.
9. Medical Examination Report: Some countries require that sponsored immigrants undergo a medical examination before their visa application can be approved.
It is important to check with the appropriate embassy or consulate for a complete list of required forms and documents specific to your case before submitting your visa application.
10. Do I need to provide biometrics when applying for a Family Sponsorship visa in Canada?
Yes, most applicants applying for a Family Sponsorship visa in Canada are required to provide biometrics. This includes fingerprinting and a digital photograph. Biometrics are used to verify the identity of the applicant and to conduct background checks for security purposes.The biometric fee is CAD $85 per person or CAD $170 per family applying together. Children under the age of 14 and persons over the age of 79 are exempt from the biometric requirement.
If you have previously provided biometrics to the Government of Canada within the last 10 years, you may not need to provide them again. You can check if your biometrics are still valid by using the Check Biometric Status tool on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
If your biometrics are not valid, you will be required to provide them again when submitting your application.
It is important to follow any instructions given by IRCC regarding biometrics as failure to do so may result in delays or refusal of your application.
11. Can my spouse work in Canada while their sponsorship application is being processed?
Yes, your spouse can work in Canada while their sponsorship application is being processed if they have a valid work permit. If they do not have a valid work permit, they may be able to apply for an open work permit through the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class program. This will allow them to work for any employer in Canada while the sponsorship application is being processed. They will need to meet certain eligibility criteria and provide proof of their relationship with you as well as proof of your sponsorship.
12. Can I appeal if my sponsorship application is rejected?
Yes, you may be able to appeal the decision if your sponsorship application is rejected. The specific details and process for appeals may vary depending on the country where you submitted your application. It is important to carefully review the rejection letter and follow any instructions provided on how to appeal the decision. You may also want to consider consulting with an immigration lawyer for assistance with your appeal.
13. How do I prove that I can support my sponsored family member financially in Canada?
1. Show Proof of Income: Provide documents such as bank statements, salary slips, tax returns, employment letters, or any other proof that demonstrates your stable income and ability to financially support the sponsored family member.
2. Proof of Employment: If you have a job offer or are currently employed in Canada, provide a job contract and proof of current employment status to show that you have a steady source of income.
3. Letter of Support: Write a letter explaining your relationship with the sponsored family member and your intention to financially support them during their stay in Canada. Mention your financial stability and ability to provide for them without any external assistance.
4. Sponsorship Undertaking Form: As part of the sponsorship application process, you will need to complete an undertaking form where you agree to financially support the sponsored family member for their basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing.
5. Provide Bank Statements: Submit recent bank statements as evidence of your financial stability and ability to cover additional expenses for the sponsored family member’s education or medical care if needed.
6. Show Assets and Investments: If you own assets or investments such as property, stocks, bonds, etc., provide supporting documents that demonstrate your financial capacity to support the sponsored family member during their stay in Canada.
7. Proof of Accommodation: If you own or rent accommodation in Canada where the sponsored family member will reside, provide documents like lease agreements or mortgage statements that showcase your responsibility for their housing expenses.
8. The Minimum Necessary Income Requirement (MNI): As a sponsor, you must meet minimum income requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Check IRCC’s website for current MNI requirements based on the size of your household.
9. Co-Signer Option: If you cannot meet the MNI requirement on your own, you can include a co-signer who meets the criteria and is willing to share financial responsibility with you.
10. Provide Additional Documents: Depending on the type of sponsorship application, you may be required to provide additional documents, such as a notarized affidavit of support, that verifies your ability to financially support the sponsored family member.
11. Show Previous Sponsorship Experience: If you have sponsored family members to Canada before and met all sponsorship obligations, it positively reflects your capability to fulfill financial responsibilities towards the new sponsored family member.
12. Hiring an Immigration Consultant or Lawyer: Seeking assistance from a reputable immigration consultant or lawyer can help strengthen your sponsorship application and increase the chances of proving your financial ability to support your sponsored family member in Canada.
13. Appeal Decision: If your sponsorship application is rejected due to insufficient proof of financial capacity, you have the option to appeal the decision by providing additional evidence supporting your financial capability.
14. Do I need to have Canadian citizenship or permanent residency in order to sponsor family members?
Yes, in order to sponsor family members for immigration to Canada, you must either be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident. If you are not a citizen but hold temporary status, such as a student or work permit, you are not eligible to sponsor family members.
15. Can I sponsor multiple family members under one application?
No, each family member will need to have their own separate application and sponsorship process.
16. What happens if my sponsored family member becomes ineligible after the application has been submitted?
If your sponsored family member becomes ineligible after the application has been submitted, their application will likely be refused. You may have the option to withdraw your sponsorship, but this will not prevent the refusal of their application. It is important to carefully assess your sponsored family member’s eligibility before submitting their application. If they do become ineligible and you are still able to sponsor them in the future, you can reapply at a later date.
17. What types of medical exams are required for my sponsored family members?
The types of medical exams required for sponsored family members will depend on the specific conditions of their immigration application. Some common exams may include a general physical examination, blood and urine tests, and x-rays to check for communicable diseases. The exact requirements will vary based on the country of origin and the regulations of the sponsoring country. It is best to consult with an immigration lawyer or the embassy/consulate for specific information regarding medical exam requirements for your sponsored family members.
18. Are there any conditions that apply to sponsors of the Family Sponsorship program?
Yes, the sponsor must meet certain criteria in order to be eligible to sponsor a family member through the Family Sponsorship program. This includes being at least 18 years of age, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and meeting certain income requirements. The sponsor is also required to provide financial support for their sponsored family member for a specific period of time and may need to undergo a background check.
19. Can someone who has already immigrated to Canada still be sponsored by a family member?
Yes, it is possible for a person who has already immigrated to Canada to be sponsored by a family member. However, there are certain eligibility requirements that both the sponsor and the sponsored individual must meet in order for the sponsorship application to be successful. These requirements include:1. The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
2. The sponsored individual must be a close family member of the sponsor, such as a spouse or common-law partner, dependent child, parent, grandparent or other eligible relative.
3. Both the sponsor and the sponsored individual must submit all necessary forms and documents as part of the sponsorship application.
4. The sponsor must demonstrate that they have enough financial resources to provide for the basic needs of the sponsored person and any dependents.
5. The sponsored individual must undergo medical exams and security checks.
6. If the sponsored individual is not currently living with their family member in Canada, they may need to apply for a temporary resident visa before being able to travel to Canada.
It is also important to note that there are different sponsorship programs available depending on which province/territory you and your family member reside in. It is recommended to visit the Government of Canada’s Immigration website for more information on specific sponsorship programs and eligibility requirements.
20. What happens if my sponsorship relationship breaks down during the processing of the application?
If your sponsorship relationship breaks down during the processing of the application, you must inform IRCC immediately by submitting a sponsorship withdrawal form and providing reasons for the breakdown. In this case, the application may be refused or withdrawn. IRCC will also take into consideration any mitigating circumstances and evidence provided by both parties in evaluating the impact on the sponsorship.
It is important to note that if your relationship broke down after the sponsored person became a permanent resident, you are still obligated to fulfill your sponsorship responsibilities until their permanent resident status expires. This includes financial support and basic needs for up to 3 years from the date they became a permanent resident.
If your ex-spouse becomes a permanent resident through your sponsorship but then you divorce or legally separate, you are still financially responsible for them until they have fulfilled their obligations as a permanent resident or until they become a Canadian citizen.