Canada is known for being a welcoming and inclusive country, and that extends to its immigration policies. If you’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you may be able to sponsor your family members to come and live with you in Canada through the family sponsorship visa program. In this guide, we’ll go over the basics of the family sponsorship visa Canada, including who’s eligible, the application process, and frequently asked questions.
Who’s Eligible for Family Sponsorship Visa Canada?
The family sponsorship visa Canada allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, dependent child, parent, or grandparent to come and live with them in Canada. To be eligible for sponsorship, both the sponsor and the sponsored person must meet certain requirements.
For the sponsor, you must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Be at least 18 years old
- Not be receiving social assistance (unless for reasons of disability)
- Meet the income requirements to show that you can financially support the sponsored person
For the sponsored person, they must:
- Meet the definition of a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, dependent child, parent, or grandparent
- Pass a medical exam
- Not have a criminal record
The Application Process for Family Sponsorship Visa Canada The application process for family sponsorship visa Canada can be a lengthy and complex process. Here are the general steps involved:
Step 1: Determine your eligibility as a sponsor and the eligibility of the person you want to sponsor.
Step 2: Fill out the application forms and gather all the necessary documents.
Step 3: Submit the application package to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and pay the fees.
Step 4: Wait for the application to be processed, which can take several months to a year.
Step 5: If approved, the sponsored person can then apply for a permanent resident visa.
FAQs
The processing time for family sponsorship visa Canada can vary depending on factors such as the type of application, the volume of applications being processed, and whether additional information or documents are required. Generally, the processing time can range from several months to a year or more.
Yes, you can sponsor a family member who is already in Canada as long as they have legal status in the country.
Hiring an immigration lawyer is not required, but it may be helpful if you have a complicated case or if you’re unsure about the application process. You can also seek assistance from a registered immigration consultant.
Conclusion:
Bringing your family to Canada through the family sponsorship visa program can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. However, it’s important to understand the eligibility requirements and application process to increase your chances of success. By following the steps outlined in this guide and seeking professional assistance when needed, you can bring your loved ones home to Canada.