Family Sponsorship: Bringing Loved Ones to Canada

1. Understanding the Basics of Family Sponsorship

Family Sponsorship is one of the ways that Canada allows its citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their loved ones. The sponsorship programs permit eligible individuals to sponsor certain family members to come and live, work, and study in Canada permanently. The primary programs under the Family Class Sponsorship include Spousal Sponsorship, Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship, and Dependent Child Sponsorship.

2. Sponsor Eligibility Requirements

To be able to sponsor a family member to Canada, the sponsor must meet certain eligibility requirements. These requirements vary depending on the relationship to the person being sponsored. Generally, the sponsor must be at least 18 years old, be a Canadian citizen, a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act or a permanent resident living in Canada. The sponsor must also have sufficient income to support the family members they are sponsoring.

3. Spousal Sponsorship: Who Can be Sponsored?

Spousal sponsorship covers spouses, common-law or conjugal partners. For a spouse, they must be legally married to the sponsor and be at least 18 years old. A common-law partner must have been living with the sponsor in a conjugal relationship for at least one year. Conjugal partners are in a marriage-like relationship with the sponsor for at least one year but cannot live with them due to extenuating circumstances.

4. Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship: The Process and Requirements

The Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents to come to Canada as permanent residents. The sponsor must meet certain income level requirements, agree to support the relative for a specified period, and the sponsored relative must not be inadmissible to Canada.

5. Dependent Child Sponsorship: Definition and Eligibility

Under the Family Class Sponsorship, a dependent child can be sponsored by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident parent. The child must be under 22 and not have a spouse or common-law partner. Children 22 years old or older qualify as dependents if they have depended on their parents for financial support since before the age of 22 and they are unable to financially support themselves due to a physical or mental condition.

6. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Family Sponsorship

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected immigration processing times globally, including family sponsorship applications. While IRCC continues to process applications as quickly as possible, applicants may experience delays. It is advised to keep abreast of updates from the IRCC and maintain patience during this period.

7. Overcoming Challenges in Meeting Sponsorship Requirements

In situations where sponsors are unable to meet certain eligibility requirements such as the minimum necessary income, it can be challenging to bring loved ones to Canada. Consulting with an immigration attorney or an accredited immigration consultant could provide potential solutions or alternatives based on the specific situation.

8. Role of Immigration Consultants in the Family Sponsorship Process

Immigration consultants can play a vital role in the family sponsorship process. They can help in understanding complex immigration laws, assisting in gathering necessary documents, filling out the forms correctly, and follow up with the immigration authorities. They can also guide the applicant on ways to strengthen their application, increasing the chances of success.

9. What to Do If a Family Sponsorship Application is Refused

If a family sponsorship application is refused, applicants have a few potential options. They can appeal the decision to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) within a certain period of receiving the refusal. Another option could be to address the issues that led to the refusal and reapply. Consulting with an immigration expert is advisable to choose the right course of action.

10. Staying Updated with Changes in Family Sponsorship Programs

Family sponsorship programs, like all immigration programs, can change over time. These changes may affect eligibility requirements, application procedures, or processing times. It’s crucial to stay updated with the latest information from reliable sources such as the official IRCC website or trusted immigration consultants.

Navigating the complex landscape of family sponsorship can be challenging, but with the right information and guidance, the dream of reuniting with loved ones in Canada can become a reality. As each situation is unique, prospective sponsors are encouraged to seek advice tailored to their specific circumstances.