Sponsorship
Overview of Canadian Family Sponsorship in Immigration
Family reunification stands as a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration ethos, dating back to the post-World War II era. Canada has consistently welcomed immigrants to fortify its economy, unite families, and address humanitarian concerns. Among the categories of newcomers admitted under Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan, the family class ranks as the second largest.
The Department of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) oversees the country’s immigration system, including the management of the family sponsorship program. This involves setting criteria, evaluating sponsorship applications, and issuing both permanent and temporary resident visas.
Canadian Family Sponsorship: What You Need to Know
The concept of family sponsorship involves two primary facets:
- Immigration for Family Members: This enables your family members to immigrate to Canada and attain permanent residence.
- Commitment and Support: As a sponsor, you commit to providing for their basic needs and supporting them financially.
Sponsor Eligibility:
To sponsor a family member, you must meet specific criteria, including being a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, being 18 years or older, and demonstrating the ability to support the sponsored person for an extended period.Who Can You Sponsor?
You can sponsor the following family members:- Spouses and common-law partners
- Dependent children
- Parents and grandparents
Exceptions exist, allowing sponsorship of non-immediate family members under certain conditions, such as legal adoption.
Income Requirements for Sponsorship:
Sponsors must sign a Sponsorship Agreement, committing to financially support the sponsored family member’s basic needs. Meeting or exceeding the Low Income Cut-off (LICO) is necessary for some sponsorships, with variations based on the type of sponsorship and location. For Quebec residents, sponsorship requirements align with Quebec’s standards, including income assessment by the Quebec immigration ministry.Sponsorship Undertaking:
Sponsors sign an “undertaking,” assuming legal responsibility for the sponsored family member. This commitment remains in force for a specified period, even if circumstances change. The undertaking duration varies based on the family member and their age.
