How to Sponsor a Family Member to Canada

Step-by-Step Guide to Sponsoring a Family Member

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility to Sponsor

1. Who Can Sponsor:

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must be a Canadian citizen, a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act, or a permanent resident of Canada.
• You must be residing in Canada.

2. Financial Requirements:

• You must demonstrate that you have enough financial resources to support the sponsored family member(s).
• Sign an undertaking to provide financial support for the sponsored family member(s) for a specified period, usually ranging from 3 to 20 years, depending on the relationship.

3. No Recent Sponsorship Defaults:

• You must not have defaulted on a previous sponsorship undertaking.
• You must not have been convicted of a violent crime, sexual offense, or offense against a relative, unless you have been pardoned.

Step 2: Identify Who You Can Sponsor

1. Eligible Family Members:

• Spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner.
• Dependent children.
• Parents and grandparents.
• Orphaned siblings, nephews, nieces, or grandchildren under 18 years of age and not married or in a common-law relationship.

2. Other Relatives:

• In certain situations, you may be able to sponsor other relatives if you have no other eligible relatives to sponsor and you do not have any other family members in Canada.

Step 3: Prepare the Application Package

1. Obtain the Application Package:

• Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website and download the application package for family sponsorship.

2. Gather Required Documents:

• Proof of your status in Canada (e.g., citizenship certificate, permanent resident card).
• Proof of relationship with the sponsored family member (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate).
• Financial documents to demonstrate your ability to support the sponsored family member (e.g., tax returns, employment letters).
• Police certificates and medical exams for the sponsored family member(s).

3. Complete the Forms:

• Complete all required forms accurately and truthfully. Common forms include:
  • Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement, and Undertaking (IMM 1344)
  • Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
  • Additional Dependants/Declaration (IMM 0008DEP), if applicable
  • Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)

Step 4: Submit the Application

1. Pay the Fees:

• Pay the applicable processing fees, which may include the sponsorship fee, the principal applicant processing fee, and the right of permanent residence fee.
• Fees can be paid online through the IRCC website.

2. Mail the Application:

• Mail the complete application package to the appropriate IRCC address specified in the application guide.
• Ensure all forms are signed and dated, and all supporting documents are included to avoid delays.

Step 5: Application Processing

1. Application Review:

• IRCC will review the application for completeness and to ensure all requirements are met.
• If additional information or documents are needed, IRCC will contact you or the sponsored family member.

2. Decision and Notification:

• You will be notified of the decision on the sponsorship application. If approved, the sponsored family member(s) will receive instructions on the next steps.

Step 6: Permanent Residence Application

1. Medical and Security Checks:

• Sponsored family members must undergo medical examinations by a panel physician approved by IRCC.
• Police certificates are required from all countries where the sponsored family member has lived for six months or more since the age of 18.

2. Submit Additional Documents:

• If required, submit any additional documents requested by IRCC.

3. Final Decision:

• IRCC will make a final decision on the permanent residence application. If approved, the sponsored family member(s) will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and, if applicable, a permanent resident visa.

Step 7: Landing in Canada

1. Entry to Canada:

• Sponsored family members can then travel to Canada. At the port of entry, they must present their COPR and other relevant documents to complete the landing process.

2. Becoming a Permanent Resident:

• Upon successful landing, the family member(s) will become permanent residents of Canada.

Key Considerations

1. Processing Times:
   • Processing times for sponsorship applications vary. Check the IRCC website for the latest processing times.
2. Sponsorship Undertaking:
   • Be aware of the financial undertaking you are signing, as it is a binding legal commitment to support the sponsored family member for the specified period.
3. Application Completeness:
   • Ensure the application is complete and accurate. Incomplete or incorrect applications can lead to delays or refusal.
4. Legal Assistance:
   • Consider seeking assistance from an immigration consultant or lawyer to ensure the application is properly prepared and submitted.

Conclusion

Sponsoring a family member to come to Canada involves several steps, including determining eligibility, preparing the application package, and completing the sponsorship and permanent residence application processes. By following this guide and ensuring all requirements are met, you can help your family member join you in Canada.