In Canada’s immigration policies, the family sponsorship canada program is considered the most important, as its main purpose is to bring families together. If you are a permanent resident or citizen of Canada and want to bring your close relatives (such as your spouse, children, or parents) to Canada with you, this guide will be very helpful for you. In this article, we will discuss in detail who qualifies for this program, how the application process works, and how much it costs.
1. What Is the Family Sponsorship Program?
Canada’s immigration department (IRCC) gives eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents the right to choose the option to sponsor family to canada. When you sponsor someone, you take legal responsibility to take care of their financial needs and those of their children so that they do not have to depend on government financial assistance (welfare).
There are mainly three categories under this program:
- Spouse, Partner, and Dependent Children Sponsorship: In this category, you can sponsor your husband, wife, common-law partner, or your/your partner’s dependent children under 22 years of age.
- Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP): In this category, you can sponsor your parents and grandparents to help them obtain permanent residency.
- Super Visa: If you want to invite parents as visitors for a long period instead of permanent residency, this is a good option.
2. Who Qualifies? (Eligibility for Sponsor and Sponsored Person)
Before starting the process under family class sponsorship canada, it is important to know who is eligible for it. This involves two parts: the person who will sponsor, and the person who will be sponsored.
What Is Required to Be a Sponsor?
- Your age must be at least 18 years.
- You must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident (PR) living in Canada.
- Speaking of family sponsorship canada income, you must have enough income to meet your family’s needs as well as the needs of the person being sponsored (However, keep in mind that if you are sponsoring only your spouse or dependent child, there is no minimum income requirement).
- You must not be disqualified due to a criminal record, bankruptcy, or breaching a previous sponsorship obligation.
What Is Required for the Sponsored Person?
- If you are sponsoring a spouse, the relationship must be legal and genuine (with a marriage certificate or valid common-law proof).
- Dependent children must be under 22 years of age and unmarried.
- They must successfully pass health and character clearances (police verification and medical exams).
3. Step-by-Step Application Process: How to Apply ?
The application process can be somewhat long and detail-oriented, so there is little room for error. Here are the main steps you need to follow:
- Step 1: Download the Application Package: Go to the official IRCC website and download the application package according to your category. It contains all the required forms and document checklists.
- Step 2: Gather Documents: This is the most crucial step. You will need to gather your identity proofs, marriage/birth certificates, tax documents (Notice of Assessment – NOA), and the strongest proofs of your relationship (such as chat history, photos, joint accounts, etc.). If documents are in a language other than English or French, certified translation is required.
- Step 3: Pay Fees: Before submitting the application, you must pay all government fees online. This includes processing fees, the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF), and biometrics fees if required. The payment receipt must be attached to the application.
- Step 4: Medical Exam and Police Clearance: The sponsored person must undergo a medical test in their home country, which must be done by an IRCC-approved panel physician. Additionally, a police certificate must be provided to prove there is no criminal background.
- Step 5: Submit Application: Carefully check all forms and documents, and submit them online through the IRCC portal. After the file is submitted, you will receive an acknowledgment, and then background checks and processing will begin.
4. What It Costs? (Sponsorship Expenses)
Expenses in family sponsorship depend on which category you are applying under and how many family members you are sponsoring. Below is a general estimate:
- Spouse or Partner Sponsorship:
- Sponsorship fee + Processing fee: Can be approximately CAD 1,080.
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): CAD 515 (if applicable).
- Dependent Children: A separate processing fee applies for each child, which is approximately CAD 150.
- Parents and Grandparents: Their costs are slightly higher because, along with income requirements, processing fees and RPRF are also added based on adult applicants.
In addition to these government fees, you may also have to bear some additional costs, such as:
- Medical Examinations: Hospital or clinic charges for each person (approximately $100 to $300 per person).
- Police Clearance Certificates (PCC): Nominal charges from the local police station or passport office.
- Document Translation: If documents need to be certified and translated.
- Immigration Lawyer/Consultant Fees: If you are taking the help of a professional, their fees will be added to this.
5. Important Tips for a Smooth Application
- Honesty Is Key: Do not give false information or hide anything in the application. If IRCC finds anything incorrect, the application can be directly rejected, and a ban may also be imposed.
- Keep Strong Proofs: In spouse sponsorship, the genuineness of the relationship is the biggest factor. The stronger the proofs (chats, bills, trips, family photos) you attach, the smoother the process will be.
- Track Deadlines: If IRCC requests any additional document from you, submit it within the given deadline.
The family sponsorship journey can certainly be somewhat long, but when your entire family is with you in Canada, all the effort becomes worth it! Keep your documents complete, read the rules carefully, and begin your new journey with a smooth process!
