When you want to sponsor a family member from abroad to Canada
Sponsorship your Family under the Family Class
Sponsorship your family for Permanent Residence under the Family Class
Eligibility
- Have been convicted of certain crimes,
- Have unresolved family support matters,
- Are in receipt of social assistance other than for disability,
- Are an undischarged bankrupt,
- Are in default of an undertaking, an immigration loan or a performance bond
- Any other requirements found in the Regulation
Spouse, Common-Law Partner, and Conjugal Relationships
Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents who wish to sponsor their significant can apply to sponsor them through the family class category.
A common-law relationship is defined as a relationship in which the couple has been living together for at least twelve consecutive months. This means that the couple must have been living together continuously for 1 year in a conjugal relationship. They cannot have been apart for any long periods.
A conjugal relationship is defined as a relationship that has existed for more than a year but the couple cannot live together. This is due to some impediments in the country in which they live in. An example is the case of same-sex relationships in countries where same-sex marriage is not legally recognized. Furthermore, the couple could face persecution if they co-habit together.
In most cases the main issue is demonstrating that the relationship is genuine. Furthermore, that it was not entered into primarily for immigration purposes. The best way to address this is through documentary evidence that supports your relationship.
The Regulations state that there are no financial requirements for spouses and common-law partners. However, Applicants must still demonstrate that they will not be on social assistance when they become Permanent Residents.
In some cases, there are eligibility and admissibility issues that have to be addressed through Humanitarian and Compassionate Considerations arguments. A request for relief from certain requirements of the Law under Humanitarian and Compassionate considerations can be raised. In some circumstances, an exemption can be sought after an application is submitted and already in process.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada in recent times have developed comprehensive guides and checklists to assist Applicants in filing an application. It is important to note that these guides and checklists do not encompass all possible scenarios.
Therefore, when in doubt, individuals should seek legal advice.
This will allow them to determine if they are eligible to apply. It will also allow them to ensure that there are no issues with their applications. Lastly, It will also them to avoid any delays by ensuring that their application is complete.
Children
The parent must be either a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident. The parent who is sponsoring a dependent child must also meet the requirements set out in the Regulations.
The parent must also demonstrate that there are no custody issues. This includes in some cases that the other parent consents to the child being sponsored in the case where custody is shared.
Children who are 22 years of age or older may be sponsored if they:
- depend substantially on the financial support of their parent since before being 22 years old, and,
- who are unable to be financially self-supporting due to a physical
Parents and Grandparents
The requirements can be found but ensure to get the most up to date financial requirement before submitting the Application.
Orphaned brother, sister, nephew, niece or grandchild and Other Relatives
You can sponsor an orphaned brother, sister, nephew, niece or grandchild only if they meet all of these conditions:
- they’re related to you by blood or adoption
- both their mother and father passed away
- they’re under 18 years of age
- they’re single (not married or in a common-law or conjugal relationship)
A brother, sister, nephew, niece or grandchild cannot be sponsored if:
- one of their parents is still alive,
- no one knows where the parents are located,
- the parents abandoned them,
- someone else other than their parents is taking care of them while one or both their parents are alive,
- the parent is in jail or otherwise detained
You may sponsor one relative, related by blood or adoption, of any age, if you meet all of these conditions:
- you (the person who wants to sponsor your relative) don’t have a living relative you could sponsor instead, such as a:
- spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner
- Child
- parent or grandparent
- orphaned brother or sister, nephew or niece, grandchild
- you (the potential sponsor) don’t have any relatives. Including aunt or uncle or any of the relatives listed above, who is a:
- Canadian citizen
- permanent resident
- registered Indian under the Indian Act
What if we don’t meet one of the Requirements?
You may be able to seek an exemption or relief from certain requirements to be able to sponsor a family member. The exemption is requested based on Humanitarian an Compassionate Grounds. Applicants must demonstrate that there are compelling reasons that warrant relief. The relief can be based on factors such as ties and establishment, best interests of the child or children & hardship.
If you are contemplating sponsoring a family member for permanent residence, you may want to book a paid consultation with us.
Please note that this is general Information and should not be construed as legal advice.