Family Sponsorship

Canada’s Family Sponsorship Program is a key component of the country’s immigration system, allowing Canadian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their close family members by sponsoring them for permanent residency. This program reflects Canada’s commitment to family unity and provides a structured pathway for loved ones to settle in the country with the necessary financial and emotional support.

 

Purpose of Family Sponsorship

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The Family Sponsorship Program is designed to help families live together in Canada by enabling sponsors to bring their spouse, children, parents, grandparents, or other eligible relatives to join them. The program ensures that newcomers receive the support they need to integrate successfully into Canadian society, reducing their dependence on public assistance.

 

Who Can Be Sponsored?

 

The Family Sponsorship Program covers several categories of family members:

1. Spouse, Common-Law, or Conjugal Partner

   • Allows sponsors to bring their legally married spouse or common-law/conjugal partner to Canada.

   • Requires proof of a genuine relationship and financial commitment to support the partner.

2. Dependent Children

   • Sponsors can bring their biological or adopted children under the age of 22 to Canada.

   • Children over 22 may qualify if they have a physical or mental condition that prevents them from supporting themselves.

3. Parents and Grandparents

   • Allows sponsors to reunite with their parents and grandparents, granting them permanent residency.

   • Requires sponsors to meet specific financial criteria to prove they can support their family members.

4. Other Eligible Relatives (Under Exceptional Circumstances)

   • In rare cases, a sponsor may be allowed to bring an orphaned sibling, niece, nephew, or grandchild if they have no other relatives available for care.

 

Responsibilities of the Sponsor

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As part of the Family Sponsorship Program, sponsors must:

• Provide financial support for the sponsored person’s basic needs (food, housing, medical care not covered by public health insurance).

• Sign a legal undertaking agreeing to support the sponsored family member for a specific period (varies based on relationship).

• Ensure the sponsored person does not rely on social assistance during the sponsorship period.