Immigration Visa for Family Sponsorship to Canada
What is the Sponsorship Visa of Canada?
A sponsorship visa in Canada is an immigration program that allows a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor a family member or relative to come and live in Canada as a permanent resident. The sponsor needs to meet certain eligibility criteria and be able to financially support the sponsored individual for a specific period of time. This type of visa makes family reunification possible and is a way for individuals to come to Canada via the support of their family members who are already living in the country.
Which family members can you sponsor to come to Canada?
Under the sponsorship visa program in Canada, eligible individuals that a Canadian citizen or permanent resident can sponsor include:
1
Spouse, Common-law, or Conjugal Partner
The spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner sponsorship visa in Canada permits a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to come and reside in Canada as a permanent resident. To be eligible for sponsorship under this category, the relationship must be genuine and meet the requirements determined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Spousal sponsorship is defined for legally married couples, while common-law sponsorship is for couples who have been living together in a conjugal relationship for at least one year. Conjugal partner sponsorship is for couples who cannot live together because of extenuating circumstances beyond their control.
2
Parent or Grandparent Sponsorship
The parent or grandparent sponsorship visa in Canada enables Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents to come and reside in Canada as permanent residents. This program aims to reunite families and empowers parents and grandparents to be closer to their family members in Canada.
3
Child or Other Dependent Sponsorship visa
The child or other dependent sponsorship visa in Canada permits a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor their dependent children or other eligible dependents to come and reside in Canada as permanent residents. Dependent children may involve biological or adopted children who are under a certain age and meet the requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Other eligible dependents may involve children over a certain age who are financially dependent on the sponsor, as well as other relatives in certain circumstances. The sponsor needs to meet certain eligibility criteria and agree to provide financial support to the sponsored dependent for a specific period of time.
4
Orphaned brother, Sister, Nephew, Niece, or Grandchild
The sponsorship visa program in Canada also permits Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor orphaned siblings, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren to come and reside in Canada as permanent residents. This type of sponsorship falls under the Family Class sponsorship category and aims at reuniting family members who have been orphaned or need care and support.
Who Can't Provide a Relative with a Sponsorship?
Individuals who cannot provide a relative with sponsorship in Canada include:
1
Individuals who do not hold citizenship or permanent residency in Canada.
2
Individuals who do not meet the requirements determined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for sponsoring a relative.
3
Individuals who cannot come and live in Canada because of criminality, security reasons, or medical issues.
4
Individuals who are not able to show the financial ability to support the sponsored relative as needed by IRCC.
5
Individuals who could not meet the sponsorship requirements for a previously sponsored relative.
Your Responsibilities as a Sponsor
As a sponsor for a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner under the sponsorship visa program in Canada, you have specific responsibilities that you must meet. These responsibilities include:
1
Providing financial support
You need to be able to financially support your sponsored partner and any dependent children for a specific period of time. This involves meeting minimum income requirements determined by IRCC.
2
Signing a sponsorship agreement
You must sign a legal agreement with the Canadian government, ensuring to provide financial support for your sponsored partner and any dependents.
3
Ensuring the well-being of the sponsored individual
You are in charge of the well-being of your sponsored partner and committing they have access to required necessities like food, shelter, and healthcare.
4
Assisting with settlement
You should help your sponsored partner adapt to life in Canada by providing support with finding accommodation, employment, language training, and other settlement services.
4
Informing IRCC of any changes
You need to inform IRCC of any changes in your circumstances like a change in address, marital status, or financial situation.
What is the Minimum Income Required to Sponsor a Family in Canada?
The minimum income needed to sponsor a family member in Canada varies based on the size of the family being sponsored. The sponsor needs to fulfill the minimum necessary income (MNI) threshold, which is set by the size of the family unit and is updated each year by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
As of 2024, the MNI for sponsoring a spouse or partner without children is approximately $ 44,530. For each additional dependent child being sponsored, the MNI rises. It is crucial for sponsors to make sure they meet the minimum income requirement to show their ability to financially support the sponsored family members during their initial period of settlement in Canada.
