Sponsoring Loved Ones to Live in Canada
Canada, with its welcoming spirit and vibrant multicultural communities, is a top destination for family reunification. The Family Sponsorship program in Canada allows citizens and permanent residents to sponsor certain relatives for permanent residency in Canada, helping you create a lasting bond with loved ones and share a life in this great country.
Who Can You Sponsor?
Under the Family Class sponsorship program, Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor a variety of relatives for permanent residence, including:
- Spouse or common-law partner
- Dependent children (biological or adopted, under the age of 22 and unmarried)
- Parents and grandparents
- Orphaned nieces, nephews, and grandchildren under 18 (if you have no living parent or spouse)
- Other relatives in specific situations (e.g., dependent adult children with a physical or mental disability)
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to sponsor a family member, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be able to financially support your sponsored relatives for 3 years after they become permanent residents (except for spouses and common-law partners). This is demonstrated by meeting the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirements set by IRCC.
- Live in Canada, or intend to return to Canada if living abroad.
- Sign a sponsorship agreement that outlines your financial obligations.
- Meet the basic requirements for good character.
The Sponsorship Undertaking: A Long-Term Commitment to Family in Canada
A sponsorship undertaking is a central element of Canada’s Family Sponsorship program. It’s essentially a legal agreement where you, the sponsor, commit to financially supporting the relative(s) you’re sponsoring for a set period after they become permanent residents in Canada. This section dives into the details of this commitment.
| Person you sponsor | Length of undertaking for all provinces except Quebec |
|---|---|
| Spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner | 3 years |
| Dependent child (biological or adopted) or child to be adopted in Canada under 22 years of age | 10 years, or until age 25, whichever comes first |
| Dependent child 22 years of age or older | 3 years |
| Parent or grandparent | 20 years |
| Other relative | 10 years |
Are you ready to bring your family together in Canada?
Contact Real West Immigration today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced immigration professionals. Let us help you navigate the family sponsorship process with confidence and peace of mind.