Sponsoring Distant Relatives for Permanent Residency
Do you have a brother, sister, niece, nephew, grandchild, or other blood relative who dreams of living and working in Canada? You can sponsor them through a sponsorship program, offered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor certain eligible relatives for permanent residency in Canada.
Who Can Be Sponsored?
Sponsoring Orphaned Brothers, Sisters, Nephews, Nieces, or Grandchildren
You can sponsor these relatives only if they meet ALL these requirements:
- Blood or Adopted Relationship: They must be related to you by blood or adoption.
- Both Parents Deceased: Both their biological parents must be deceased.
- Under 18 and Single: They must be under 18 years old and unmarried/not in a common-law relationship.
Sponsoring Other Close Relatives (Any Age):
You can sponsor one blood relative of ANY age under specific circumstances:
- No Sponsorable Relatives: You must not have a living spouse, common-law partner, child, parent, grandparent, orphaned sibling, or orphaned grandchild who could sponsor them.
- No Canadian Relatives: You must not have any Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or registered Indians under the Indian Act who are aunts, uncles, or any previously listed relatives.
Sponsoring Family in Canada: Eligibility and Responsibilities
Thinking of sponsoring a relative to live permanently in Canada? Here’s a breakdown of who qualifies as a sponsor and what’s involved:
Who Can Be a Sponsor?
To sponsor eligible relatives, you must meet these basic requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
- Sponsors must reside in Canada. Exceptions exist for Canadian citizens living abroad who plan to return to Canada when their sponsored relatives immigrate.
- If residing in Quebec, you’ll need to meet their specific sponsorship requirements (including signing an “undertaking” agreement with the province).
Your Responsibilities as a Sponsor:
Sponsoring a relative comes with financial obligations:
- Minimum Income: You must meet the set income guidelines (Minimum Necessary Income or MNI).
- Undertaking Agreement: You’ll agree to financially support your sponsored relative(s) for a set period (up to 20 years, depending on age and relation). This agreement starts when they become permanent residents.
- Sponsored Relative’s Agreement: Your sponsored relative(s) (except dependent children under 19) will also sign an agreement to work towards self-sufficiency.
Real West Immigration Helps You Sponsor Other Relatives for Canadian Residency
Our team of immigration consultants can guide you through every step, ensuring you meet all eligibility requirements and navigate the application process with confidence. Don’t let complex immigration procedures stand in the way of reuniting with your loved ones. Contact Real West Immigration today for a free consultation and take the first step towards a brighter future together in Canada.