Family Sponsorship

Family Sponsorship allows you, as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, to bring your family members to live with you in Canada. The most common sponsorships are for spouses, dependent children, and parents or grandparents.

Types of Family Sponsorship

  • Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship: Allows individuals to sponsor their spouse or partner to obtain permanent residence.

  • Dependent Child Sponsorship: Enables parents to sponsor their unmarried children under 22 years old.

  • Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship: Permits the sponsorship of parents and grandparents, allowing them to live in Canada permanently.

  • Other Relatives Sponsorship: In specific circumstances, individuals can sponsor other relatives, such as siblings, nieces, nephews, or cousins.

Eligibility Requirements for Family Sponsorship

  • Age: The sponsor must be at least 18 years old.

  • Status: The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.

  • Residency: If the sponsor is a Canadian citizen living outside Canada, they must demonstrate an intention to reside in Canada when the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident.

  • Permanent residents must reside in Canada to sponsor a family member.

  • Financial Requirements: The sponsor must have sufficient financial means to support the sponsored individual and ensure they do not require social assistance.

  • Criminal Background Checks: The sponsor must disclose any criminal convictions; certain offences may disqualify them from sponsoring.

Documents Required for Family Sponsorship Application

  • Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement, and Undertaking: This is the form where the sponsor agrees to support the sponsored person.
  • The principal applicant’s application for permanent residence.
  • If applicable, information about additional dependents.
  • Assessment of the sponsor’s financial situation.
  • If applicable, to declare a common-law relationship.
  • Detailed information about the relationship between the sponsor and the applicant.
  • Background information for the sponsored person.
  • Police Clearance certificate for all individuals aged 18 or older.
  • The sponsored individual must undergo a medical exam by an authorized physician.

Understanding the types of family sponsorship, meeting eligibility criteria, and preparing the necessary documentation are crucial to successfully reunite with your loved ones in Canada. At Lakin Afolabi Law, we’ll guide you through the process to ensure your sponsorship application is complete and has the best chance of approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, dependent children, parents, grandparents, and, in specific cases, other relatives.

Sponsors must demonstrate sufficient income to support the sponsored individual. The exact amount varies based on family size and is outlined in the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) guidelines.

Processing times vary depending on the relationship and individual circumstances.  It may take between 12 to 24 months.

Sponsors must be at least 18 years old. For dependent children, they must be under 22 years old and not have a spouse or common-law partner.

Sponsors are financially responsible for the sponsored individual for a specific period, ensuring they do not require social assistance.

If your application is refused, you may have the option to appeal the decision or reapply, addressing the reasons for refusal.

Disclaimer

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