When the world shut down during a global pandemic, Canada remained open and welcoming to foreign nationals. Since then, this spectacular country has flourished at an exponential rate, given the unprecedented period of a global pandemic and other challenges.
But more importantly, what makes the Great White North even more appealing is that it places enormous value on bringing families together. How do we know? Well, the introduction to Family Sponsorship Canada speaks for itself.
What is the Family Referral Program?
Canadian Family Sponsorship aims to bring families together by allowing loved ones to study and work in the country, provided they become permanent residents of Canada. In turn, you and your family members can create precious memories while immersing yourself in the rich Canadian culture.
Who can I sponsor?
Sponsor your sibling, spouse, partner, or dependent child. However, as a sponsor and sponsored parent, you will be subject to certain criteria. For now, let’s take a closer look at the eligibility of both parties applying for Canadian Family Sponsorship.
Steps in the application process for sponsorship in Canada
Below we have detailed a step-by-step process on how to apply for the Family Category Sponsorship Program along with the program requirements:
Step 1 : Check your eligibility
Step 2: Find out who you can sponsor
Step 3: Learn how to apply
Step 4: What to expect after application
Step 5: Prepare for the day of arrival
Step 1 : Check your eligibility
Before you apply, you need to find out if you are eligible for the program. If you live and work in Canada as a permanent resident but want to sponsor a family member, you have a great opportunity. However, you should be 18 years of age or older, and be registered as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Step 2: Find out who you can sponsor
You can sponsor the following people:
Your spouse should be legally married to you and at least 18 years old when you apply for sponsorship in Canada.
Your partner who cannot be legally married to you should be aged 18 or over and have lived with you for 12 months in an unbroken marriage. Any possible period of separation should have been temporary and short. In addition, you must provide proof of a marital relationship; it could be something like shared home ownership or shared tenancies or contracts.
A marriage partner does not have to be legally married to you or cohabiting with you. They must be 18 years of age or older, live outside of Canada, and both parties must have been in a relationship for at least one year. In addition, they must not be able to live with you in your country of residence or marry you for legal and immigration reasons or circumstances. All these constitutive elements of a conjugal relationship must be proven in the sponsorship application.
Dependent children must be under the age of 22 to be classed as ‘dependent children and must not have a spouse or partner. They will also be classified as a dependent if they are not financially independent and in physical or mental condition. Therefore, applicants must ensure that they meet both sets of criteria.
Step 3: Pay the application fee
Canadian Family Sponsorship Fee is non-refundable. However, you will have to pay biometrics fees, permanent residence fees and processing fees, police clearance and other relevant fees depending on the type of application or the circumstances.
Step 4 – Submit your application
You must send your application to the postal address given in the instruction guide. Alternatively, you can consider a courier service that allows you to track your application or use regular post.
Step 5 – Submit any additional information required while your application is being processed
While your application is being processed, the sponsored person will be asked to provide their medical examinations, police clearance and biometrics. These documents must be provided by you and requested by the person you are sponsoring. In addition, these documents will be required for each family member who is 18 years of age or older, as long as they are not permanent residents of Canada.