Spouse Sponsorship Canada
Bringing your spouse to Canada is a life-changing step, and the Spouse Sponsorship Canada program makes it possible for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their partner for permanent residency. This process allows couples to build a future together in Canada while ensuring their loved one gains full rights and benefits as a resident.
At Euro Immigration Consultant, we specialize in making this journey seamless. From eligibility assessment to application submission, our experts guide you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process.
Spouse Sponsorship Program
The Spouse Sponsorship Program in Canada allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse (or common-law partner) to become a permanent resident of Canada. It is part of the broader Family Sponsorship Program aimed at reuniting families by bringing spouses and partners together in Canada.
Overview of Spouse Sponsorship
The Spouse Sponsorship Program lets Canadian citizens or permanent residents sponsor their spouse (husband or wife) or common-law partner (someone they’ve been living with in a relationship of interdependence for at least one year) to obtain permanent residency in Canada.
This program is designed to allow families to reunite and for foreign spouses to gain Canadian permanent resident status, thus enabling them to live, work, and enjoy the benefits of Canadian citizenship.
Eligibility for Spouse Sponsorship
To apply for spouse sponsorship, both the sponsor (Canadian citizen or permanent resident) and the applicant (spouse or partner) must meet certain requirements.
- Sponsor Eligibility
The sponsor must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident: The sponsor must be either a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada. If you are a Canadian citizen living outside Canada, you may still sponsor your spouse or common-law partner, but you must plan to return to Canada once the sponsorship is approved.
- Be at least 18 years old: The sponsor must be a legal adult, meaning at least 18 years old.
- Not be in prison: The sponsor cannot be serving a sentence in prison at the time of the application.
- Not have a previous failed sponsorship: If the sponsor previously sponsored a spouse, partner, or child and that sponsorship ended in a separation or the sponsor failed to meet the obligations under the sponsorship agreement, they may not be eligible to sponsor a new partner.
- Ability to financially support the spouse: Although no specific income requirement is needed for spouse sponsorship (unlike other family sponsorship categories like parents or grandparents), the sponsor must be able to demonstrate that they can financially support their spouse or partner and provide them with basic needs, such as food, shelter, and clothing.
- Applicant Eligibility
The spouse or partner being sponsored must:
- Be legally married or in a common-law relationship: The applicant must be a legally married spouse or common-law partner. Common-law partners must have lived together in a conjugal relationship for at least one year. Couples in a conjugal relationship (a relationship of mutual commitment and support) for a period of one year may also apply.
- Not be inadmissible to Canada: The sponsored spouse must not have any criminal convictions or other factors that could make them inadmissible to Canada (such as serious medical conditions, security concerns, etc.).
- Provide evidence of a genuine relationship: Immigration authorities will assess the genuineness of the relationship. Evidence of a legitimate relationship may include photographs, communication records, financial records, joint bills, or other proofs of cohabitation.
- Undergo medical and security checks: The applicant must undergo medical exams and criminal background checks as part of the sponsorship process.
Application Process for Spouse Sponsorship
The process of sponsoring a spouse or common-law partner involves several steps:
Step 1: Prepare and Submit the Application
- The sponsor must first complete the necessary forms for the sponsorship application. This will include:
- Application to Sponsor (Form IMM 1344)
- Permanent Residence Application (Form IMM 0008)
- The sponsor must also submit the required documents, including:
- Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency (passport, permanent resident card).
- Proof of the relationship with the spouse (e.g., marriage certificate, photos, communication records).
- Proof of the spouse’s identity (passport, birth certificate).
- Any additional forms or supporting documents as instructed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Step 2: Submit the Application
- Once the application and documents are complete, the sponsor submits the application to IRCC either online or by mail.
- There is an application processing fee, which includes the sponsorship fee and permanent residency application fee. The fee varies depending on whether the applicant is inside or outside Canada.
Step 3: Application Processing
- IRCC will process the application to verify the eligibility of both the sponsor and the applicant.
- The applicant will undergo medical examinations to assess whether they have any health conditions that may affect their eligibility for Canadian immigration.
- The applicant must also undergo security and criminal background checks to ensure they have no history of criminal behavior that would make them inadmissible to Canada.
- During processing, IRCC may ask for additional documentation or clarification if necessary.
Step 4: Decision and Permanent Residence
- Once the application has been processed and all checks are completed, IRCC will make a decision.
- If the application is approved, the spouse or partner will be granted permanent residency in Canada. They will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and can then travel to Canada.
- If the application is refused, the sponsor and applicant will be notified, and they may appeal the decision (if applicable) or reapply.
Outland vs. Inland Spouse Sponsorship
There are two types of spouse sponsorship applications: inland and outland. The choice between the two depends on whether the spouse is already living in Canada and other factors.
- Inland Spouse Sponsorship
- Who can apply: The spouse must be living in Canada at the time of the application.
- Work permit: In some cases, the spouse can apply for an open work permit while the sponsorship application is being processed.
- Processing time: Inland applications may take longer to process.
- Permanent residency: The applicant must remain in Canada during the entire processing period.
- Outland Spouse Sponsorship
- Who can apply: The spouse can be living outside Canada or inside Canada, but must apply through the Outland process if they plan to remain outside Canada while their application is being processed.
- Processing time: Outland applications typically process faster, and the spouse can continue to live and work in their home country while waiting.
- Permanent residency: Once the application is approved, the spouse will need to come to Canada to complete the immigration process.
Financial Support and Obligations of the Sponsor
While no specific Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) is required to sponsor a spouse or common-law partner, the sponsor must demonstrate they can provide for the spouse’s basic needs. The sponsor must:
- Sign an undertaking to support the spouse financially for a period of 3 years after the spouse becomes a permanent resident.
- Be financially responsible for the spouse and ensure they don’t rely on social assistance.
- If the sponsor fails to meet their financial obligations, they may have to repay any social assistance the spouse receives.
Important Considerations for Spouse Sponsorship
- Genuine Relationship: Immigration authorities are very strict about ensuring that the relationship is genuine. If they believe that the relationship is not genuine and may be a marriage of convenience or for immigration purposes, the application may be refused. It’s essential to provide evidence of your relationship’s legitimacy.
- Processing Times: Processing times for spouse sponsorship can vary. Inland applications tend to take longer than outland applications, but each case is unique. IRCC provides approximate processing time estimates on their website.
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): This fee is part of the spouse sponsorship application and must be paid before the applicant becomes a permanent resident. Some applicants may be exempt from paying this fee, such as those under certain humanitarian categories.
Conclusion
The Spouse Sponsorship Program in Canada is an excellent option for reuniting with your partner. It offers a pathway for spouses and common-law partners to gain permanent residency and live together in Canada. While the process can be lengthy, careful attention to detail and ensuring all eligibility requirements are met can help facilitate a smooth application.
If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident with a spouse or common-law partner who you want to sponsor, you should carefully review the requirements and start preparing your application early. With the right documents and evidence, you can reunite with your loved one and start a new life together in Canada.
Family Sponsorship:
- Parents and Grand Parents
The Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program (PGP) in Canada is a part of the Family Sponsorship Program, allowing Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence in Canada. This program provides an opportunity for families to reunite and live together in Canada.
Overview of the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program (PGP)
The Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program (PGP) allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents to immigrate to Canada. Successful applicants will be granted permanent residency, allowing them to live, work, and enjoy all the benefits of Canadian citizenship.
The PGP is a highly competitive program with limited spots available each year, so applicants need to be aware of the specific requirements and timelines.
Eligibility for Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship
To sponsor your parents or grandparents under this program, both the sponsor (you) and the parent or grandparent (the person you are sponsoring) must meet certain eligibility criteria.
- Sponsor Eligibility
As a sponsor, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident: You must be living in Canada or have plans to return to Canada to sponsor your parents or grandparents.
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Minimum Income: You must demonstrate that you meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI), which is the income requirement set by the government. The MNI is based on the Low Income Measure (LIM) after tax and varies depending on the number of family members you are sponsoring. This ensures that you can financially support your parents or grandparents without relying on social assistance.
- Be able to provide financial support: You need to show that you can financially support your parents or grandparents once they arrive in Canada, meaning they will not need to rely on government assistance. This is typically done by providing proof of income through tax returns or employment verification.
- Commit to supporting the sponsored person: You must sign an agreement promising to provide financial support for your parents or grandparents for a period of 20 years (this is a long-term commitment, which includes covering basic needs like food, shelter, and healthcare).
- Parent or Grandparent Eligibility
The person you are sponsoring must:
- Be your biological or adoptive parent or grandparent: You can sponsor biological or legally adopted parents or grandparents, including step-parents and their dependent children.
- Not be inadmissible: Your parents or grandparents must not have any criminal convictions, health issues, or other reasons that would make them inadmissible to Canada (e.g., they are not a security threat or have serious health conditions that would require excessive medical care).
- Be willing to provide necessary documents: You will need to submit various documents to prove your relationship to the parents or grandparents you are sponsoring.
Application Process for Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship
The application process for the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program involves several stages. Below is an overview of the steps involved:
Step 1: Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- Expression of Interest (EOI): In previous years, sponsors had to submit an Expression of Interest form. However, the program now operates through a random selection process, so you need to wait for an invitation to apply (ITA).
- Submission of Interest: The Canadian government uses an online form for interested sponsors to submit their interest. In this form, you must provide information such as your name, contact details, and family size. This is typically done through the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
- Invitation to Apply: Once the IRCC has received enough applications, they will conduct a random draw. Those selected will receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship.
Step 2: Complete the Application
- If you receive an ITA, you can then proceed to submit a complete application for your parents or grandparents’ permanent residency. This includes providing extensive documentation, such as:
- Proof of relationship (e.g., birth certificates, marriage certificates).
- Proof of income (e.g., tax returns, notices of assessment).
- Proof that the sponsor meets the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement.
- Documents from your parents or grandparents, including their identity documents, medical exams, and police clearances.
Step 3: Application Processing
- The IRCC will process the application, which can take several months to a year or more, depending on the volume of applications and the complexity of the case.
- During this time, IRCC may request additional information or documents from the sponsor or the applicant.
- Medical and security checks: Your parents or grandparents will undergo medical exams and criminal background checks as part of the process.
Step 4: Decision
- Once the application is processed, IRCC will notify the sponsor and the applicant about the decision. If the application is approved, the parent or grandparent will be granted permanent residency in Canada.
- If the application is refused, you may appeal the decision or reapply in the next intake, if applicable.
Financial Requirements: Minimum Necessary Income (MNI)
The Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) is a critical requirement for sponsoring parents and grandparents. The MNI is the amount of income that a sponsor must prove to demonstrate that they can financially support their family members. The MNI is updated annually based on the Low Income Measure (LIM), and it varies depending on the sponsor’s family size.
Here’s a general guideline (values may vary, and it’s always best to check for the most current numbers on the IRCC website):
Family Size | MNI Requirement |
|---|---|
2 | CAD 32,270 |
3 | CAD 39,672 |
4 | CAD 47,076 |
5 | CAD 54,480 |
6 | CAD 61,884 |
7 | CAD 69,288 |
Each additional family member (beyond 7) | CAD 7,404 |
These figures are based on income from the previous 12 months. As a sponsor, you will need to demonstrate that you have earned enough income to meet the MNI for the current year and the year before that.
Important Considerations
- Cap on Applications: The PGP program has a limited number of spots each year, and as a result, it can be difficult to be invited to apply. The selection process is random, and not everyone who submits an interest will receive an invitation to apply.
- Processing Times: The processing time for the PGP can take several months to over a year. This includes the time required for document verification, medical exams, criminal background checks, and other steps.
- Changes in Policy: The Canadian government sometimes updates or changes policies related to the PGP, including the application process or the number of invitations issued. Always check the latest information on the IRCC website.
- Financial Responsibility: Sponsors must understand the long-term commitment of supporting their parents or grandparents financially for 20 years. This is important, as any failure to provide the necessary support can result in the sponsor being required to pay back any financial assistance the government provides to the sponsored individual.
Conclusion
The Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program is an excellent opportunity for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their loved ones and bring their parents or grandparents to Canada. It allows for family reunification and provides the sponsored individuals with the opportunity to live in Canada permanently.
However, due to the limited number of spaces and the competitive nature of the program, it’s important to stay informed about the process and ensure that all eligibility criteria are met. If you are interested in sponsoring your parents or grandparents, make sure to check for the latest information and stay prepared for the application process.
Family Sponsorship:
- Parents and Grand Parents
The Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program (PGP) in Canada is a part of the Family Sponsorship Program, allowing Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence in Canada. This program provides an opportunity for families to reunite and live together in Canada.
Overview of the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program (PGP)
The Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program (PGP) allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents to immigrate to Canada. Successful applicants will be granted permanent residency, allowing them to live, work, and enjoy all the benefits of Canadian citizenship.
The PGP is a highly competitive program with limited spots available each year, so applicants need to be aware of the specific requirements and timelines.
Eligibility for Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship
To sponsor your parents or grandparents under this program, both the sponsor (you) and the parent or grandparent (the person you are sponsoring) must meet certain eligibility criteria.
- Sponsor Eligibility
As a sponsor, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident: You must be living in Canada or have plans to return to Canada to sponsor your parents or grandparents.
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Minimum Income: You must demonstrate that you meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI), which is the income requirement set by the government. The MNI is based on the Low Income Measure (LIM) after tax and varies depending on the number of family members you are sponsoring. This ensures that you can financially support your parents or grandparents without relying on social assistance.
- Be able to provide financial support: You need to show that you can financially support your parents or grandparents once they arrive in Canada, meaning they will not need to rely on government assistance. This is typically done by providing proof of income through tax returns or employment verification.
- Commit to supporting the sponsored person: You must sign an agreement promising to provide financial support for your parents or grandparents for a period of 20 years (this is a long-term commitment, which includes covering basic needs like food, shelter, and healthcare).
- Parent or Grandparent Eligibility
The person you are sponsoring must:
- Be your biological or adoptive parent or grandparent: You can sponsor biological or legally adopted parents or grandparents, including step-parents and their dependent children.
- Not be inadmissible: Your parents or grandparents must not have any criminal convictions, health issues, or other reasons that would make them inadmissible to Canada (e.g., they are not a security threat or have serious health conditions that would require excessive medical care).
- Be willing to provide necessary documents: You will need to submit various documents to prove your relationship to the parents or grandparents you are sponsoring.
Application Process for Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship
The application process for the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program involves several stages. Below is an overview of the steps involved:
Step 1: Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- Expression of Interest (EOI): In previous years, sponsors had to submit an Expression of Interest form. However, the program now operates through a random selection process, so you need to wait for an invitation to apply (ITA).
- Submission of Interest: The Canadian government uses an online form for interested sponsors to submit their interest. In this form, you must provide information such as your name, contact details, and family size. This is typically done through the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
- Invitation to Apply: Once the IRCC has received enough applications, they will conduct a random draw. Those selected will receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship.
Step 2: Complete the Application
- If you receive an ITA, you can then proceed to submit a complete application for your parents or grandparents’ permanent residency. This includes providing extensive documentation, such as:
- Proof of relationship (e.g., birth certificates, marriage certificates).
- Proof of income (e.g., tax returns, notices of assessment).
- Proof that the sponsor meets the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement.
- Documents from your parents or grandparents, including their identity documents, medical exams, and police clearances.
Step 3: Application Processing
- The IRCC will process the application, which can take several months to a year or more, depending on the volume of applications and the complexity of the case.
- During this time, IRCC may request additional information or documents from the sponsor or the applicant.
- Medical and security checks: Your parents or grandparents will undergo medical exams and criminal background checks as part of the process.
Step 4: Decision
- Once the application is processed, IRCC will notify the sponsor and the applicant about the decision. If the application is approved, the parent or grandparent will be granted permanent residency in Canada.
- If the application is refused, you may appeal the decision or reapply in the next intake, if applicable.
Financial Requirements: Minimum Necessary Income (MNI)
The Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) is a critical requirement for sponsoring parents and grandparents. The MNI is the amount of income that a sponsor must prove to demonstrate that they can financially support their family members. The MNI is updated annually based on the Low Income Measure (LIM), and it varies depending on the sponsor’s family size.
Here’s a general guideline (values may vary, and it’s always best to check for the most current numbers on the IRCC website):
Family Size | MNI Requirement |
|---|---|
2 | CAD 32,270 |
3 | CAD 39,672 |
4 | CAD 47,076 |
5 | CAD 54,480 |
6 | CAD 61,884 |
7 | CAD 69,288 |
Each additional family member (beyond 7) | CAD 7,404 |
These figures are based on income from the previous 12 months. As a sponsor, you will need to demonstrate that you have earned enough income to meet the MNI for the current year and the year before that.
Important Considerations
- Cap on Applications: The PGP program has a limited number of spots each year, and as a result, it can be difficult to be invited to apply. The selection process is random, and not everyone who submits an interest will receive an invitation to apply.
- Processing Times: The processing time for the PGP can take several months to over a year. This includes the time required for document verification, medical exams, criminal background checks, and other steps.
- Changes in Policy: The Canadian government sometimes updates or changes policies related to the PGP, including the application process or the number of invitations issued. Always check the latest information on the IRCC website.
- Financial Responsibility: Sponsors must understand the long-term commitment of supporting their parents or grandparents financially for 20 years. This is important, as any failure to provide the necessary support can result in the sponsor being required to pay back any financial assistance the government provides to the sponsored individual.
Conclusion
The Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program is an excellent opportunity for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their loved ones and bring their parents or grandparents to Canada. It allows for family reunification and provides the sponsored individuals with the opportunity to live in Canada permanently.
However, due to the limited number of spaces and the competitive nature of the program, it’s important to stay informed about the process and ensure that all eligibility criteria are met. If you are interested in sponsoring your parents or grandparents, make sure to check for the latest information and stay prepared for the application process.
Children Sponsorship:
- Dependent Children
The Dependent Child Sponsorship Program in Canada allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their dependent children for permanent residence. This program is part of the Family Sponsorship Program and aims to reunite families by enabling parents to bring their children to live with them in Canada.
Overview of Dependent Child Sponsorship in Canada
The Dependent Child Sponsorship Program allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their children (including adopted children) to live permanently in Canada. The child must meet the definition of “dependent” under Canadian immigration law.
This program is one of the most commonly used family sponsorship pathways, as it allows parents and guardians to bring their children to Canada for family reunification.
Eligibility for Sponsoring a Dependent Child
To be eligible to sponsor a dependent child, both the sponsor (the Canadian citizen or permanent resident) and the child must meet certain eligibility requirements.
- Sponsor Eligibility
As a sponsor, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident: You must be living in Canada or intending to return to Canada to sponsor your child.
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Financial Requirements: For the Dependent Child Sponsorship program, you do not need to meet a specific Minimum Necessary Income (MNI), unlike other family sponsorship categories like the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship. However, you must be able to provide for your dependent child’s basic needs and meet the general criteria to sponsor a child.
- Ability to financially support the child: While you don’t need to demonstrate income for dependent children, you must confirm that you can financially support your child and meet the basic needs (such as food, shelter, and clothing).
- Commitment to Support: You must sign an agreement to financially support the child for a period of 10 years or until the child turns 25 years old (whichever comes first), or if the child becomes a Canadian citizen before that.
- Child Eligibility
The child you are sponsoring must meet the following criteria:
- Age: The child must be under 22 years of age at the time of application and not be married or in a common-law relationship. If the child is over 22, they may still be eligible if they are:
- Physically or mentally disabled and dependent on their parents for financial support.
- Unable to support themselves due to a physical or mental condition that started before they turned 22.
- Proof of Relationship: You must provide documents proving the relationship to the child, such as birth certificates, adoption records, or legal guardianship papers.
- Medical and Security Clearances: The child must undergo a medical exam and criminal background checks (if applicable, depending on their age and country of residence).
Application Process for Dependent Child Sponsorship
The application process involves several steps that must be followed to ensure the successful sponsorship of your dependent child.
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
- Before applying, both the sponsor and the dependent child must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria outlined above. This includes checking the child’s age, relationship status, and whether they meet the medical and security requirements.
Step 2: Complete the Application
- The sponsor must complete the Application to Sponsor and the Permanent Residence Application for the child. You can obtain the required forms and detailed instructions from the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
- The application includes the following forms:
- Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement, and Undertaking (Form IMM 1344).
- Permanent Resident Application (Form IMM 0008) for the child.
- Other documents, such as:
- Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency (e.g., copy of passport, permanent resident card).
- Proof of relationship to the child (e.g., birth certificate, adoption papers).
- Medical examination results for the child.
- Police clearances if the child is 18 years or older.
Step 3: Submit the Application
- Once all the forms are completed and the required documents are gathered, submit the application to IRCC.
- Pay the application fees, which include the sponsorship fee and processing fee. The total fee will depend on the number of individuals being sponsored.
Step 4: Processing the Application
- Once the application is received, IRCC will assess it to ensure it meets all the requirements. This may take several months.
- The child will need to undergo a medical examination (including for certain dependents over 18 years) and provide police clearance certificates if required.
- Security checks will also be performed on the child, and they must not have any criminal record or security concerns.
Step 5: Decision
- After processing the application, IRCC will notify the sponsor and the child of the decision. If the application is approved, the child will receive permanent residency status and can live in Canada as a permanent resident.
- If the application is refused, the sponsor will be notified, and they may have the option to appeal or reapply under the same program.
Financial Support and Responsibilities of the Sponsor
While the sponsor does not need to meet specific income requirements for the Dependent Child Sponsorship, they must show they can financially support their child. Here are some key points about the financial commitment:
- Support for 10 years: Once a dependent child is sponsored, the sponsor is legally responsible for providing financial support for the child for a period of 10 years or until the child turns 25 (whichever comes first).
- Basic Needs: The sponsor must ensure that the child’s basic needs are met, including food, shelter, and clothing. The child will not be allowed to access social assistance programs during this period.
- Social Assistance: If the sponsored child needs to rely on social assistance, the sponsor may be required to repay the amount to the government.
Important Considerations for Dependent Child Sponsorship
- Application Processing Time: Processing times can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the applicant’s country of residence. It typically takes several months to over a year to process the application.
- Age Limits: The age limit for dependent children is under 22 years old unless the child is physically or mentally disabled. This makes it important to apply while the child is still eligible.
- Adopted Children: If the child is adopted, the sponsor must provide legal documentation of the adoption process. The child must meet the same age and dependency requirements as biological children.
- Multiple Children: If the sponsor is applying for multiple dependent children, they will need to complete separate forms for each child and provide supporting documents for each one.
Conclusion
The Dependent Child Sponsorship Program is an essential immigration pathway that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their children to Canada. This program provides an opportunity for family reunification, allowing parents and guardians to live together with their children in Canada as permanent residents. The process is relatively straightforward, but the sponsor must meet all the eligibility criteria, including financial requirements and the ability to provide long-term support for their child.
If you’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident with a dependent child living abroad, this program is an excellent way to bring your family together in Canada. Be sure to gather all necessary documents and complete the application carefully to ensure the best chances of success.
Children Sponsorship:
- Dependent Children
The Dependent Child Sponsorship Program in Canada allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their dependent children for permanent residence. This program is part of the Family Sponsorship Program and aims to reunite families by enabling parents to bring their children to live with them in Canada.
Overview of Dependent Child Sponsorship in Canada
The Dependent Child Sponsorship Program allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their children (including adopted children) to live permanently in Canada. The child must meet the definition of “dependent” under Canadian immigration law.
This program is one of the most commonly used family sponsorship pathways, as it allows parents and guardians to bring their children to Canada for family reunification.
Eligibility for Sponsoring a Dependent Child
To be eligible to sponsor a dependent child, both the sponsor (the Canadian citizen or permanent resident) and the child must meet certain eligibility requirements.
- Sponsor Eligibility
As a sponsor, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident: You must be living in Canada or intending to return to Canada to sponsor your child.
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Financial Requirements: For the Dependent Child Sponsorship program, you do not need to meet a specific Minimum Necessary Income (MNI), unlike other family sponsorship categories like the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship. However, you must be able to provide for your dependent child’s basic needs and meet the general criteria to sponsor a child.
- Ability to financially support the child: While you don’t need to demonstrate income for dependent children, you must confirm that you can financially support your child and meet the basic needs (such as food, shelter, and clothing).
- Commitment to Support: You must sign an agreement to financially support the child for a period of 10 years or until the child turns 25 years old (whichever comes first), or if the child becomes a Canadian citizen before that.
- Child Eligibility
The child you are sponsoring must meet the following criteria:
- Age: The child must be under 22 years of age at the time of application and not be married or in a common-law relationship. If the child is over 22, they may still be eligible if they are:
- Physically or mentally disabled and dependent on their parents for financial support.
- Unable to support themselves due to a physical or mental condition that started before they turned 22.
- Proof of Relationship: You must provide documents proving the relationship to the child, such as birth certificates, adoption records, or legal guardianship papers.
- Medical and Security Clearances: The child must undergo a medical exam and criminal background checks (if applicable, depending on their age and country of residence).
Application Process for Dependent Child Sponsorship
The application process involves several steps that must be followed to ensure the successful sponsorship of your dependent child.
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
- Before applying, both the sponsor and the dependent child must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria outlined above. This includes checking the child’s age, relationship status, and whether they meet the medical and security requirements.
Step 2: Complete the Application
- The sponsor must complete the Application to Sponsor and the Permanent Residence Application for the child. You can obtain the required forms and detailed instructions from the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
- The application includes the following forms:
- Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement, and Undertaking (Form IMM 1344).
- Permanent Resident Application (Form IMM 0008) for the child.
- Other documents, such as:
- Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency (e.g., copy of passport, permanent resident card).
- Proof of relationship to the child (e.g., birth certificate, adoption papers).
- Medical examination results for the child.
- Police clearances if the child is 18 years or older.
Step 3: Submit the Application
- Once all the forms are completed and the required documents are gathered, submit the application to IRCC.
- Pay the application fees, which include the sponsorship fee and processing fee. The total fee will depend on the number of individuals being sponsored.
Step 4: Processing the Application
- Once the application is received, IRCC will assess it to ensure it meets all the requirements. This may take several months.
- The child will need to undergo a medical examination (including for certain dependents over 18 years) and provide police clearance certificates if required.
- Security checks will also be performed on the child, and they must not have any criminal record or security concerns.
Step 5: Decision
- After processing the application, IRCC will notify the sponsor and the child of the decision. If the application is approved, the child will receive permanent residency status and can live in Canada as a permanent resident.
- If the application is refused, the sponsor will be notified, and they may have the option to appeal or reapply under the same program.
Financial Support and Responsibilities of the Sponsor
While the sponsor does not need to meet specific income requirements for the Dependent Child Sponsorship, they must show they can financially support their child. Here are some key points about the financial commitment:
- Support for 10 years: Once a dependent child is sponsored, the sponsor is legally responsible for providing financial support for the child for a period of 10 years or until the child turns 25 (whichever comes first).
- Basic Needs: The sponsor must ensure that the child’s basic needs are met, including food, shelter, and clothing. The child will not be allowed to access social assistance programs during this period.
- Social Assistance: If the sponsored child needs to rely on social assistance, the sponsor may be required to repay the amount to the government.
Important Considerations for Dependent Child Sponsorship
- Application Processing Time: Processing times can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the applicant’s country of residence. It typically takes several months to over a year to process the application.
- Age Limits: The age limit for dependent children is under 22 years old unless the child is physically or mentally disabled. This makes it important to apply while the child is still eligible.
- Adopted Children: If the child is adopted, the sponsor must provide legal documentation of the adoption process. The child must meet the same age and dependency requirements as biological children.
- Multiple Children: If the sponsor is applying for multiple dependent children, they will need to complete separate forms for each child and provide supporting documents for each one.
Conclusion
The Dependent Child Sponsorship Program is an essential immigration pathway that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their children to Canada. This program provides an opportunity for family reunification, allowing parents and guardians to live together with their children in Canada as permanent residents. The process is relatively straightforward, but the sponsor must meet all the eligibility criteria, including financial requirements and the ability to provide long-term support for their child.
If you’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident with a dependent child living abroad, this program is an excellent way to bring your family together in Canada. Be sure to gather all necessary documents and complete the application carefully to ensure the best chances of success.