What comes to mind when anyone hears the word “Canada”? Its multiculturalism, tolerance, employment opportunities, scenic landscape, world-renowned education system, well-rounded healthcare service, and stable government. The list of reasons for immigrating to Canada is almost endless. With its developed economy and prospering environment, Canada continues to welcome immigrants and their families across the world.
About 21% of its population comprises immigrants and their offspring. This statistic is an indication of the country’s friendly immigration policies, which have been receptive to people from all backgrounds. With travel restrictions gradually easing up and visa programs being reviewed, there’s never been a better time to think about moving to the Great White North.
The opportunity to become a permanent resident under the family or spousal sponsorship (spouse, parents, grandparents, siblings, or dependent children) program remains one of the most popular ways for potential candidates to get a foot in the country’s door. Although the program is highly competitive and challenging, the application process can be simple and quick with the right guidance, which this guide offers.
Eligible Sponsor for Family Members
Can anyone in Canada sponsor a spouse, parent, sibling, or child for PR? No. The Canadian government has stipulated that individuals who want to bring their family members to Canada, regardless of origins, need to meet specific requirements, including being at least 18 years. For one, they should either be:
- Permanent residents, or
- Citizens
- Members under the Indian Act
This implies that those with tourist visas, student visas, or even temporary resident visas cannot sponsor anyone for Canadian PR. It also applies to those under the PSR program. Applicants have to demonstrate strong ties with Canada first before the IRCC will look into their background. Once a Canadian-based applicant meets this requisite, the person will need to prove financial sustainability. What does this mean?
The IRCC requires that applicants for family sponsorships provide IMM forms, financial documents, and proof that they are financially capable of covering the sponsored basic needs (from food to healthcare not covered by Medicare), which may span 22 years (for dependent children). For others, like parents and relatives, the duration may be anywhere from 10 to 20 years. Even though the country provides financial sustainability in general, it doesn’t support a burdensome economy.
Another requirement for eligibility is that the sponsor must be living in Canada even after the sponsored member has become a permanent resident.
Eligibility Requirements for Sponsored Family Member
Sponsored spouses, siblings, and dependent children living outside Canada must make plans to relocate while the application process goes on. They could even be in the country and hold any valid visa, such as a student visa or a tourist visa. As required by the program, sponsored members must have no criminal records.
This factor carries much weight, that even convicts with records as old as 20 years can be denied the chance of moving to Canada. Other background checks are run to ensure that such individuals meet all the legal requirements. They must provide documents, like:
- Marriage certificates (for married spouses)
- Birth certificates or any other proof of identity
- Photos
- Other supporting documents (if requested)
Application Process for Family Sponsorship
The first step to take when one is keen on sponsoring a family member is filling out an online form. The IRCC requires people to fill out a questionnaire, which will serve as the basis for procuring the application package. During this step, details of the sponsored member, country of residence, and country of issuance for supporting documents are provided.
Once completed, the applicant can download the package, which includes, among other things, a checklist and some forms. The checklist serves as a point of reference when filling out the forms. It is there to ensure that all the required documents are included. An incomplete or missing document may lead to delays in the process.
The immigration officer will assess and verify the completed documents. Whereby they are in order, the officer will approve them and commence the PR process. However, in cases where discrepancies are noted, further details are requested or the package may be returned.
How the Biometric Data Capture Works
The applicant will need to visit a Canada-authorized biometric data collection center, which is set up in 95 countries worldwide. During this process, the sponsored individual provides biometric data, which includes a photo and fingerprints. It also applies to those who have moved to Canada under a different visa program. But first, scaling this process requires:
- Making payments in full for the biometric fee
- Collecting the Biometric Instruction Letter or BIL
The applicant submits the letter at the collection point, which is used in conjunction with the biometric capture from the sponsored member. As a rule of thumb, all details should be provided quickly to prevent any delay in the process.
A Comprehensive Breakdown of the Application Fees
The application cost for this program has increased recently, which means that applicants must acquaint themselves with this adjustment. Here’s a cost breakdown based on the sponsored individual.
Sponsorship for A Dependent Child
The total cost is Can$ 150, which includes:
- Processing fee: Can$ 75
- Sponsorship fee: Can$ 75
Spousal Sponsorship with Right of Permanent Residence
The total cost is Can$ 1,080, which includes:
- Principal applicant processing fee: Can$ 490
- Sponsorship fee: Can$ 75
- Right of PR fee: Can$ 515
Spousal Sponsorship without Right of Permanent Residence
The total cost is Can$ 565, which includes:
- Principal applicant processing fee: Can$ 490
- Sponsorship fee: Can$ 75
Including a dependent in the sponsored spouse application, whether with or without the right of permanent residence, comes with an additional cost of Can$ 155 per dependent.
The cost of parent or grandparent sponsorship is Can$ 1,080 (with right of PR) or Can$ 565 (without right of PR). If the sponsored member is the spouse of the applicant’s parent or grandparent, this will amount to Can$ 1,085 (with right of PR) and Can$ 570 (without right of PR). Kindly note that this cost is different from the biometric fee.
Conclusion
Its family and spousal sponsorships are among the best and most well-received immigration programs in Canada. This is because the country has put in place strict policies and procedures to facilitate the process and ensure that only those who are eligible, get approved. The process can be intimidating and requires the help of a competent immigration adviser. In the right hands, the application stands a high chance of approval.