Did you know that permanent residents and immigrants contributed to
80% of the population growth in 2020? Canada has been known for its immigration laws and welcoming policy toward immigrants.
Are you a permanent resident yourself? Do you have family that wishes to immigrate to Canada? Look no further; here is a guide to family and spousal sponsorship in Canada.
What Is Sponsorship?
Before we take you through the steps of the application, we will cover what sponsorship is. Canada is a firm believer in keeping families together and is happy to support families to start a new life together here in Canada.
For that reason, Canada created an immigration program designed to keep loved ones together. Fortunately, a sponsor does not have to be a citizen yet, but they can be a permanent resident and landed immigrant.
There are two different programs that involve sponsorships. The first, and the most common, is Spousal Sponsorship. As the name implies, it is when your spouse can sponsor you and your dependents to become permanent residents.
Family Sponsorship is when those other than your spouse or dependents require a sponsorship. This includes adopted children and extended family.
Spousal Sponsorship: All You Need to Know
First, we will cover the Spousal Sponsorship. This particular program is designed to keep you and your partner and children together and to ensure that your new life is off to a good start.
What Are the Requirements?
To become a spousal sponsor, there are several requirements that you must meet in order to be eligible. A sponsor must be at least 18 years old and either a Canadian citizen, registered under the Canadian Indian Act, or a permanent resident.
If you are a Canadian citizen living in another country, you must provide proof that you intend to live in Canada when your partner is accepted as a permanent resident. If you are a permanent resident of Canada yourself and are living abroad, you are unable to sponsor your family member.
Additionally, you will need to prove that you can provide the basic financial needs for either your partner, your dependents, or both, depending on whom you are sponsoring.
How Much Will It Cost?
The cost to process the sponsorship is $550 CAD. However, if you hire a lawyer, there may be additional costs applied. Applicants will also need to pay a fee of $490 CAD for the issuance of a visa.
How Long Will It Take?
The application process of a Spousal Sponsorship usually takes about 12 months. It is important to note that the process may take longer, up to 36 months. However, in some cases, the sponsorship process is less than 12 months.
Important Things to Note
Spousal Sponsorship does not necessarily mean that you need have a marriage certificate. You can have a common-law relationship as well. This applies to both opposite-sex and same-sex relations. Canada recognizes same-sex relationships and holds the same policies as opposite-sex relationships.
Any form of relationship, whether common-law or marriage, needs to be genuine. You require to provide proof, especially in common-law partners, of the establishment of the relationship. The government may deny your application if they are under the impression that your relationship is not genuine.
Your partner may apply for a Work Visa while waiting for the application to be completed.
Family Sponsorship: All You Need to Know
The process of Family Sponsorship is similar to Spousal Sponsorship. However, there are some key differences. There are additional conditions that apply if you wish to sponsor your parents or grandparents.
You may sponsor your grandparents, parents, or adopted children. However, if your sibling, niece, nephew, or grandchildren under the age of 18 are orphaned, you may sponsor them as well.
What Are the Requirements?
Similar to Spousal Sponsorship, you must be at least 18 years of age. Additionally, you must commit to supporting your relatives and loved ones financially. If you are sponsoring a child, you must provide for the child for at least 10 years, or until they turn 25.
As a sponsor, you are either a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered under the Indian Act.
How Much Will It Cost?
The fees for sponsoring another relative other than your spouse costs $1,050 CAD. This includes the processing fee ($475 CAD), the right of permanent residence fee ($500 CAD), and the sponsorship fee ($75 CAD). These fees are applied per person. However, dependent children cost $150 CAD per child.
Additionally, you will need to provide biometrics for both yourself and those who are being sponsored. This costs $85 CAD per person or $170 CAD for more than two people if applied at the same time and place.
How Long Will It Take?
The processing time for Family Sponsorship on average is 20-24 months. If you are sponsoring parents or grandparents, you may want to look into the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa, which allows parents to stay in Canada for up to two years. The processing time is much faster than the Family Sponsorship program.
Important Things to Note
In case of refusal, you can appeal to the Immigration Adjudication Division within 30 days. These appeals can take a long time and are quite costly. If you file for an appeal, the IAD may still deny your application. It is highly recommended to hire a lawyer at this time to assist with the application and appeal. With both application processes, there are some limitations as to who may apply. For example, if you wish to be a sponsor to your loved ones, you cannot be in the process of bankruptcy, nor can you be in prison or charged with a sexual offense. If this is the case, your loved ones may explore alternate routes.
Family and Spousal Sponsorship to Canada
Family is crucial to our well-being, and it is important to have everyone in one place. We find comfort, support, and joy in our family. That is why it is essential that the application of Family and Spousal Sponsorship to Canada is done right.
There is no better way to apply to the process than to hire a professional to assist you in this life-changing event. Consider Minhas Lawyers while you are conducting your interviews for a trustworthy firm that will bring your family together.
Contact us now and book a consultation.
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Surinder Pawar
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Michael Moore
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Minhas Lawyers are very professional and hold very high standards. This is my 5th year with them. They have helped me in Real Estate, Will and Estate, and immigration matters. Recently they have worked on our family estate matter and we are extremely happy from their services. Top Lawyers. Highly recommend.
Gurdev Gill
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Manpreet Minhas and his team are very Knowledgeable, Professional and result oriented. Had a very positive experience on a real estate dealing with Mr. Minhas and his team who are focused on details and positive experience for clients. Will definitely use service if needed in future. Thanks and best wishes.
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Very, very professional services. Mr. Manpreet Minhas handled my immigration matter very professionally. Their fees are very reasonable. One of the best lawyers…A++++.
Arshdeep Rayat
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