Family Class Sponsorship: Reuniting Families in Canada

Family sponsorship programs represent one of the most sought-after pathways for immigration to Canada. These programs facilitate Canadian citizens and permanent residents in bringing their spouses and immediate family members to Canada, often with reduced processing times. Recognizing that family reunification is paramount, Canada strives to expedite the sponsorship process.

Spouse Sponsorship

In an ideal world, couples would not be separated by borders while their sponsorship applications are processed. Unfortunately, this is the reality many couples face during the Canadian immigration process.

The spousal sponsorship stream within the family sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their spouses or common-law partners for Canadian permanent residence, irrespective of their current location. In line with Canada’s commitment to family reunification, most applications are processed within a 12-month timeframe. While this program primarily targets individuals residing abroad, applicants living in Canada may also apply for outland spousal sponsorship, allowing them to travel in and out of Canada during the application process.

Eligibility Requirements for Spousal Sponsorship

To sponsor a spouse or common-law partner, the Canadian sponsor must:

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident residing in Canada.
• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Not have sponsored a spouse or partner to Canada in the five years preceding the application.
• Not be in prison, charged with a serious offense, or declared bankrupt.
• Not be under a deportation order if they are a permanent resident.

Additionally, sponsors residing in Quebec may need to meet extra requirements. For outland spousal sponsorship, the sponsored individual does not need to hold valid temporary status in Canada as long as they are not residing in the country. The sponsored partner must also be at least 18 years of age and cannot be a close blood relative of the sponsor. The relationship must be recognized as either a legal marriage or a common-law or conjugal partnership by the Canada Immigration and Citizenship (CICC).

Sponsoring a Spouse or Common-Law Partner

Sponsors can benefit from an expedited processing period of approximately 12 months when sponsoring a spouse or common-law partner for Canadian permanent residence, whether they are living in Canada on a valid temporary visa or residing abroad. Additionally, applicants living in Canada may qualify for an open work permit, alleviating some financial burdens during the processing period.

The spousal open work permit allows sponsored individuals to work in Canada while their sponsorship application is under review. Canada recognizes common-law partnerships, meaning you may qualify for spousal sponsorship if you and your partner have been living together for at least one year, even if you are not legally married.

Child or Other Dependent Sponsorship

If you are immigrating to Canada, you can include your children as accompanying dependents on your permanent residence application. However, if you choose not to include them or are unable to do so, they may still join you in Canada later. Canada’s child sponsorship program allows citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their biological or adopted children under the age of 22 for permanent residence, provided they are unmarried and have no children of their own.

Parent or Grandparent Sponsorship

Canada’s commitment to family reunification also extends to parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents through the parent and grandparent sponsorship program. To sponsor a parent or grandparent, sponsors must demonstrate their ability to financially support their family by meeting the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement for their family size. They must also agree to provide financial support for their sponsored family members if needed.

Sponsors who are unable to provide permanent support for their parents or grandparents may consider applying for a Super Visa. This long-term, multiple-entry visa is designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, facilitating longer visits to Canada.