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Family Sponsorship

If you are a permanent resident or citizen of Canada, you have the opportunity to sponsor your family members to join you in the country. This sponsorship allows your spouse, partner, children, or relatives to live and work in Canada alongside you. However, this process involves a commitment not only to their financial support but also to aiding their integration into Canadian society. 

To be eligible to sponsor a family member, you must fulfil certain criteria:

  • You must be at least 18 years old.

  • You should be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or an individual registered in Canada as an Indian according to the Canadian Indian Act.

  • If you are a Canadian citizen residing outside of Canada, you must demonstrate your intention to live in Canada once the individuals you are sponsoring become permanent residents. Permanent residents living outside of Canada cannot sponsor others.

  • You must be able to prove that you are not receiving social assistance for reasons other than a disability.

  • You should have the capability to provide for the fundamental needs of the individuals you wish to sponsor.

  • You must possess sufficient financial resources to support those you intend to sponsor

  • This necessitates providing evidence of your income. It's possible for your spouse or common-law partner to co-sign, combining your incomes.

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By meeting these conditions, you can embark on the process of bringing your family members to Canada and offering them the opportunity to become permanent residents, provided you can fulfill the financial and integration responsibilities that come with the sponsorship.

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An overview of who cannot sponsor their family:

Important Notes

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  • To sponsor your parents, you need to start by applying for an interest form. After that, you will receive an invitation to apply for sponsorship.

  • You can only sponsor family members who are related to you by blood or adoption.

 

This process is designed to ensure that sponsors are fully committed to supporting their sponsored family members and that all necessary documentation and fees are submitted accurately. It's important to closely follow the instructions provided by the Canadian immigration authorities to ensure a smooth application process.

Who Cannot Sponsor Their Family:

  • Individuals below 18 years of age cannot sponsor family members.

  • If you don't plan to live in Canada when the people you're sponsoring become permanent residents, you're ineligible.

  • You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered under the Canadian Indian Act to sponsor family members.

  • Temporary residents, such as those on visiting, studying, or working visas or permits, cannot sponsor.

  • If your permanent residence application is still being processed, you cannot sponsor.

  • You must have permanent resident status when submitting your sponsorship application.

  • Insufficient funds to support the individuals you intend to sponsor can make you ineligible.

 

Additional Ineligibility for Sponsoring Spouse or Partner:

  • If you were sponsored by a spouse or partner and obtained permanent residency less than 5 years ago, you may not be eligible to sponsor your spouse or partner.

  • If you are still financially responsible for a previous spouse or partner you sponsored, you might not be eligible to sponsor a new spouse or partner.

 

Additional Ineligibility for Sponsoring Spouse, Partner, or Child:

  • If you have a pending sponsorship application for the same spouse, parent, or child, you may not be eligible for a new sponsorship.

  • Being incarcerated in jail, prison, or a penitentiary can render you ineligible.

  • Unresolved immigration loans, performance bonds, or court-ordered family support payments can make you ineligible.

  • Not fulfilling financial support obligations from a previous sponsorship agreement can render you ineligible.

  • If you have declared bankruptcy and are not yet discharged, you may be ineligible.

  • Receiving non-disability-related social assistance can affect your eligibility.

  • Convictions related to violent criminal offenses, offenses against relatives, or sexual offenses inside or outside Canada can make you ineligible.

  • If you must leave Canada due to a Removal Order, you are ineligible to sponsor family members.

These eligibility criteria aim to ensure that sponsors are capable of providing both financial and emotional support to the individuals they are sponsoring, as well as to maintain the integrity of the immigration system.

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