Find out everything you need to know about Canada Family Sponsorship application process and requirements.
What Is the Canada Family Sponsorship?
The Family Sponsorship visa for Canada aims to reunite Canadian citizens and permanent residents with their loved ones. This visa allows sponsors to bring their spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents to Canada, providing them with the opportunity to live, work, and study in the country. To be eligible, the sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident over the age of 18. This visa stream emphasizes maintaining family unity and offers numerous benefits, such as the ability to strengthen family bonds, ensure mutual support, and integrate into Canadian society together.
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Family Sponsorship Requirements for Canada
Explore the key requirements for obtaining your Family Sponsorship for Canada. This section covers the necessary documentation, eligibility criteria, and any specific conditions you must meet to successfully apply for and secure your visa.
Proof of Relationship
Evidence to prove your genuine relationship, such as marriage certificates, photos, communication records, and affidavits from individuals who know your relationship.
Financial Documents
Proof that the sponsor can financially support the sponsored family member(s), such as tax returns, bank statements, employment letters, or pay stubs.
Identity and Civil Status Documents
Copies of passports, birth certificates, national identity cards, or any other document that proves your identity and civil status.
Medical and Police Clearances
Medical examination results and police clearance certificates from any country where the sponsored family member has lived for six months or more since the age of 18.
Application Forms
Properly filled and signed application forms such as IMM 1344 for the sponsorship application and IMM 0008 for the permanent residence application (if applicable).
Understand the process of applying for an Canada Family Sponsorship, including key steps, document submission, and what to expect throughout the application.
Determine Eligibility
Ensure both the sponsor and the family member being sponsored meet the eligibility criteria set by the Canadian government. The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, at least 18 years old, and able to support the family member financially.
Gather All Required Documents
Collect all necessary documents to prove your relationship, financial ability, and other criteria specified in the application package. This includes proof of relationship, identity documents, financial statements, and more.
Submit an Application to Sponsor
Complete the application to sponsor (IMM 1344) and the application for permanent residence (if applicable), along with all supporting documents, and submit them to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Pay the Required Fees
Pay the sponsorship fee, processing fee, and the right of permanent residence fee if applicable. Ensure you keep a receipt of payment as proof for your records.
Wait for Application Processing
Check your application status through your online account. IRCC may request additional information or documents as they process your application. Be prepared to respond promptly to any requests.
Prepare for Interviews and Medical Exams
The sponsored family member may need to attend an interview and undergo a medical examination as part of the application process. Ensure they are ready and able to complete these steps if required.
Make sure to keep thorough records of your relationship and have all necessary documents in order before starting the sponsorship process. Regularly check the Government of Canada's immigration website for updates on immigration laws and procedures, as these can change. Ensure that all forms are fully completed and signed to avoid any delays in processing. Lastly, patience and careful attention to detail are key throughout the process.
