Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for family sponsorship, the sponsor and the applicant (spouse, partner, or dependent child) must meet specific eligibility requirements:

• Sponsor Requirements: The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, at least 18 years old, and financially capable of supporting the sponsored family member.
• Spouse/Partner Requirements: The relationship must be genuine, and applicants must meet definitions for a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner.
• Dependent Children Requirements: Dependent children must be under 22 years old and unmarried or in school if over 22.

Types of Sponsorship: Spouse, Partner, and Dependent Children

The Canadian sponsorship program includes several relationship categories:

• Spouse: Legally married partners.
• Common-Law Partner: Partners who have lived together in a conjugal relationship for at least one year.
• Conjugal Partner: Partners who have been in a relationship for at least one year but cannot live together due to circumstances beyond their control (e.g., legal or immigration barriers).
• Dependent Children: Biological or adopted children under 22 years of age, or over 22 but financially dependent on the sponsor.

Required Documents

The documents required for family sponsorship in Canada vary based on the relationship. General documents include:

• Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency of the sponsor
• Marriage certificate, if applicable
• Proof of common-law status or conjugal relationship
• Passport and ID for both sponsor and applicant
• Birth certificates for dependent children
• Proof of financial capability (e.g., income tax returns, employment letters)
• Medical examination results

Application Process

The application process for sponsoring family members includes several steps:

1. Complete Application Forms: The sponsor completes the sponsorship application and the applicant fills out the permanent residency forms.
2. Submit Supporting Documents: Gather and submit all required documents as proof of eligibility.
3. Pay Application Fees: Pay the required sponsorship and processing fees online.
4. Medical Examination: The applicant must undergo a medical exam by a panel physician.
5. Police Certificates: Provide police certificates from any country where the applicant has lived for over six months.
6. Submit Application Package: Submit the entire application package to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
7. Application Review: IRCC reviews the application and may request additional information or an interview.
8. Final Decision: If approved, the applicant will receive permanent residency status.

Fees and Payment

The fees associated with sponsoring a spouse, partner, or dependent child include:

• Sponsorship Fee: $75 CAD
• Principal Applicant Processing Fee: $475 CAD
• Right of Permanent Residence Fee: $500 CAD
• Biometrics Fee: $85 CAD (if required)

Processing Time

Processing times for family sponsorship applications vary based on factors like the applicant’s country of residence and application complexity. On average, it can take 12-18 months for a decision.

Key Points to Remember

• Ensure that the relationship is genuine and supported by evidence.
• All required documents must be submitted accurately to avoid delays.
• The sponsor must meet financial requirements to demonstrate the ability to support the applicant.
• Failure to submit police certificates or medical exams on time can delay the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sponsor my spouse if I’m a permanent resident living outside of Canada?

No, sponsors must reside in Canada unless they are Canadian citizens.

Is it possible to work in Canada while my spouse sponsorship application is being processed?

Yes, applicants who are in Canada may be eligible for an open work permit.

What if the sponsorship application is refused?

If the application is refused, you may appeal the decision or reapply, addressing the reasons for refusal.

Are biometrics required for family sponsorship applications?

Yes, biometrics are generally required as part of the process.

What’s the difference between a spousal sponsorship and a common-law sponsorship?

A spousal sponsorship is for legally married couples, while a common-law sponsorship is for couples who have cohabitated for at least one year in a marriage-like relationship.

Official Website

For the most up-to-date information, please visit the official Government of Canada – Family Sponsorship page.