What Are the Essential Requirements for Being Sponsored as an Immigrant in Canada?

Canada is a sought-after destination for immigrants seeking new opportunities, and one of the primary pathways to residency is through family sponsorship. To ensure successful immigration, potential sponsored immigrants must meet various eligibility criteria established by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors

To sponsor a family member, you must:

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Reside in Canada (Canadian citizens living abroad can sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or dependent children if they plan to live in Canada when the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident).
• Meet financial requirements to support the sponsored person.
• Sign an undertaking agreement committing to financially support the sponsored person for a specified period.

Who Can Be Sponsored?

1. Spouse, Common-Law Partner, or Conjugal Partner

• Genuine Relationship: The relationship must be genuine and ongoing, not solely for immigration purposes. Proof may include shared financial records, joint property ownership, photos, communication logs, and affidavits from friends and family.
• No Minimum Income Requirement for Sponsor: There is no minimum income requirement for sponsors of spouses, common-law partners, or conjugal partners.

2. Dependent Children

• Proof of Relationship: Provide birth certificates, adoption papers, or other legal documents.
• Age and Marital Status: Dependent children must be under 22 years old when the application is submitted and not married or in a common-law relationship. If over 22, they must demonstrate a physical or mental condition that makes them financially dependent on their parents.

3. Parents and Grandparents

• Medical Examination: Due to the potential long-term impact on Canada’s healthcare system, a thorough medical examination is required.
• Super Visa Option: In addition to permanent residency sponsorship, parents and grandparents may be eligible for a Super Visa, allowing extended visits for up to five years at a time over a ten-year period or until the expiry date of your passport.

4. Other Relatives

• Orphaned Relatives: Orphaned siblings, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren under 18, who are unmarried and not in a common-law relationship, can be sponsored.
• Lack of Family Members in Canada: In exceptional cases, sponsors can bring other relatives if they have no other family members in Canada who are citizens or permanent residents..

Health and Security Requirements

Medical Examination: All sponsored immigrants must undergo a medical examination by an IRCC-approved physician to ensure they do not have any health conditions that could pose a public health risk or create excessive demand on Canada’s health or social services.

Criminal Background Check: Sponsored individuals must provide police certificates from every country where they have lived for six months or more since the age of 18 to ensure they have no criminal record that would make them inadmissible to Canada.

Security Screening: Additional security screenings are conducted to ensure the sponsored individual does not pose a security threat to Canada

Financial Sufficiency:

Proof of Funds: While the primary financial responsibility lies with the sponsor, some categories, such as parents and grandparents, require proof that the sponsored individuals have sufficient funds to support themselves upon arrival in Canada.

Settlement Plan: In certain cases, a detailed settlement plan may be required, outlining how the sponsored individual intends to establish themselves in Canada, including employment plans and financial support.

Application Process:

1. Submit Sponsorship Application: The sponsor submits the sponsorship application to IRCC.
2. Approval of Sponsorship: IRCC reviews the application to ensure the sponsor meets the eligibility criteria.
3. Submit Permanent Residence Application: Once the sponsorship is approved, the sponsored person submits their application for permanent residence.
4. Application Processing: IRCC processes the permanent residence application, including medical, security, and background checks.
5. Decision and Landing: If approved, the sponsored person receives a confirmation of permanent residence (COPR) and can then travel to Canada and complete the landing process to become a permanent resident.

Becoming a sponsored immigrant in Canada involves meeting several requirements and following a detailed application process. Both sponsors and sponsored individuals must ensure they meet all eligibility criteria and provide complete and accurate documentation. With proper preparation and understanding of the requirements, families can reunite and start a new chapter together in Canada.

For more detailed information and guidance, visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or consult with a licensed immigration consultant from our team.