Moving abroad and leaving your loved ones on opposite coast is not easy. One of the objectives of Government of Canada is to see that families are reunited. Certain family members may qualify to settle in Canada long-term and become permanent residents under family class category.
After becoming permanent residents, they can live, study and work in Canada, thus you no longer need to apply for visitor visa and provide letter of invitation. Like other immigration categories, family class sponsorship has certain requirements, such as minimum necessary income which should be met by sponsor. If you are wondering how to sponsor someone to Canada, you should start from reviewing family sponsorship applications, eligibility and requirements.
You may be eligible to sponsor a child, spouse or a common-law partner living outside or inside Canada if you are 18 years of age or older, and you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. When you are sponsoring a family member, whether it is your dependent child or spouse/common-law partner, you promise to support them financially.
Therefore, you must work in Canada and meet certain income requirements. Sponsoring a family member to Canada is a big commitment, as you must sign an undertaking agreement.
Spousal sponsorship is a form of immigration process where a citizen or permanent resident of a country can sponsor their spouse or partner to join them in the same country. This process is designed to facilitate family reunification. Here are key points regarding spousal sponsorship:
Eligibility: To be eligible for spousal sponsorship, the sponsoring individual must typically be a citizen or permanent resident of the country and, in many cases, legally married to or in a recognized partnership with the intended spouse or partner.
Application Process: The sponsoring individual initiates the process by submitting a sponsorship application to the immigration authorities. The application is often accompanied by supporting documents, such as proof of the relationship, marriage certificates, and other required forms.
Financial Responsibility: Sponsors are usually required to demonstrate their financial ability to support the sponsored spouse or partner, ensuring that they will not become a burden on the country’s social services.
Processing Times: The processing times for spousal sponsorship applications can vary depending on the country and the specific circumstances. Some countries offer expedited processing for certain cases, such as those involving separation due to war or other humanitarian reasons.
Conditional Permanent Residence: In some cases, the sponsored spouse or partner may initially receive conditional permanent residence. This means that their status is subject to certain conditions, such as maintaining the spousal relationship for a specific period.
Inland vs. Outland Sponsorship: Some countries distinguish between inland and outland sponsorship. Inland sponsorship is for spouses or partners already living in the country, while outland sponsorship is for those residing outside the country.
Interviews and Assessments: Immigration authorities may conduct interviews and assessments to ensure the genuineness of the relationship and to prevent fraudulent sponsorships.