SPOUSAL, COMMON-LAW or CONJUGAL PARTNER SPONSORSHIP
Canadian citizens and permanent residents who meet the eligibility requirements may sponsor their spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner, for permanent residence in Canada. Sponsorship applications can be processed through one of two streams:
- The Family Class
- Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class
Sponsors are required to provide financial support to meet the basic needs of the sponsored person for a period of three years and to ensure that they do not rely on social assistance. This commitment is known as an undertaking. Eligible spouses or partners who are residing in Canada may also be able to obtain an open work permit during the processing of the application, provided they meet the applicable eligibility criteria
Who Can Apply?
You can sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner if you:
- Are at least 18 years old,
- A Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a person registered in Canada under the Canadian Indian Act,
- Live in Canada,
- Agree to a three-year financial undertaking, and
- Meet all other requirements under the IRPA and IRPR.
Spouse:
- Must be legally married to the sponsor,
- At least 18 years old, and
- Meet all other eligibility requirements
Common-Law Partner:
- Not married, but in a conjugal relationship
- Have lived together for at least 12 consecutive months, without any long periods apart
Conjugal Partner:
- Not legally married or in a common-law relationship, but have been in an exclusive and mutually interdependent relationship with the sponsor for at least 1 year and living outside of Canada.
- Cohabitation not possible due to significant legal or social barriers.
PARENT AND GRANDPARENT SPONSORSHIP
- Application Process: The PGP uses a lottery system in which potential sponsors submit an expression of interest. Only selected applicants are then invited to submit a sponsorship application.
- Financial Obligations: Sponsors must meet minimum income requirements for the 3 taxation years prior to the application. Additionally, the sponsor must commit to a 20-year long undertaking to provide financial support and ensuring that the sponsored family member does not rely on social assistance after they become a permanent resident.
DEPENDENT CHILD SPONSORSHIP
This category allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their biological or legally adopted dependent child who is:
- Under 22 years of age and who are unmarried, or
- 22 years of age or older, who are financially dependent on their parents since before the age of 22 due to a physical or mental condition.
Eligibility: The child must meet the dependency requirements, and their inclusion in the sponsorship application is mandatory, even if they reside with another parent or guardian.
Sponsor Commitment: Sponsors are responsible for providing financial support for the child for a period of 10 years or until the child turns 25, whichever occurs first.
OTHER ELIGIBLE FAMILY MEMBERS
In exceptional cases, Canadian citizens and permanent residents may sponsor other relatives, such as orphaned siblings, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren under 18, or a close relative if no other eligible family members exist.
Eligibility Requirements: These applications are considered only under specific circumstances and require careful review to confirm eligibility.
Purpose: Family Class Immigration facilitates family reunification while ensuring financial stability and compliance with Canada’s sponsorship obligations.
Family Sponsorship Services
Family sponsorship applications involve intricate requirements and considerable responsibilities. Our team is dedicated to guiding you through the process with clarity, precision, and confidence.
From assessing eligibility to preparing comprehensive, well-documented applications, we work closely with you to ensure a strong submission that demonstrates your ability to meet all program requirements.
Leveraging our expertise, we anticipate potential challenges and provide tailored solutions to enhance your chances of a successful outcome. Contact us today to take the first step toward reuniting with your loved ones in Canada.