Navigating the Family Sponsorship Application Process

Reuniting with family is a primary motivation for many immigrants in Canada. The Family Sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their relatives to come to Canada as permanent residents. While rewarding, the process can be complex and requires careful attention to detail.

Who Can You Sponsor?

You can sponsor several types of relatives, with the most common categories being:

• Spouse, Common-law Partner, or Conjugal Partner: You can sponsor your partner to live with you in Canada.
• Dependent Children: You can sponsor your children who are under 22 years old and do not have a spouse or common-law partner.
• Parents and Grandparents: This popular program allows you to bring your parents and grandparents to Canada. Note that this program often operates on a lottery or invitation system due to high demand.
• Other Relatives: In specific, limited circumstances, you may be able to sponsor other relatives like an orphaned sibling, niece, nephew, or grandchild.

Key Eligibility Requirements for Sponsors

To be a sponsor, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
• Live in Canada (with some exceptions for citizens living abroad).
• Sign an undertaking to provide for the basic financial needs of the person you are sponsoring for a set period.
• Meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirements for your family size (this is particularly important for sponsoring parents and grandparents).

The Application Process

The application process generally involves two main parts: your application to become a sponsor and your relative's application for permanent residence. Both are typically submitted together. You will need to provide extensive documentation to prove your relationship (e.g., marriage certificates, birth certificates, photos) and demonstrate your financial capacity to support your family members.

How Newcomer Connect Simplifies Family Sponsorship

Bringing your family to Canada is a significant life event, and application errors can lead to long delays or refusals. Our team at Newcomer Connect provides compassionate and expert support to ensure your application is as strong as possible.

• Eligibility Assessment: We confirm both your eligibility as a sponsor and your relative's eligibility to be sponsored.
• Documentation Checklist: We provide a detailed and personalized checklist of all the required forms and supporting documents to build a robust case.
• Application Review: We meticulously review every detail of your application package before submission to minimize the risk of errors or omissions.
• Communication with IRCC: We act as your representative, handling all communication with IRCC and providing you with timely updates on your case status.

Don't let complex paperwork stand in the way of reuniting with your loved ones. Contact Newcomer Connect for a consultation and let us help you bring your family together in Canada.