Canada Family Class Sponsorship Program 2024
Relocating abroad, leaving loved ones behind, can be challenging. One of the Government of Canada’s objectives is to reunite families, allowing certain family members to settle long-term and become permanent residents under the family class category. As permanent residents, they can live, study, and work in Canada without needing a visitor visa or an invitation letter.
Family Class Sponsorship Criteria
Family class sponsorship, like other immigration categories, has specific criteria. Key among these is the minimum necessary income requirement for the sponsor. If you’re considering sponsoring a family member to Canada, start by reviewing the family sponsorship applications, eligibility, and requirements.
You might be eligible to sponsor a child, spouse, or common-law partner living either inside or outside Canada if you are at least 18 years old and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Sponsoring a family member means you agree to financially support them, necessitating that you work in Canada and meet certain income thresholds. This sponsorship is a significant commitment, requiring you to sign an undertaking agreement. Note that family sponsorship in Canada does not qualify for a tax receipt.
Below is detailed information on how to sponsor a relative to Canada, the family sponsorship income requirements, and considerations for sponsoring a child born outside of Canada, including surrogacy and immigration aspects.
Application Essentials
- Application Forms: IMM 5287
- Processing Time: Variable
- Sponsorship Application Fees: Applicable
Sponsorship Eligibility
Dependent Child: The age limit for dependent children has changed from under 19 to under 22 years. To qualify as a dependant, the child must be under 22 years old and without a spouse or partner. Children over 22 years old can qualify as dependants if they have been financially dependent on their parents since before turning 22 and are unable to support themselves due to a mental or physical condition.
Brother or Sister: Currently, there is no direct sponsorship program for siblings. However, siblings can apply for permanent residency as economic class immigrants and receive extra points under Express Entry. They can also be sponsored as dependent children under their parents’ sponsorship or, in exceptional cases, under the orphaned close relative program.
Adopted Child: For international adoptions, you must complete both the adoption and citizenship or immigration processes before bringing the child to Canada. An adopted child can receive Canadian citizenship directly through the citizenship process or become a permanent resident through the immigration process. If surrogacy is involved, specific procedures apply to bring the child to Canada.
Friend: There is no direct sponsorship program for friends. Friends can apply for a visitor visa if they come from a non-visa-exempt country. They will need a letter of invitation from their Canadian friend, which does not guarantee visa approval as other criteria are considered.
Relative: Under the “last remaining relative” exception program, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident can sponsor any relative if they have no other close family members in Canada who are permanent residents or citizens, and no family members who could be sponsored under family class outside of Canada. The sponsor must agree to financially support their relative.
Someone Else: Through the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program, you can sponsor refugees from abroad. Sponsors must provide support for housing, clothing, food, and social and emotional needs during the sponsorship period. Sponsorship Agreement Holders (organizations with agreements with the Government of Canada) can also sponsor refugees directly or collaborate with community members. Quebec has its own refugee sponsorship process.
For further details and to initiate the sponsorship process, visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
APPLY HERE
