Canada strongly advocates for family reunification, and that’s why they have enacted immigration laws to grant permanent residents and Canadian citizens the permissions to sponsor loved ones. If you are a native Canadian or a permanent resident, you can now assist your family members or spouses, move to Canada with ease. 

There are two different classes available in which family sponsorship is possible in Canada: Family Class and Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada class.

Family Class

The Family class makes it possible for Canadian citizens and residents to sponsor a specific number of family members currently residing overseas; the person must not be living in Canada at the time of the application. The most familiar and well-known family sponsorships are spousal, children, parent, and grandparent sponsorships.

Spousal sponsorship in the family class

According to Canadian immigration law, members of the Family Class include any spouse, common-law partner, and or conjugal partner. 

A spouse in this context is any foreign national legally married to a citizen or permanent resident in Canada. For the marital union to be recognized, it must also be valid under Canadian law. 

A common-law partner is any foreign national that has lived with a permanent resident or Canadian citizen whom they have been dating for at least one year. The relationship must be similar to marriage in which they have shared bills, housing, etc.

A conjugal partner in this context is any foreigner currently living outside of Canada but has been in a relationship with the sponsor (Canadian citizen or permanent resident) for at least one year.

Dependent child sponsorship 

Sponsorship of children is also possible through the family class. However, there are limitations regarding the age of a child that a sponsor can sponsor. On October 24, 2017, the Canadian Government adjusted the age limit for dependents from ‘under 19″ to “under 22,” meaning that you can sponsor your child who is 22 years old and younger. 

Parents and grandparent sponsorship

Parent and Grandparent sponsorship should not be mistaken for a super visa. A super visa is a temporary residence visa that grants parents and grandparents the privileges to remain in Canada for a specific period. However, parent and grandparent sponsorship permits permanent residents and Canadian citizens the ability to sponsor any parent or grandparent to reside permanently with them in Canada if they have supplied all supporting documentation that proves the parent or grandparent relationship to the sponsor. The sponsor also must meet specific requirements, such as the particular income requirement for this type of sponsorship.

Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class

Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada class applies to sponsorships of spouses and common-law partners currently in Canada and residing with the sponsor. A conjugal partner (boyfriend and girlfriend relationship) is not eligible to be sponsored under this particular class.

How Can You Qualify as a Sponsor?

To discover how you could meet the eligibility requirements for sponsorship, please fill out the assessment form, and one of our immigration consultants will contact you for a consultation.