Canada’s family sponsorship program allows citizens and permanent residents of Canada to sponsor their immediate family members for permanent resident status in the country. This highly important, family-unification program allows qualified sponsors to bring spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents to live in Canada. Family sponsorship can be tricky as it involves information about eligibility criteria of both documentation and timelines; hence, the whole process needs to be handled with care and that all the forms are duly filled up.
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors
Some of the following are the criteria which a sponsor needs to meet to be eligible for sponsoring a family member:. The sponsor must be at least 18 years of age and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is living in Canada, or intending to live in Canada, upon such arrival of the family member being sponsored. More so, he must be able to prove that he can support the family member financially enough for him or her not to depend on the social assistance of the Canadian government. Certain factors include bankruptcy and non-payment of child support that will bar one from being a sponsor.
Sponsored Family Members Eligibility
Not every family member has eligibility for sponsorship in the family sponsorship class in Canada. A sponsor will be eligible to sponsor the following in immigration to Canada: a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, dependent children, parents, and grandparents. Of course, cousins, nieces, and all those extended family members do not come under the family sponsorship class. An exception to that would be an orphaned relative who is under 18 years old. If the relatives are orphans, then there could be a chance in the form of sponsorship. Letting your family member be qualified enough to sponsor you is an essential part of this process. Again, this has nothing to do with eligibility inasmuch as a family may want to sponsor you but your relationship with them does not meet the legal definition.
Overview of Sponsorship Application
It comes in through an application to IRCC mainly through two components: a sponsorship application made by the Canadian sponsor and an application for permanent residence made by the member being sponsored. Applications are made through the filling out of different forms, supporting documents, and payment of the required fees. Accuracy and thoroughness are of high importance lest one faces delays or even refusals.
Times of Processing and Possible Delays
About families, not all applications for sponsorship go simultaneously nor take the same time. This usually depends on the kind of application and also on the country of origin from which the family member is being sponsored. It may take anything from some months to over one year. The delays may be caused by incomplete documentation, forms that have not been filled out, or even background checks. Always keep in check and follow up on the status of your application from time to time, ensuring quick responses in cases when IRCC requests anything because these may delay the whole process. One needs patience enough to wait for what will probably be an unusually long period.
Common Issues During the Sponsorship Process
Family sponsorship is, therefore, a complex process, and there are some challenges or problems many applicants are facing in the field. The top three reasons for denial include incomplete applications, failure to provide sufficient or lack of supporting documents, and or failure to understand the qualifying criteria for entry. Other pitfalls occur when the medical exam, security and background checks, or investigations are conducted. The best way to avoid all of these issues is to consult with an immigration lawyer Toronto so he can ensure the application is filed correctly and any potential issues are removed before the application is submitted.
Final Steps Upon Approval
In this regard, once the sponsorship application gets approved, the sponsored family member receives a document entitled Confirmation of Permanent Residence, also referred to as COPR with a visa for traveling to Canada. Upon arrival at the airport or port of entry, the family member must undergo a landing interview in which an immigration officer identifies the candidate and reviews the documents. Afterwards, the family member is granted residence in Canada on a permanent basis, complete with all the rights and responsibilities of permanent residents.
Family reunification through the Canadian family sponsorship process is a privileged opportunity that ought to be approached with due diligence, not only in fact but also in respect to due process under the law. Knowing one’s eligibility, making a complete application, and preparing for possible challenges are the ways the sponsor applicant will successfully attempt the process of bringing family members into Canada.