Canada is a country that values diversity, inclusion, and human rights.
One of the ways that Canada demonstrates these values is by allowing immigrants to bring or join their loved ones in Canada through family sponsorship.
Family reunification is important both for Canada and immigrants for many reasons.
In this article, we will explore the immigration requirement for bringing or joining their loved ones in Canada and how Canada facilitates family reunification through various immigration programs and policies.
Read on to learn more:
Eligibility Criteria for Bringing or Joining Your Loved Ones in Canada
You must meet certain eligibility criteria to bring or join your loved ones in Canada through family sponsorship.
The eligibility criteria depend on whether you are the sponsor or the sponsored person.
As a sponsor:
- You must be at least 18 years old, a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
- You must also have enough income to support the sponsored person and their dependents and sign an undertaking to provide for their basic needs for a specified period.
As a sponsored person:
- You must be a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, dependent child, parent, grandparent, or relative of the sponsor.
- You must also pass medical, criminal, and security checks and prove your relationship with the sponsor.
What is the Application Process for Bringing or Joining Your Loved Ones in Canada?
To apply for family sponsorship in Canada, you and your loved ones need to follow a few steps:
- You need to apply to become a sponsor by filling out and submitting the PDF forms in the application package.
- You must also provide proof of your income, relationship, and identity.
- Your spouse, partner, or child must apply for permanent residence by creating an online account and completing the digital forms.
- They must also provide their biometrics, photos, and medical and police certificates.
- You need to pay the application fees online, which include the processing fee, the right of permanent residence fee, and the biometrics fee.
- You need to send additional information during the processing of your application, such as updated contact information, additional documents, or proof of payment.
- You need to submit your online application and wait for the decision. You can check the status of your application online at any time.
- If your application is approved, you need to prepare for the arrival of your loved ones in Canada and follow the instructions to complete the landing process.
How Long Does it Take to Process an Application for Bringing or Joining Your Loved Ones in Canada?
Processing times for family sponsorship applications vary depending on the type of relationship, the country of origin, and the completeness of the application.
According to the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the current processing times for most applications are as follows:
- Spouse, partner, or dependent child: 12 months
- Parent or grandparent: 20 to 24 months
- Other relatives: 10 years
These processing times are estimates and may change depending on the volume and complexity of applications.
To check the status of your application, you can use the online tool provided by IRCC. You will need to enter your application number, type, and location.
You can also sign up for email notifications to receive updates on your application.
Alternatively, you can create or sign in to your Permanent Residence Portal account to access your application details, upload documents, and communicate with IRCC.
Also check out our article on: How to Deal with Being Rejected or Deported
New Measures
Canada is reuniting loved ones through faster and more flexible immigration options that address the challenges and needs of family-class immigrants.
Some of the new measures that Canada has introduced or extended are:
- Faster temporary resident visa (TRV) processing times for spousal applicants: Most spousal TRV applications will be processed within 30 days, and applicants will benefit from processing measures specific to their circumstances as spouses and dependents.
- New and dedicated processing tools for spousal TRV applicants: Spousal TRV applicants will have access to new online forms, checklists, and guides to help them submit complete and accurate applications.
- A new open work permit for spousal and family class applicants: Spouses, partners, and dependants who reside with their sponsor in Canada and have temporary resident status can apply for and receive an open work permit as soon as they submit a complete permanent residence application under the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class (SPCLC) or other family class programs.
- Open work permit extensions for open work permit holders expiring between August 1 and the end of 2024: Spousal applicants, along with other open work permit holders whose open work permits expire between August 1 and the end of 2024, will be able to extend their work permits for an additional 18 months.
- More considerate application measures for spousal applicants: Spousal applicants can submit their applications online, use electronic signatures, and provide alternative documents when official documents are unavailable or delayed due to COVID-19.
These new measures are part of Canada’s commitment to strengthen family reunification by facilitating temporary resident status to spouses, partners, and dependent children waiting for permanent residence.
They also aim to support the labor supply and economic recovery of Canada by allowing family-class immigrants to work and contribute to Canadian society.
Conclusion
The process of immigrating to Canada to join or bring loved ones involves a series of steps and requirements.
While it may seem difficult, understanding these requirements can simplify the process significantly.
Canada is also committed to strengthening family reunification by offering faster and more flexible immigration options to family-class immigrants.
It’s important to remember that each case is unique and may require different documentation or procedures.
Therefore, staying informed and updated about the immigration policies is crucial.
Ultimately, the reward of reuniting with your loved ones in Canada makes the journey worthwhile.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can I sponsor to come to Canada as a permanent resident?
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, dependent children, parents, grandparents, and other eligible relatives to come to Canada as permanent residents.
2. What is the process for sponsoring a spouse or partner to come to Canada?
The process involves submitting a sponsorship application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the sponsored person’s application for permanent residence.
Both applications are processed together, and eligibility criteria must be met.
3. What are the eligibility requirements for sponsoring a spouse or partner?
Eligibility requirements include being at least 18 years old, being a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act, demonstrating the ability to support the sponsored person financially, and proving a genuine relationship.
4. How long does it take to process a spousal sponsorship application?
Processing times vary depending on factors such as the volume of applications, the completeness of documentation, and the complexity of the case.
On average, processing times range from 12 to 24 months.
5. Can I sponsor other family members, such as parents or grandparents, to come to Canada?
Yes, Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their parents and grandparents to come to Canada under the Family Class sponsorship program.
However, these sponsorships have annual quotas, and eligibility criteria must be met.
6. Are there income requirements for sponsoring family members to come to Canada?
Yes, sponsors must meet minimum income requirements to demonstrate their ability to financially support the sponsored family members.
The specific income thresholds vary depending on the size of the family unit and the province of residence.
7. Can I sponsor a relative who is already in Canada as a visitor or temporary resident?
In some cases, individuals in Canada on temporary status may be eligible to apply for sponsorship while in Canada.
However, they must meet certain eligibility criteria and may need to apply for an extension of their temporary status while the sponsorship application is being processed.
8. Do sponsored family members have access to healthcare and social services in Canada?
Sponsored family members are eligible for healthcare coverage under the Canadian healthcare system (Medicare) once they obtain permanent resident status.
They may also be eligible for certain social services and benefits available to permanent residents.
9. What happens if my sponsorship application is refused?
If a sponsorship application is refused, sponsors can appeal the decision or reapply, depending on the circumstances.
It’s essential to review the reasons for refusal and address any deficiencies in the application before proceeding.
10. Where can I find more information about immigration requirements for sponsoring loved ones in Canada?
More information about sponsorship requirements and processes can be found on the official website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and through consultation with immigration professionals or legal experts.