Moving to Canada is like a dream come true for aspiring individuals and their families, owing to better career opportunities, quality of life and welcoming culture in Canada. A person who moves to Canada as a permanent residence visa holder gets plenty of benefits among which the ability to sponsor his/her family members is so far the best.
The Canadian government understands the value of a family and supports family reunification by offering a plethora of options to a PR holder to bring in his/her family members to Canada including, a spouse, common-law partner, dependent children, parent or grandparent, and other eligible relatives through family sponsored visa programs.
Moving to Canada under Family Sponsorship Program
The Family sponsorship program is managed by the IRCC, i.e. Immigration, Refugee, Citizenship Canada.
Under this program, your relatives can live, study or work in Canada upon becoming permanent residents of Canada. However, to qualify to sponsor them to come to Canada, you must:
- Age least 18 years or above
- Be a Canadian citizen or person registered as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act or a permanent resident of Canada
- Be capable enough to support the sponsored person financially
Options under family Sponsorship
There are different options offered by the IRCC for Canadian citizens and PR holder to sponsor their family members. There is spousal sponsorship program, parents and grandparent program, super visa for parents and grandparent and much more.
Each program has its own set of eligibility requirements that you must abide by to qualify.
Family Sponsorship Process
In order to apply to sponsor your spouse, partner or child, you must apply to become a sponsor and your spouse, partner or child must apply for Canada’s permanent residence. Both the applications must be sent to the IRCC together at the same time.
While to sponsor your parents or grandparent under PGP, you must submit the “interest to sponsor” form and once you get an invitation to submit a complete application, you will qualify to sponsor them to become Canada’s permanent residents.
Please note, there is a list of documents required for Canada family sponsorship and a proper application process as well, which you must understand and follow religiously.