Canada offers several immigration pathways for family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their loved ones. The primary program for this purpose is the Family Class Sponsorship, which allows eligible sponsors to bring their relatives to Canada as permanent residents. Below is a detailed overview of the different types of family visas available in Canada, the eligibility criteria, application process, and important considerations.

Types of Family Visas

1. Spousal Sponsorship: This visa allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for permanent residency. The relationship must be genuine and not entered into primarily for immigration purposes.
2. Dependent Child Sponsorship: Canadian citizens or permanent residents can sponsor their dependent children under 22 years old who are not married or in a common-law relationship. Children over 22 may also be sponsored if they are financially dependent on their parents due to a physical or mental condition.
3. Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship: This program enables Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency. There is often a cap on the number of applications accepted each year, making it competitive.
4. Other Relatives: In some cases, Canadians can sponsor other relatives such as siblings, nieces, or nephews if they do not have any other family members who could be sponsored under the Family Class.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for family sponsorship, both the sponsor and the applicant must meet specific requirements:

Sponsor Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident.
• Must demonstrate financial ability to support the applicant without social assistance (except for disability).
• Must agree to provide financial support for a specified period after the relative arrives in Canada.

Applicant Requirements:

• Must be admissible to Canada (not have any criminal convictions or health issues that could pose a risk).
• Must provide proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.).

Application Process

The application process generally involves several steps:

Gather Required Documents: Both sponsors and applicants need to compile necessary documents such as proof of citizenship/residency, relationship evidence, financial documents, medical exams, police certificates, etc.

Submit Application Package: The completed application package must be submitted to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This includes forms specific to the type of sponsorship being applied for.

Pay Fees: Applicants must pay processing fees which vary depending on the type of sponsorship.

Processing Time: Processing times can vary significantly based on the type of application and country of origin but typically range from several months to over a year.

Decision Notification: Once IRCC processes the application, both parties will receive notification regarding approval or denial.

Post-Approval Steps: If approved, applicants will receive instructions on how to obtain their permanent resident visa and prepare for arrival in Canada.

Important Considerations

• Financial Responsibility: Sponsors must understand that they are financially responsible for their sponsored relatives for a set period (usually three years) after they arrive in Canada.
• Application Caps: For Parent and Grandparent Sponsorships specifically, there may be annual caps on applications accepted by IRCC which can affect processing times significantly.
• Genuine Relationships: It’s crucial that all relationships claimed in applications are genuine; fraudulent claims can lead to severe penalties including bans from entering Canada.

In summary, Canada’s family visa programs aim to facilitate family reunification while ensuring that sponsors are capable of supporting their relatives financially upon arrival in Canada. Understanding these pathways is essential for potential applicants seeking to navigate Canada’s immigration system effectively.

For more enquiries on a Canada Family visa, book a consultation with a consultant with e-lhr