Guide to Family Sponsorship in Canada: Bringing Loved Ones Together

Canada’s immigration system prioritizes family reunification, allowing newcomers to build a new life alongside their loved ones in the country. Family sponsorships play a crucial role in this process, accounting for a significant portion of new permanent residents to Canada.

Who Can Sponsor Family Members? To sponsor relatives to come to Canada, you must be at least 18 years old and either a Canadian citizen, a person registered under the Canadian Indian Act, or a permanent resident of Canada. Additional eligibility criteria may apply depending on the specific program.

Spousal, Common-Law, and Conjugal Partner Sponsorship: Sponsoring a spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner involves meeting certain criteria. The sponsored individual must be legally married to the sponsor or have lived with them in a marriage-like relationship for at least 12 months. Financial support obligations typically extend for three years, with certain conditions regarding social assistance and bankruptcy.

Outland vs. Inland Sponsorship: Outland sponsorship involves the sponsored partner residing abroad while the Canadian sponsor remains in Canada. In contrast, in Inland sponsorship, both spouses must live together in Canada throughout the application process. This route allows for potential eligibility for an Open Work Permit, easing financial strain during processing.