Canada prioritizes family reunification through sponsorship programs that allow Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their loved ones to the country.
1. Who Can Sponsor a Family Member?
To be eligible, a sponsor must:
✔ Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
✔ Be at least 18 years old.
✔ Be financially stable to support the sponsored person.
✔ Not have a criminal record or be in financial debt to the government.
2. Who Can Be Sponsored?
✅ Spouse, Common-law, or Conjugal Partner
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Legally married or in a common-law relationship (living together for at least 12 months).
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Both opposite- and same-sex partners are eligible.
✅ Dependent Children
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Under 22 years old and financially dependent on parents.
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Over 22 if they have a disability or other dependency.
✅ Parents and Grandparents
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Must be sponsored under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP).
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Sponsors must meet minimum income requirements (to ensure financial support).
✅ Other Relatives (Orphaned Siblings, Nephews, Nieces, or Grandchildren)
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Can be sponsored if both parents are deceased, and they are under 18 years old.
3. How Long Does Sponsorship Take?
📌 Spouse/Common-law Partner Sponsorship: 12-24 months.
📌 Children Sponsorship: 6-12 months.
📌 Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship: 2-3 years (limited intake each year).
Processing times depend on the applicant’s country of origin and the completeness of the application.
4. Responsibilities of a Sponsor
🔹 Financial Support: The sponsor must provide financial support for a certain period (up to 20 years for parents/grandparents).
🔹 Settlement Assistance: Help the sponsored person adjust to life in Canada.
🔹 No Social Assistance: Sponsored individuals cannot rely on government social benefits.
5. How CMG Immigration Can Help
✅ Application Preparation & Submission – Ensure all documents are complete to avoid delays.
✅ Legal Advice & Eligibility Check – Assess the sponsor and family member’s eligibility.
✅ Follow-up with Immigration Authorities – Track the application and provide updates.