Time Taken To Bring A Family To Canada

Canada has always been ready to welcome immigrants to keep families together, strengthen the economy, and on humanitarian grounds. Under its Immigration Levels Plan, the Family class is the second-largest category of immigrants welcomed by Canada. In a year, Canada strives to welcome over 400,000 immigrants in a year, out of which over 100,000 immigrants fall under the Family class. Canada’s immigration with family and spouse sponsorship is considered a top priority in its immigration system. The Department of Immigration, earlier known as Citizenship and Immigration or CIC, manages the country’s immigration system and family sponsorship program. This includes establishing rules, accepting applications, and offering temporary and permanent visas.  

Duration to Bring a Family to Canada:

While spouse immigration visa processing takes approximately 12 months, the processing of parent’s and grandparent’s visa applications takes from 20 to 24 months. The visa processing time for dependent children depends upon the specific country rules.

What is Canadian Family Sponsorship?

There are two main features to Canada immigration with family:

• It allows family members to immigrate to Canada and obtain Canada PR for spouse and other family members.
• It requires you as the applicant to make a commitment to support the family members financially.

Conditions for Sponsorship

To enable to sponsor a family member, you must:

• Be a permanent resident of Canada or a Canadian citizen
• 18 years or older
• Be able to support the dependents for many years

You can sponsor the following family members:

• Spouse or common-law partners
• Parents and grandparents
• Dependent children

Financial Requirements for Canada Immigration with Family

You need sign a Sponsorship Agreement with the family members you are going to sponsor. This is a commitment to offer financial support and meet the basic needs of the family members you are sponsoring. For sponsoring certain family members given below, you must meet the Low Income Cut-off requirements.

• A partner or spouse with a dependent child
• A dependent child with dependent children of their own
• A parent or grandparent

You must also sign a sponsorship undertaking taking legal responsibility for the family members you are sponsoring.

How to Apply for Sponsorship of Family Members

1. Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria to be a sponsor.
2. Ensure that the family members also meet the eligibility criteria.
3. You will need to apply to the Ministry of Immigration at the Federal level.
4. Along with the sponsorship application, you must also submit the PR status applications of your family members.
5. You must pay the family immigration application fees.
6. Send out your application to the appropriate address.

Sponsorship of Wife, Husband or Common-Law Partner

The rules for obtaining Canada PR for spouse or partner are:

• You can sponsor your spouse
• You can sponsor your common-law partner (living together for at least a year)
• You can sponsor your conjugal partner (in a common-law relationship and living outside Canada)
• The sponsored person must be at least 18 years old 
• To sponsor, you must prove your relationship with the sponsored person through documents.
• In the case of inland sponsorship, the application can be made from within Canada, and the person can work while their PR application is processed.
• For outland sponsorship, the application can be made via an embassy or consulate, and the person will wait for the PR outside of the country,

Sponsorship of Dependent Children

The rules for sponsorship of dependent children are:

• A child is considered dependent if he is below 22 years old and not married or in a conjugal relationship.
• For a child above 22 years of age, he is considered a dependent if he has a mental or a physical condition that prevents them from supporting themselves.
• Your child must be approved by the IRCC to obtain a visa.
• You must prove your relationship with the child you are sponsoring through an adoption or birth certificate.

Sponsorship of Parents and Grandparents

The rules for sponsorship of parents are guardians are:

• You must be the grandchild or child of the person you are sponsoring.
• You must meet the Minimum Necessary Income requirement for their family unit.
• Sign an agreement to provide for their needs for 20 years.
• Your spouse or partner can also co-sign the agreement to help you meet the financial requirement.

Super Visa Program

The Super Visa program enables parents and grandparents to enter Canada via multiple-entry visas for up to 10 years maximum. The eligibility requirements for the applicant for the Super Visa program are:

• The applicant must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or PR holder.
• Possess a valid letter of invitation from the sponsor
• He must have medical insurance.
• Apply for a visa from outside of Canada
• The sponsor (child or grandchild) must meet the minimum income requirements.

Conclusion

The most common family immigration concepts to Canada are covered above. For any unusual situations or exceptions, you can check the eligibility requirements by consulting reputable immigration and visa consulting firm. You can avail of their services and ensure you complete all formalities and paperwork necessary to make your Canada immigration with family a smooth process.