The Canadian Family Sponsorship Program is an essential immigration pathway for Canadian citizens and permanent residents who wish to reunite with their loved ones. This program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their family members from abroad, including Pakistan, for permanent residency in Canada. If you are a Pakistani citizen looking to join your family in Canada, this program offers a way to live and work together in Canada. In this article, we will explore the family sponsorship process, the spousal sponsorship program, the general requirements for a family visa, the processing times, and frequently asked questions.
What is Family Sponsorship in Canada?
Family Sponsorship in Canada refers to the immigration process that allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor close family members for Canadian permanent residency. Under this program, you can bring your spouse, children, parents, grandparents, or other eligible relatives to Canada.
The goal of family sponsorship is to reunite families and allow Canadian citizens and permanent residents to support their loved ones as they integrate into Canadian society. The Canada Family Sponsorship Program is not only an emotional decision for many but also an economic one, as it contributes to the strength and diversity of Canada’s communities.
How Does Family Sponsorship Work in Canada?
The Family Sponsorship Program in Canada works through a two-step process.
- Sponsorship Application:
- The first step involves the sponsor (the Canadian citizen or permanent resident) submitting an application to the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The sponsor must meet certain eligibility requirements, such as being at least 18 years old, financially stable enough to support the sponsored relative, and living in Canada or planning to live in Canada once the relative arrives.
- Permanent Residency Application for the Family Member:
- Once the sponsorship application is approved, the sponsored family member (the applicant) can apply for permanent residency. They must prove their relationship to the sponsor (through documents such as marriage certificates or birth certificates), undergo a medical examination, and submit police clearance certificates if applicable.
The sponsored family members are typically granted permanent resident status upon approval. They can live, work, and study in Canada, and eventually apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting the residency requirements.
Canada Spousal Sponsorship Program
The Canada Spousal Sponsorship Program is one of the most common types of family sponsorship. Under this program, Canadian citizens or permanent residents can sponsor their spouse or common-law partner to immigrate to Canada.
To qualify, the sponsor must demonstrate that the relationship is genuine and that the couple intends to live together in Canada. The spouse must be a legally married partner, or they can be in a common-law relationship if they have lived together for at least one year. In either case, the couple must prove that they are in a legitimate, ongoing relationship.
The process includes several steps:
- Submission of Sponsorship and Permanent Residency Application.
- Review of Relationship and Supporting Documents.
- Medical and Security Checks.
- Approval and Granting of Permanent Residency.
A spousal sponsorship allows the sponsored spouse to live in Canada as a permanent resident, giving them the right to work, study, and access healthcare services.
Canadian Family Visa Requirements
To successfully sponsor a family member to Canada, certain requirements must be met by both the sponsor and the sponsored relative. These include:
- Eligibility of the Sponsor:
- The sponsor must be at least 18 years old.
- The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.
- The sponsor must not have been convicted of a violent criminal offense, be in default of spousal or child support payments, or be receiving social assistance (except for reasons of disability).
- Eligibility of the Sponsored Person:
- The sponsored person must be a spouse, common-law partner, dependent child, or other qualifying relatives such as parents or grandparents.
- The sponsored individual must pass medical and security checks. In some cases, additional documentation, such as police certificates, may be required.
- Financial Requirements:
- The sponsor must prove that they have enough financial means to support their family member once they arrive in Canada. This is to ensure that the sponsored individual will not need to rely on social assistance.
- Proof of Relationship:
- The sponsor and the family member must provide appropriate documents to prove their relationship. For spouses or common-law partners, this could include a marriage certificate or proof of cohabitation. For parents or children, this may include birth certificates or adoption papers.
- Undertaking and Agreement:
- The sponsor must sign an undertaking, agreeing to support their relative financially for a certain period (usually 3 years for spouses or children and 10 years for parents or grandparents).
How Long Does Family Sponsorship Take in Canada?
The processing time for family sponsorship can vary depending on various factors, including the type of application, the complexity of the case, and the volume of applications. Generally:
- Spousal Sponsorship: The process usually takes 12-18 months for spousal sponsorship applications, depending on whether the application is inside or outside Canada.
- Parent/Grandparent Sponsorship: The processing time for parental sponsorship is typically longer, ranging from 20 to 24 months.
- Dependent Child Sponsorship: Sponsorship for children is usually faster and may take around 12-15 months.
Please note that these times are approximate and can vary. It’s important to stay updated with IRCC’s processing times to check the status of your application.
How Much Does the Canada Family Sponsorship Program Cost?
The Canada Family Sponsorship Program fee includes various components:
- Sponsorship Application Fee: CAD 75
- Permanent Residency Application Fee: CAD 490 for an adult, and CAD 150 for a dependent child
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): CAD 490 per adult (this is refundable if the application is refused)
- Biometrics Fee: CAD 85 per applicant (if required)
In total, the family sponsorship fee can range from CAD 1,000 to CAD 1,500, depending on the type of application and the number of people being sponsored.
Canada Family Sponsorship FAQs
- What is Family Sponsorship in Canada?
- Family Sponsorship allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor certain family members, such as spouses, children, parents, or grandparents, for Canadian permanent residency.
- How Does Family Sponsorship Work in Canada?
- The Canadian citizen or permanent resident submits a sponsorship application to IRCC. If approved, the sponsored family member can apply for permanent residency.
- How Long Does Family Sponsorship Take in Canada?
- The processing time for family sponsorship varies. Spousal sponsorship generally takes 12-18 months, while parent sponsorship may take 20-24 months.
- Can I Sponsor My Siblings or Other Relatives?
- Generally, Canadian citizens or permanent residents cannot sponsor siblings unless they are orphaned, under 18, and without any other family members to care for them.
- What Are the Canada Family Visa Requirements?
- Sponsors must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, be financially stable, and have no criminal history. Sponsored family members must meet eligibility criteria and pass medical and security checks.
- What is the Cost of Canada Family Sponsorship?
- The total cost for family sponsorship can range from CAD 1,000 to CAD 1,500, depending on the number of people sponsored and the application type.
- Can I Apply for Family Sponsorship Outside Canada?
- Yes, you can apply for family sponsorship from outside Canada, and the process is generally handled by the Canadian consulate in your home country.
- Can I Work While My Family Sponsorship Application is Pending?
- If you are sponsoring a spouse or common-law partner, they may be eligible to work in Canada while their application is being processed, especially if they are already in Canada.
Conclusion
The Canadian Family Sponsorship Program provides a vital opportunity for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their loved ones, including those in Pakistan. Whether you are looking to sponsor your spouse, children, or parents, this program facilitates permanent residency in Canada. Understanding the visa requirements, processing times, and costs will help you navigate the application process more effectively. For those looking to bring their families to Canada, the Family Sponsorship Program is an invaluable pathway toward a brighter future in Canada.
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