FAMILY SPONSORSHIP
This pathway is intended to reunite spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, and parents or grandparents. As a sponsor, you’ll play a vital role in your loved one’s journey, ensuring they have the support they need to settle in Canada.
Who Can You Sponsor?
Family sponsorship allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their close relatives to Canada. Here’s who you can sponsor:
​
-
Spouse or Common-law Partner: Whether living in Canada or abroad, your partner can join you.
-
Dependent Children under 22: Including adopted children or children under your guardianship.
-
Dependent Children over 22 if they meet both of these requirements:
-
​they have depended on their parents for financial support since before the age of 22, and
-
they are unable to financially support themselves because of a mental or physical condition
-
-
Parents and Grandparents: Reunite with parents or grandparents through the sponsorship program or Super Visa.
-
Other Relatives: In special circumstances, such as when you have no immediate family in Canada, you may be eligible to sponsor certain relatives.
​
Eligibility Requirements:
To sponsor, you must:
-
Be at least 18 years old.
-
Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
-
Prove you can financially support your sponsored family member.
​​
​
Inland vs. Outside of Canada Sponsorship
​
If your spouse or partner is already in Canada, inland sponsorship can be a wonderful option to keep your family together while the application is processed. Plus, they can apply for an open work permit, allowing them to contribute financially and settle into Canadian life alongside you.​
If your spouse or partner is currently abroad, outland sponsorship may be a better fit. This option allows them to continue living and working in their home country while the application is reviewed. It offers more flexibility for travel, and in case of a refusal, there’s the possibility to appeal the decision.​​
​
Overcoming Sponsorship Challenges
​
A sponsorship refusal can be devastating, but at Northia Immigration, we’re here to help you turn it around. Our team specializes in resolving complex cases, ensuring you’re not alone in this journey.
​
Common Issues We Address:
​
-
Insufficient Documentation: Missing or unclear paperwork? We’ll help you gather and present the right evidence to meet IRCC standards.
-
Doubts About the Relationship: We assist in building strong, credible cases to prove the legitimacy of your relationship.
Appeals and Representation
If your application is refused, we’ll:
-
File a well-prepared appeal addressing the reasons for refusal.
-
Represent you before the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) with clear, persuasive arguments.
​​​
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1
What is an Undertaking?
An undertaking is your legal agreement with the Canadian government to financially support the sponsored person for a set time.
2
How Long Does the Undertaking Last?
The undertaking starts when the person becomes a permanent resident. The duration depends on their family category:
​
Spouse/Partner: 3 years
Child (under 22): 10 years or until age 25
Child (22+): 3 years
Parent/Grandparent: 20 years
Other Relative: 10 years
​​
Note: Quebec has different terms.
3
What If We Divorce or Separate?
The sponsor remains financially responsible for the obligations outlined in the undertaking. Also, the end of a relationship doesn't dissolve the spouse's permanent residence status.
4
Does the Sponsor Need to Meet the Income Requirements?
You don’t need to meet a minimum income to sponsor a spouse or child. However, for parents, grandparents, and other relatives, you must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for three consecutive years.
​
Note: Quebec has its own requirements.
5
What Happens If My Sponsorship Application Is Refused?
If your application is refused, depending on the type of sponsorship application, you may be able to appeal the decision to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) within 30 days of receiving the refusal letter. In some cases, it might be better to address the issues that led to the refusal and reapply instead.
6