Family Class Sponsorship Canada
Family Class Sponsorship Canada: The Ultimate Guide to Reuniting with Your Loved Ones
Reuniting families is a cornerstone of the Canadian immigration system. Whether you are looking to sponsor a spouse, a partner, a dependent child, or your parents and grandparents, the process requires precision, extensive documentation, and a deep understanding of IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) regulations.
At Ghuge Legal, we provide expert legal guidance for Family Class Sponsorship in Mississauga and Brampton, ensuring your application is "decision-ready" to minimize delays and avoid refusals.
The Sponsorship Undertaking Time Period
When you sponsor a relative, you sign a legally binding contract called an Undertaking. You are financially responsible for the sponsored person, even if your relationship ends or your financial situation changes.
Sponsored Person |
Length of Undertaking (Outside Quebec) |
|---|---|
Spouse, Common-Law, or Conjugal Partner
|
3 Years
|
Dependent Child (Under 22)
|
10 Years (or until age 25)
|
Dependent Child (Over 22)
|
3 Years
|
Parents and Grandparents
|
20 Years
|
Document Checklist: What You Need
A missing document is the #1 reason for application returns. A typical Family Sponsorship Checklist includes:
To be a sponsor, you must prove to IRCC that you can provide for the basic needs of your family members.
Requirements for Sponsors:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Status: You must be a Canadian Citizen, a Permanent Resident, or a person registered under the Canadian Indian Act.
- Residency: You must live in Canada. (Canadian citizens living abroad may sponsor a spouse/child if they demonstrate a clear intent to return to Canada once the visa is approved).
- Financial Standing: You must not be receiving social assistance (except for disability). You must not be in default of a previous sponsorship undertaking or immigration loan.
- Criminal Record: You must not have been convicted of a violent or sexual offence, or an offence against a relative that resulted in bodily harm.
Canada recognizes several categories of family relationships for permanent residency.
Spouse, Common-Law, or Conjugal Partner
- Spouse: You are legally married and your marriage is recognized by the law where it took place and in Canada.
- Common-Law Partner: You have lived together in a marriage-like relationship for at least 12 continuous months.
- Conjugal Partner: You have been in a committed relationship for at least one year but are unable to live together or marry due to significant legal or immigration barriers (e.g., same-sex marriage is illegal in their home country).
Processing times are subject to change based on application volume and complexity.
- Spousal Sponsorship (Inland): Approximately 12 months. But varies on case-to-case basis.
- Spousal Sponsorship (Outland): 10 to 12 Months. But varies on case-to-case basis.
- Dependent Child: 12 to 20 Months. But varies on case-to-case basis.
- Parents and Grandparents: 20 to 24 Months. Depends on when the ITA was received.
Navigating the Family Class stream requires more than just filling out forms. It requires a strategic approach to proving the "genuineness" of your relationship to the Visa Officer.
As a trusted immigration professional in Mississauga, Sunil Ghuge offers:
- Strategic Document Review: We ensure your evidence is airtight.
- PFL Assistance: Expert help if you receive a Procedural Fairness Letter.
- Appeals Representation: Representation before the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) for refused outland applications.
Contact Ghuge Legal Today for a Family Sponsorship Consultation
