Sponsorship
Family Sponsorship 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:
At least 18 years of age
A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a person registered under the Indian Act
Citizens living outside Canada must show intent to return once the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident
Currently residing in Canada (unless sponsoring a spouse, partner, or dependent child from abroad as a Canadian citizen)
Not receiving social assistance, except for disability benefits
Financially capable of supporting the sponsored person for the full duration of the undertaking
No ongoing obligations from previous sponsorships
No defaults on past immigration undertakings, court-ordered support payments, or immigration loans
Not declared bankrupt (unless discharged)
No convictions for certain serious criminal offences
Not under a removal order (if a permanent resident)
Not currently serving a prison sentence
Inland vs. Outside of Canada Sponsorship
If your family member is already in Canada, inland sponsorship can be a great option to keep your loved ones together while the application is being processed. It also allows the person being sponsored to apply for an open work permit, enabling them to contribute financially and settle into life in Canada alongside you.
If your family member is currently outside Canada, outland sponsorship may be the better option. This pathway is especially suitable when your family member plans to remain in their home country until the application is finalized, or if they are unable to obtain a visitor visa to enter Canada. It also allows for an appeal in case the application is refused.
In certain cases, an outland sponsorship application can still be submitted even if your family member is physically inside Canada. This may be a suitable option when international travel is necessary while the application is in process. Contact us to discuss which sponsorship pathway is best for your situation.
Overcoming Sponsorship Refusals
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.
Issues We Address:
Insufficient Documentation
We help identify missing or weak evidence and prepare a complete, well-organized submission that meets IRCC requirements.Genuineness of Relationship
We support clients in proving the authenticity of their relationship through detailed evidence and clear explanations tailored to their case.H&C Considerations
We prepare strong humanitarian-based applications that focus on hardship, establishment in Canada, and the best interests of affected family members.
If your application is refused, we’ll assess the reasons and guide you through the best options to respond, reapply, or seek appeal or reconsideration.
Need Help? Start Here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Undertaking?
An undertaking is your legal agreement with the Canadian government to financially support the sponsored person for a set time.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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