To apply for a Canada Family Sponsorship Visa, which allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria and provide various documents. Here’s a detailed overview of the requirements.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Sponsor Requirements:
   • Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
   • Must be at least 18 years old.
   • Must reside in Canada or plan to return to Canada.
   • Must demonstrate the ability to financially support the sponsored family member(s).
2. Sponsored Person Requirements:
   • The sponsored individual can include a spouse, common-law partner, dependent children, parents, or grandparents.
   • Must meet health and character requirements.

Required Documents

For the Sponsor:

1. Proof of Status in Canada:
   • A copy of your Canadian citizenship certificate or permanent resident card.
2. Sponsorship Application Forms:
   • Complete the necessary forms, including the sponsorship agreement and undertaking.
3. Proof of Income (if applicable):
   • Evidence of meeting the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirements for certain sponsorship categories (e.g., parents or grandparents).
4. Identification Documents:
   • A government-issued ID with your photo (e.g., driver’s license).

For the Sponsored Person:

1. Valid Passport:
   • A copy of the passport for the person being sponsored.
2. Proof of Relationship:
   • Documents proving the relationship, such as marriage certificates or birth certificates for children.
3. Medical Examination Results:
   • Completed by an approved physician.
4. Police Clearance Certificates:
   • Required for individuals aged 18 and older to demonstrate a clean criminal record.
5. Photographs:
   • Recent passport-sized photos that meet Canadian specifications.
6. Application for Permanent Residence:
   • The sponsored person must complete and submit their application for permanent residency along with the sponsorship application.

Application Process

1. Prepare Applications:
   • The sponsor must prepare their application and ensure that the sponsored person completes their application for permanent residence.
2. Submit Online:
   • As of September 2022, applications must be submitted online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal.
3. Pay Fees:
   • Fees include a sponsorship fee (approximately CAD 75), a principal applicant processing fee (approximately CAD 490), and a right of permanent residence fee (approximately CAD 515). Additional fees may apply for dependents.
4. Biometrics Appointment:
   • If required, both the sponsor and sponsored person may need to provide biometric data.
5. Processing Time:
   • Family sponsorship applications typically take about 12 months, but this can vary based on individual circumstances.

Conclusion

The Canada Family Sponsorship Visa provides a pathway for family reunification in Canada. By ensuring that all eligibility criteria are met and that required documents are submitted accurately, sponsors can facilitate a smoother application process for their loved ones seeking permanent residency in Canada.