For many immigrants to Canada, moving to a new country just does not make sense unless they can bring their families. Fortunately, Canada allows immigrants to relocate to the True North together – ensuring that you can start a new life in Canada without leaving your loved ones behind. However, relocating as a family may require a more complex strategy than immigrating as a single person. It may be helpful to discuss your unique family and professional goals alongside an experienced immigration lawyer in Canada.
What is Family Sponsorship in Canada?
Family sponsorship is one of Canada’s many immigration programs. As its name suggests, this program is geared toward helping families immigrate together. It is also one of the fastest and most efficient ways to gain permanent residence. This allows you to live and work in Canada for an extended period of time – and it may eventually lead to Canadian citizenship for successful applicants.
However, there is one important requirement for Canadian family sponsorship: You must already have a family member living in Canada as either a citizen or permanent resident. If you do not have a family member who is a citizen or permanent resident, this program is not the right choice for you – and you may need to consider alternative options.
If you are eligible to pursue this program, however, it could provide you with permanent residence in a relatively short period of time. If you are successful, you will have access to all of the various benefits associated with Canadian permanent residence. This includes access to social services (welfare), nationalized (free) healthcare, and more. You will also have the opportunity to work in Canada – and you may be able to start a new job while your application is being processed.
Requirements for Sponsors
Whether you plan to sponsor a family member or you are looking for an appropriate sponsor within Canada, you should become aware of the various sponsorship requirements. Aside from being a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, the sponsor must also be at least 18 years old.
Perhaps the most important requirement for sponsors is financial in nature. In order to sponsor an immigrant through this program, the family member must show that they are financially capable of supporting them. Depending on the nature of the individual, you might need to show that you are capable of financially supporting them for several years. For a spouse, this “length of undertaking” might be as little as three years. For a dependent child, a sponsor may need to show that they can support them for a decade. The length of the undertaking is highest for parents and grandparents, as these individuals may be unable to work and earn their own income due to their advanced age.
Because of this financial responsibility, a sponsor cannot apply for this program if they are currently receiving social assistance (unless they are disabled). If your family member receives social assistance after arriving in Canada, you may need to pay this money back when they become financially self-sufficient. This is not just a verbal promise – and the sponsor must sign a written contract promising to become financially responsible for their family member.
Speak with an experienced immigration lawyer in Canada to learn more about proving your ability to support your family member. Depending on the circumstances, this might involve providing your recent tax return and other evidence of income. You might also show proof of your savings to establish your ability to cover a family member’s living costs.
What if I Do Not Have a Family Member Already in Canada?
If you do not have a family member who is already a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you might need to consider alternative immigration options. You may be able to bring your family with you to Canada after obtaining a valid work visa. Many Canadian work visas allow applicants to bring their family members during their work periods. These work visas may eventually lead to citizenship, and they often represent the first “stepping stone” for families who wish to successfully relocate to Canada.
When approaching work visas alongside your family, consider which industries and professionals Canada is currently seeking. It is usually easier to pursue a work visa if you have skills, experience, or qualifications that are in high demand across the Canadian economy.
Note that different Canadian provinces often have different shortages in certain positions or industries. Fortunately, Canada makes it very easy to assess these potential opportunities with its various “Provincial Nominee Programs” or “PNPs.”
If you have targeted a specific province for your new home in Canada, take a moment to review the nominee program in that province. You may find that your work experience or qualifications allow you to emigrate to Canada and bring your family along with relative ease.
If you are more flexible about where you want to live in Canada, you can review the PNPs across various provinces. This allows you to choose a PNP that suits your unique professional background – and it may make relocating to Canada easier.
While there are various in-demand jobs across Canada, the country is generally prioritizing those with STEM degrees. Like many other countries, the Canadian government recognizes that these workers are in short supply globally, and they help the economy compete in a rapidly changing world. If you have a STEM degree, it may be easier to relocate to Canada with your family.
Speak With a Canadian Immigration Lawyer About Relocating as a Family
Families who wish to relocate to the True North together should discuss their specific goals alongside an experienced immigration lawyer in Canada. The most appropriate immigration strategy depends on the unique circumstances of each family, including professional qualifications, existing family connections in Canada, and much more. To continue this important discussion, consider a consultation with Ackah Law. Our Canadian immigration law firm has offices conveniently located in major Canadian cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, and Calgary. Reach out today to get started with an effective family immigration plan.
