If you’re a Pakistani citizen looking to reunite with your family in Canada, the Canada Family Sponsorship Visa is an excellent pathway to make that dream a reality. Canada offers one of the most generous and accessible family sponsorship programs in the world, allowing Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor family members for immigration. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, eligibility requirements, and steps involved in bringing your family to Canada under this visa category.

What is the Canada Family Sponsorship Visa?

The Canada Family Sponsorship Visa enables Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor close family members for permanent residency in Canada. The goal is to help families stay together or reunite, making it a favored option for those who have loved ones living abroad. This visa category covers several family relationships, including spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, parents, grandparents, and even some other relatives in specific cases.

Who Can You Sponsor Under the Family Sponsorship Visa?

The Canadian government defines specific categories of family members who can be sponsored under the family sponsorship visa program. The following relatives are eligible:

• Spouse or common-law partner: If you are legally married or in a recognized common-law relationship.
• Dependent children: Children under 22 years of age, who are not married or in a common-law relationship.
• Parents and grandparents: You can sponsor your parents or grandparents if you meet the eligibility criteria.
• Other relatives: In certain exceptional cases, you may be allowed to sponsor other relatives, such as orphaned siblings, nieces, or nephews under 18 years of age, provided they are related by blood or adoption.

Eligibility Requirements for Sponsors

To sponsor a family member under the Canada Family Sponsorship Visa, you must meet certain conditions as the sponsor. These include:

• Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Residency: You must either be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.
• Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
• Financial Responsibility: You need to provide proof of financial ability to support your sponsored family member. In some cases, a co-signer (such as your spouse) may help meet the income requirements.
• Residency Requirement: If you’re a Canadian citizen living abroad, you must prove that you will reside in Canada once your family member arrives. Permanent residents must live in Canada at the time of sponsorship.
• No Criminal Background or Bankruptcy: You must not have a criminal record or be undergoing bankruptcy proceedings.

Income Requirements

For certain categories, such as sponsoring parents or grandparents, the Canadian government sets a minimum necessary income (MNI) to ensure the sponsor can financially support the sponsored family members. You will need to provide tax records or pay stubs as proof of meeting these income requirements.

How to Apply for the Canada Family Sponsorship Visa

Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility

Before you begin the application process, ensure that you and your family members meet the eligibility criteria. You can check the official Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for the most up-to-date requirements.

Step 2: Gather Documents

Gathering all the necessary documentation is essential for a smooth application process. The documents you’ll need include:

• Proof of Relationship: Marriage certificates, birth certificates, adoption papers, etc.
• Financial Proof: Income tax returns, bank statements, and employment records.
• Medical Examinations: Family members must undergo medical exams by authorized panel physicians.
• Police Clearance Certificates: All sponsored family members must provide police clearance certificates to prove they have no criminal background.

Step 3: Submit the Sponsorship Application

You will need to submit two applications:

1. Sponsorship Application: This is your formal request to sponsor your family member.
2. Permanent Residency Application: This is for your family member’s PR application.

Both applications must be submitted together, and they can be submitted online or via mail.

Step 4: Pay the Application Fees

The fees for sponsoring a family member depend on the relationship and the type of application. Here’s a breakdown:

• Spouse/partner: CAD 1,050
• Dependent child: CAD 150 per child
• Parents/grandparents: CAD 1,080 per applicant

Make sure to keep a copy of your payment receipt for your records.

Step 5: Wait for Processing

The processing time for family sponsorship applications varies depending on the type of relationship and the number of applications the IRCC is handling. On average, the following timelines apply:

• Spouses and partners: 12 months
• Dependent children: 9 months
• Parents and grandparents: 20-24 months

During this waiting period, you can track your application status online through the IRCC portal.

Tips for a Successful Family Sponsorship Application

1. Complete Forms Accurately: Ensure that every form is fully completed and signed. Errors or missing information can cause delays or even rejection.
2. Provide Comprehensive Documentation: The more supporting evidence you provide, the stronger your case will be. Include official translations of documents that aren’t in English or French.
3. Keep Copies: Always make copies of the application forms and documents you submit. Having a backup will help you track and reference your application later.
4. Follow Up: Regularly check your application status through the IRCC website and respond promptly to any additional requests for information.

Can Sponsored Family Members Work in Canada?

Yes, in many cases, sponsored family members can work while their permanent residency application is being processed. For example, spouses or partners inside Canada can apply for an open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer while waiting for the final decision on their permanent residency.

Additional Pathways for Parents and Grandparents

In addition to family sponsorship, Canada offers a Parent and Grandparent Super Visa. This visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to two years without renewing their status. The Super Visa is an excellent option if you are not selected for the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program due to the limited number of applications the program accepts each year. contact us