Canada is one of the most immigrant-friendly countries, known for its inclusive immigration policies. A Canada Family Visa allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor family members to join them in the country. This visa is part of Canada's Family Sponsorship Program and is designed to reunite families by allowing certain relatives to live, work, and study in Canada.
Can anyone apply for a family visa in Canada?
- Under the Family Visa, Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor the following family members:
- Spouse, conjugal partner, or partner in common law: If you have been legally wed or in a common-law partnership for at least a year, you are eligible to sponsor your partner.
- Dependent Children: Dependent children are those under 22 who do not have a spouse or common-law partner.
- Parents and grandparents: The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) allows you to sponsor your parents or grandparents.
- Other Relatives: If you meet certain requirements, such not having any other eligible relatives, you may, in rare circumstances, be able to sponsor more relatives.
Qualifications for Sponsorship
- To sponsor a Canada Family Visa, you need to fulfill the following requirements:
- Have at least eighteen years old.
- possess a valid Canadian passport, be a permanent resident, or have an Indian registration under the Canadian Indian Act.
- be living in Canada or plan to move here when the sponsored relative arrives.
- Possess the necessary funds to sustain the sponsored individual.
- Sign a commitment pledging to meet the sponsored person's necessities.
The Need for Funds
Sponsors are required to provide proof of sufficient income to sustain the family members they are bringing to Canada. You must have met the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) criterion for the previous three years to be eligible for the Parents and Grandparents Program. This guarantees that after they arrive, your family members will not want social support.