Nooshin Javanshir

In addition to being a Canadian citizen or Canadian Permanent Resident, the Sponsor must meet certain requirements for Family Class Immigration Sponsorship:

The Sponsor must demonstrate the financial ability to provide the Family Sponsorship Immigrant and dependents with their important  needs (should they be unable to provide for themselves): Food, clothing, shelter and other basic requirements of everyday living; and Dental and eye care and other health needs not covered by public health system available to all Canadian citizens and Canadian Permanent Residents.

The Sponsor must be willing to enter into an agreement with: The Government of Canada or Quebec, where he or she agrees to provide the above crucial needs for a prescribed period of time; and The Sponsored relative (if over 22 years of age and not elderly), whereby the Sponsor promises to support the Sponsored person(s) for a decided period of time, and the Sponsored person(s) promises to make every attention to become self-supporting.

The Sponsor must have also: Physical residency in Canada; or For Canadian citizens sponsoring a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, or dependent child, a demonstrated plan to reside in Canada by the time the Sponsored family member alights in Canada as a Permanent Resident.

In addition, the Sponsor must be: at least 18 years old; not in prison; not insolvent; not under a removal order if a Permanent Resident; and not charged with a serious crime. 

In almost always circumstances, people coming to Canada as temporary foreign workers or permanent residents have the right to bring their dependents, including any and all dependent children, to Canada with them. However, circumstances cone up when this is not possible at the time of immigration. For Canadian citizens and permanent residents with dependent children abroad, the government has created a special plan to facilitate their family entry into Canada. The age of sponsoring a child is now 19 in 2016.

The Dependent Child Sponsorship Program

Dependent children, both natural and adopted, may be sponsored to live with their parent(s) as Permanent Residents in Canada. The child sponsorship program is a subsection of the Family Class of immigration.

In order to be eligible for this program, both the Canadian citizen or permanent resident and their child abroad must be approved by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) in order for the sponsored person to receive a visa.

To receive a visa through this immigration program, the sponsor and the sponsored person will be required to prove their relationship to one another. Individuals whose adoption proceedings are in the final phases of processing may begin sponsoring their child before the adoption has been finalized.

After Sponsorship

Children sponsored through the Family Class of immigration receive unconditional Canadian Permanent Residency. This includes the right to study and work, if applicable, in Canada.

On 1 December 2011, the Canadian government announced the creation of the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa. This visa will allow the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents to come to Canada as visitors for a period of up to 2 constant years at a time without having to renew their status. The visa can remain valid for up to 10 years, allowing for re-entry during this period of time.

Who Can Apply for the Super Visa

Parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents are eligible to apply for this visa. The applicants cannot be inadmissible to Canada on the basis of health or security, and they may be required to meet particular conditions set forth by the visa office through which they will be applying.

It is important to note that no dependents can be included on this application. Only parents or grandparents, and their spouses or common-law partners, may apply for the Super Visa.

The Application Process

• A letter of invitation from the child or grandchild residing in Canada

• Documents that prove the child or grandchild meets the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) minimum

• Proof of parental relationship with child or grandchild, such as a birth certificate that names them as a parent

• Proof of medical insurance coverage for one year with a Canadian insurance company

The application should be processed at the Canadian visa office responsible for the applicant's place of residence outside of Canada. Depending on the visa office, additional documentation may be needed.

The complete application will be assessed with regard to a number of cases. The purpose of the visit to Canada will be assessed, as well as whether parents or grandparents will maintain sufficient ties to their home country. This can be evidenced by showing family ties, finances, and other connections that lie outside of Canada.

All Super Visa applicants will be required to undergo a medical examination. Forms and instructions for this examination will be issued by the visa office after the application has been submitted.