How to Reunite with Your Family in Canada

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How to Reunite with Your Family in Canada in 2024-2025

Reconnecting with family members in Canada can be a deeply fulfilling experience, offering you and your loved ones the chance to unite in a welcoming and diverse country. Canada provides various family reunification options, allowing spouses, children, parents, and grandparents to join their relatives who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents. While the immigration process can appear daunting, gaining a clear understanding of eligibility criteria and the necessary procedures can help streamline your experience. Each step, from gathering the required documentation to submitting application forms, plays a vital role in ensuring a successful transition.

Are you considering bringing your family to Canada? Explore our comprehensive guide below, which outlines the options available for reuniting with your loved ones through the Family Sponsorship Visa.

How Can I Reunite With My Family in Canada?

Family reunification is a priority for many who have relatives residing in Canada. While the process can vary based on individual situations, the following is a general outline of the steps involved in obtaining a Family Sponsorship Visa.

Sponsoring Your Spouse, Partner, or Dependent Children

Suppose you wish to sponsor your spouse, partner, or dependent child to Canada. In that case, you must meet certain criteria: be at least 18 years old, be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or be registered under the Canadian Indian Act. If you reside outside of Canada, you must plan to return to the country when your family members obtain permanent residence. Note that you cannot sponsor if you’re a permanent resident living abroad or receiving social assistance, except in the case of disability.

You’ll need to prove that you can financially support your family and sign a sponsorship agreement, which includes a commitment to provide for their needs and to repay any provincial assistance they might receive. Quebec residents have additional provincial requirements to meet. Additionally, certain factors, such as having recently been sponsored yourself or facing financial difficulties, could affect your eligibility.

How to Apply to Sponsor Your Spouse, Partner, or Dependent Children

Ready to bring your spouse, partner, or child to Canada? Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Apply to Sponsor: Download the necessary forms, complete them, and sign them digitally. The sponsor will also need to upload these forms and sign them electronically.

2. Complete the Permanent Residence Application: Set up an account on the Permanent Residence online portal. Fill out all required digital forms, ensuring that your photos meet the specifications, and submit them.

3. Pay Fees and Biometrics: Schedule a biometrics appointment and pay the processing fees, right of permanent residence fee, and biometrics fees online.

4. Submit Additional Information: During the processing period, you may be asked to provide medical exams, police certificates, or updated documents if your circumstances change.

5. Submit Your Application: Before submission, double-check that all forms are fully completed, and signed, and that the necessary fees are paid.

6. Stay Updated: Monitor the progress of your application online and respond promptly to any additional requests.

Quebec residents should make sure to review and comply with specific provincial requirements.

Sponsoring Your Adopted Child

To sponsor an adopted child for immigration to Canada, you must meet specific criteria: you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, at least 18 years old, and plan to live in Canada when the child becomes a permanent resident. Your eligibility may be affected if you have not fulfilled past sponsorship commitments, defaulted on court-ordered support payments, or have a criminal record involving violent crimes. If you reside in Quebec, additional provincial sponsorship requirements must be met.

Intercountry adoptions are typically completed in the child’s country of origin, and each country has its own legal procedures. It’s crucial to ensure the adoption is legally recognized in both the child’s home country and your Canadian province. You must also complete all necessary steps, including a home study and medical exams. For specific guidelines and procedures, consult your provincial or territorial government and licensed adoption agencies.

How to Apply to Sponsor Your Adopted Child

If you’re planning to bring your adopted child to Canada, follow these steps to ensure a smooth application process:

Step 1: Apply to Sponsor

Begin by downloading and completing the Document Checklist — Sponsor [IMM 5287]. Use this checklist to gather all necessary forms and documents before uploading them as part of your online application. Make sure to select the appropriate visa office based on your location and include any required supporting documents.

Step 2: Complete Application Forms

Both you and your adopted child must complete and digitally sign the Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement, and Undertaking [IMM 1344], along with any other required forms. If the child is under 18, you may sign on their behalf.

Step 3: Steps for the Sponsored Person

The adopted child you are sponsoring will need to create a permanent residence online application account, complete the necessary forms, and upload the signed documents.

Step 4: Using an Immigration Representative

If you choose to work with an immigration representative, you must complete and upload the Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] form. While representatives can assist in preparing documents and answering questions, they cannot sign or submit the application on your behalf.

Step 5: Photos and Biometrics

Provide one photo for each individual listed in the application, following the specified instructions for upload. If the child is over 14 years old, they will also need to provide biometrics. Ensure that the biometric fee is paid, and the process is completed within 30 days of receiving the request.

Step 6: Submit the Application

Before submission, review your application to ensure all questions are answered, the application is signed electronically, and all fees have been paid. If you encounter technical issues, contact Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) through their web form for assistance.

Under certain conditions, you may also be eligible to sponsor other relatives, such as a brother, sister, aunt, or uncle. If your family member does not meet these specific criteria, consider using the Come to Canada tool to explore alternative immigration programs that may apply. Here’s an overview of how sponsorship eligibility works for relatives.

Orphaned Relatives

You may sponsor an orphaned brother, sister, nephew, niece, or grandchild if they are under 18, unmarried, and have lost both parents. The child must be related to you by blood or adoption. You cannot sponsor them if either parent is still alive, missing, or if someone else is caring for them.

Other Relatives

If you don’t have any closer living relatives, such as a spouse, child, or parent, you may sponsor one relative of any age. The relative must be related to you by blood or adoption and cannot already be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian under the Indian Act.

Here are some examples of how eligibility works:

Eligible Aunt: Veronica, a Canadian permanent resident with no other close relatives, can sponsor her aunt Betty and her family.
Eligible Cousin: Sam, an only child and Canadian permanent resident, can sponsor his cousin from the U.S. because he has no other close relatives to sponsor.
Not Eligible Aunt by Marriage: Aba cannot sponsor her aunt by marriage, as they are not blood-related.

How to Apply to Sponsor Your Relative

As of September 23, 2022, all applications must be submitted online. If you are unable to apply online due to a disability or other reasons, you may request the application in an alternative format, such as paper or large print. Follow these steps to apply:

Step 1: Consult the IRCC Document Checklist

Use the [IMM 5287] checklist to ensure you have all the required forms and documents. Upload this checklist with your online application.

Step 2: Visit a Canadian Visa Office

Select the appropriate visa office for your area and follow the specific instructions provided.

Step 3: Complete the Necessary Documents and Forms

Download and complete all required PDF forms, including the Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking [IMM 1344], and Financial Evaluation [IMM 1283].

Step 4: Steps for Your Sponsored Relative

Your sponsored relative will need to create or sign in to their Permanent Residence online portal account, complete the Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008], Schedule A – Background/Declaration [IMM 5669], and Additional Family Information [IMM 5406], and upload the signed documents.

Step 5: Use an Immigration Representative

If you are using an immigration representative, complete the Use of a Representative Form [IMM 5476] or Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual [IMM 5475]. A representative can assist with the application process but cannot sign or open accounts on your behalf.

Before submitting your application, double-check that all questions are answered, forms are signed electronically, and all necessary documents and fees are included.

Sponsoring Your Parents and Grandparents

f your parents or grandparents qualify, you have the opportunity to sponsor them for immigration to Canada. This includes:

Your biological or adopted parents and grandparents.
Dependent children of your parents and grandparents, such as your siblings, half-siblings, or step-siblings, along with their dependent children.
If your parents or grandparents are divorced, you may also sponsor their current spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner.

For divorced parents, you need to submit separate applications for each. However, if they are separated but not legally divorced, you should submit a single application, as they are still considered married under the law. When applying for permanent residence, your parents and grandparents must provide all required documents, including medical exams, police certificates, and biometrics.

Here are some common scenarios where you might sponsor your parents or grandparents:

Sponsoring Parents Together

You can sponsor both parents if they are a couple. You will need to choose one as the principal applicant and the other as a dependent. Once the application is submitted, you cannot change the designated principal applicant.

Sponsoring a Parent and Step-Parent

You can sponsor your parent along with their spouse (your step-parent) and any qualifying dependent children (your half-siblings). In this case, your parent must be the principal applicant, while the step-parent is listed as a dependent.

Sponsoring Grandparents and Parents

If you wish to sponsor both your grandparents and parents, you will need to submit two separate applications—one for your grandparents (with one designated as the principal applicant) and one for your parents (with your parent as the principal applicant).

Please note the following restrictions:

You cannot sponsor your spouse or common-law partner’s parents or grandparents (your in-laws). However, you can co-sign their application if your spouse or partner receives an invitation to apply.
You cannot transfer your invitation to someone else to sponsor their parents or grandparents.
You cannot sponsor anyone who is inadmissible to Canada.

How to Apply to Sponsor Your Parents or Grandparents

To sponsor your parents or grandparents, you must first receive an invitation from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If you receive an invitation, follow these steps:

Step 1: Two Applications Are Required

You need to submit two separate applications: one to become a sponsor and another for your parents or grandparents to apply for permanent residence. The principal applicant (the person being sponsored) must submit both applications online through the Permanent Residence (PR) Portal. If you are using a paid representative, they will submit the applications via the Representative PR Portal.

Step 2: Separate Accounts for Multiple Applicants

If more than one parent or grandparent is applying as a principal applicant, each must create their own portal account and submit their application individually.

Step 3: Use an Immigration Representative

If you decide to use an immigration representative, complete and sign the Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] form and include it with your application. The representative can help with completing forms and communicating with IRCC, but you will need to sign into your portal account and electronically sign the application yourself.

Step 4: Complete the Required Application Forms

Download and complete all necessary forms using the Instruction Guide [IMM 5772]. Ensure that all required documents are included and properly signed. Each applicant must upload a photo, following the guidelines for scanning and uploading both sides of the photo.

Step 5: Submit Your Application and Pay the Required Fees

Before submitting your application, review it carefully to ensure that all questions are answered, forms are signed, fees are paid, and all necessary documents are uploaded. Make sure to include a copy of your Invitation to Apply (ITA) letter. You will need to pay the processing and biometrics fees online, and additional fees may apply for medical exams and police certificates. After submission, you can track the progress of your application and update it as needed. Be ready to provide additional information, such as medical exams, police certificates, and biometrics, when requested.

Can a Sponsored Family Member Work or Study in Canada?

Yes, sponsored family members may work or study in Canada if they qualify for an open work permit. This opportunity is available for:

To apply for an open work permit, it’s essential that you are in a genuine relationship, have already submitted your permanent residence application, and possess an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) letter confirming that your application is being processed.

For dependent children seeking an open work permit, they must:

Currently, you cannot apply for an open work permit if your permanent residence application has been refused, withdrawn, or returned, or if you intend to apply for the work permit at a port of entry. It’s crucial to meet all eligibility criteria and follow the proper application process to take advantage of this opportunity to work while awaiting your Canadian permanent residency.

With a clear understanding of how to reunite with your family in Canada, you can now start the process with the help of a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).

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