Canadian authorities have always promoted an immigration policy whose rules and regulations are made to facilitate the reunion of Canadian Citizens and permanent residents with their relatives from abroad. The application for immigration via the sponsorship of a family member who is a Canadian Citizen or permanent resident is called a family class immigration application.

SPONSORSHIP OF A FAMILY MEMBER

All family class applications require the sponsorship by a family member resident in Canada. Such a sponsor will act as a guarantor for the applicant, and must consent in writing to provide lodging, care and support for a period ranging from 1 to 10 years, once the applicant arrives in Canada.

The Sponsor must be able to demonstrate the financial ability to provide for the essential needs of the Family Class Immigrant and dependents. The financial ability requirements are eased when sponsoring a spouse and/or an unmarried child(ren) under 19 years old.

The Sponsor must enter into an agreement with the Government of Canada (or the Government of Quebec, if that is where the Sponsor resides) whereby he or she agrees to provide for the essential needs of the Family Class Immigrant and dependents for a prescribed period of time. Failure to meet any of the commitments provided for in this agreement could result in legal action being taken against the Sponsor.

The Sponsor must be: a Canadian citizen or permanent resident; at least 19 years old; physically residing in Canada (or able to demonstrate an intention to reside in Canada by the time the sponsored family member lands in Canada); not in prison; not bankrupt; and not under a removal (deportation) order if a permanent resident.

The sponsor must be a Canadian Citizen or permanent resident, must reside in Canada and be at least 18 years old.

WHO IS INCLUDED IN THE FAMILY CLASS?

The following relatives are eligible for consideration as family class applicants:

• spouse



• dependent son/daughter



• parent or grandparent



• orphaned brother, sister, nephew, niece or grandchild who must be unmarried and under 19 years of age at the time of submission of the immigration application.



• Child adopted before the child's 19th birthday



• Child intended to be adopted before the child's 19th birthday



• Any other relative, providing the sponsor has no close relatives in Canada and cannot sponsor any regular Family class relatives.

The sponsored relative must also meet basic standards of medical requirements and be of sound character.