Family sponsorship program
Facilitates family reunification by permitting Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents to sponsor close family members. Family reunification is a priority for the Government of Canada and this demonstrates the government’s commitment to keeping families together, leading to successful integration and stronger ties to Canada. Family members include the following:
- Spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner;
- Dependent children;
- Parents, grand-parents and their dependent children;
- Brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces and grandchildren;
- Adopted children; and
- other relatives in special circumstances.
This comprises of a two-step process
- Sponsorship approval - Sponsor must be qualified and meet certain criteria.
- Permanent Residence application for sponsored persons - Applicant applies for permanent residence, meets the definition of ‘member of the family class’ and other criteria.