The family class is a significant category for newcomers to Canada, facilitating the reunion of Canadian citizens or permanent residents with their family members who can obtain permanent residence in the country.
When it comes to sponsoring a spouse or partner, certain requirements must be met. The sponsor must be at least 18 years old, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident residing in Canada, and not facing legal issues or previous sponsorships within the last five years. The relationship between the sponsor and the sponsored person must fall under the categories of spouse, common law partner, or conjugal partner.
In Quebec, spousal sponsorship has specific criteria and requires an undertaking application submitted to both Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration (MIFI). The MIFI evaluates financial aspects, social assistance status, previous undertakings or support payments, commitment duration, and bankruptcy before granting a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). Only with the CSQ can the sponsored person apply for permanent residence through IRCC.
Sponsoring a dependent child is another option for Canadian citizens and permanent residents. The sponsor must be 18 years or older, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident planning to return to Canada, and capable of meeting their own and their dependent children's basic needs. The sponsor's relationship with the child must be proven, and there should be no criminal record, bankruptcy, ongoing immigration investigation, or income assistance except for disability reasons. The child must be under 22 years old, unmarried, and not in a common-law relationship.
Signing an undertaking is necessary for the sponsor, committing to providing the child's necessities. In Quebec, this undertaking is done with the province and has different duration requirements compared to the rest of Canada. The CSQ application, along with the IRCC and MIFI submissions, is also required for sponsors residing in Quebec.
Sponsoring parents or grandparents is another possibility for Canadian citizens and permanent residents. The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian, at least 18 years old, residing in Canada, meet the minimum income level, and sign an undertaking to support the sponsored person for 20 years. An additional undertaking is needed in Quebec, and specific income criteria apply.
Although the Parents and Grandparents program is currently closed, an alternative option is the Super Visa. This visa allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for up to five years without renewing their status. Unlike the program, the Super Visa is available throughout the year, providing greater certainty to families and allowing longer stays in Canada.
In summary, the family class in Canada enables the reunion of families through sponsorship of spouses, dependent children, and parents or grandparents. Quebec has its own specific requirements, and the Parents and Grandparents program is temporarily closed. However, the Super Visa offers an alternative for extended visits to Canada.
