Frequently Asked Questions (Family Sponsorship)
What do we mean by "basic needs"?
The sponsor must undertake to provide the sponsored family members with:
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food, clothing, shelter, and other necessities of life
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dental and eye care and other health needs not covered by public health services available to all Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
The obligation to provide for the basic needs of the sponsored person(s) will only arise if the sponsored person(s) are unable to provide for these needs on their own.
How long is the financially responsibility for people you sponsor?
It depends on the type of family member you are sponsoring and it starts on the day that member becomes a permanent resident. For example Spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner, and for dependent child 22 years of age or over-its 3 years. For parents and grandparents its 20 years and for dependent children and other relatives-its 10 years. For Quebec the requirements are different.
Can the undertaking be cancelled or changed?
No, once signed and the member is in Canada, the undertaking can neither be cancelled or modified.
What happens if the sponsor is unable to fulfill the terms of the undertaking?
It might result in legal action being taken against the sponsor and the co-signer.
Can the sponsored spouse work or study while their application for PR is being processed?
Yes, the sponsored person can work, as long as they have a work permit and the sponsored persons maintain their legal status in Canada (visitor, student or worker).
The spouse or partner you are sponsoring may apply for an open work permit and must obtain authorization before starting work.
If a sponsor is unemployed, can he/she still apply for spousal sponsorship?
Proof of income when sponsoring your spouse for immigration to Canada, is not required in most cases. However, an immigration officer may ask you to attend an interview and ask how you will support yourself and your spouse.
What are the processing times for the sponsorship application?
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Spousal sponsorship applications take approximately 12 months to process.
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PGP applications takes between 20 and 24 months.
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The processing of applications for dependent children varies by country
What documents are needed to prove the relationship with the sponsored person?
A birth certificate when sponsoring a parent, grandparent, or child.
When sponsoring a spouse:
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marriage certificate
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proof of divorce if a spouse was previously married
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if the couple have children in common, long-form birth certificates or adoption records containing the names of both parents
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wedding invitations and photos
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couples are also expected to provide documents from at least two of the following. They need to provide a written explanation if they cannot provide a minimum of two of the following sets of documents:
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evidence of joint ownership of residential property
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government issued identification showing the same address (such as a driver's license)
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rental agreement showing the couple are occupants of the property
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car insurance showing the couple have both been declared to the insurance company as residents of the same address
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evidence of joint utility accounts (such as electricity, gas, telephone, internet), joint credit cards or bank accounts
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other documents issued to the couple showing they have the same address (such as cellphone bills, pay stubs, financial statements, tax records, insurance policies, etc).
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