Canada is a desirable immigration destination because of its strong economy, safe cities, and the willingness of its citizens to welcome immigrants. Individuals who have already immigrated to Canada often want to help their loved ones immigrate there as well. There are two major Canadian programs that facilitate immigration based on family ties: Family Class Sponsorship and the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program.
Family Class Sponsorship
Family Class Sponsorship (FCS) facilitates family reunification based on the Canadian government's commitment to keeping families together. There are many familial relationships that qualify for an FCS.
1. Spousal and Common-Law Partner Sponsorship: A Canadian citizen or permanent resident can sponsor a spouse or common-law partner for permanent citizenship. The sponsor must prove that he or she is in a relationship with the sponsored person that qualifies as marriage, common-law partners, or conjugal partners. Canada does recognize same-sex partners for the purpose of sponsorship. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) must approve both the sponsor and sponsored person in order for the sponsored person to obtain a visa. An outland sponsorship occurs when the sponsored person lives outside Canada. An inland sponsorship occurs when the sponsored person is currently residing in Canada as a worker, student, or visitor.
2. Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship: There are two methods for a citizen or permanent resident to sponsor his or her parents or grandparents. The first method is the Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP), which grants successful applicants permanent residency for four years before they are allowed to apply for citizenship. Under the PGP, the sponsor must be 18 or older, exceed the minimum necessary income level to support the sponsored person, and sign a contract to repay any social assistance benefits paid to the sponsored person. The second method is the Super Visa program (SVP), which allows parents and grandparents to come to Canada as long-term visitors. Successful applicants can receive visas up to 10 years in duration. Unlike standard visitor visas that must be renewed every six months, the Super Visa must only be renewed every two years.
3. Dependent Child Sponsorship: This program applies to both biological and adopted children. Both the sponsor and their child living abroad must be approved by the IRCC in order for the sponsored child to receive a visa. The sponsor and sponsored child must prove their relationship of parent and child. If the sponsor is in the process of finalizing an adoption, they may begin the sponsorship process before the adoption is finalized. Successful applicants under this program become full Canadian citizens, which gives them the right to receive an education in Canada and work in Canada.
Family Based Immigration as well as The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program may offer options for immigrating to Canada.
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program
Under the >Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), an immigrant in possession of certain skills and experiences may be approved to immigrate to Manitoba. One benefit of this program is that the successful applicant is allowed to bring all dependents with them, including his or her spouse, common-law partner, or children.
The prospective immigrant must have a "close relative" living in Manitoba who has the ability to support the prospective immigrant's settlement in Manitoba. A "close relative" refers to parents, children, siblings, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, grandparents, or first cousins. The applicant must be between 21 and 49 years old. They must have completed high school and at least one year of post-secondary education, demonstrated by a degree or diploma. Another requirement is a job-ready proficiency in English or French.
The applicant must show that he or she is adaptable to their prospective new home in Manitoba. They are required to create a settlement plan, which must be signed by a "close relative" who has resided in Manitoba for at least one year. The settlement plan must include the applicant's desired occupation. If the applicant is approved to immigrate under the MPNP, he or she is allowed to bring all of their dependents to live in Manitoba too.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This article is meant for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice on any topic, including Family Based Immigration to Canada. You should not base any decision on the contents of this article. Rules and legislation change frequently and this article may not be up to date.