The “Family Class” is a category under Canadian immigration law that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their family members for immigration to Canada. This program is designed to reunite families and promote family unity. The Family Class sponsorship program includes several subcategories, each with its own eligibility criteria and requirements.
Eligible Relatives: The Family Class allows sponsors to bring certain family members to Canada. Eligible relatives may include:
In very specific situations, you can sponsor an orphaned brother, sister, nephew, niece, grandchild, aunt or uncle. More information available here
Canadian citizens and permanent residents who wish to sponsor family members must go through a sponsorship process. This involves the sponsor submitting an application to sponsor a family member, and the sponsored family member submitting an application for permanent residence.
Sponsors are typically required to demonstrate the financial ability to support their sponsored family members in Canada. This is to ensure that the sponsored individuals do not rely on social assistance programs.
Sponsors sign a legal contract called an undertaking, committing to providing financial support for the sponsored family members for a specified period. This period varies depending on the relationship between the sponsor and the sponsored person.
The processing times for Family Class sponsorship applications can vary, and they are subject to change based on factors such as the type of relationship, the country of residence of the sponsored person, and the immigration program through which they are applying.
The Super Visa is a special visa category under Canada’s immigration system that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit Canada for an extended period. Unlike a regular visitor visa, the Super Visa provides eligible individuals with the ability to stay in Canada for up to two years at a time without having to renew their status. The Super Visa is a multi-entry visa that can be valid for up to 10 years.
One feature that sets it apart from a temporary visa is the mandatory requirement for applicants to obtain private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company (for CAD 100,000). The insurance must be valid for at least one year and cover health care, hospitalization, and repatriation.
In certain cases, individuals who are in Canada and face risks to their safety or well-being in their home country may be eligible for family reunification through refugee and humanitarian programs.
It’s important to note that immigration policies and programs, including those related to family reunification, can change, and eligibility criteria may vary. Individuals interested in sponsoring family members or applying for family reunification should consult the official website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or seek advice from RCIC / legal expert to ensure they have the most up-to-date information.
