Immigrant sponsored by a family in Canada

Becoming a Canadian citizen through family support is a viable option for immigrants. Family sponsorship is a cornerstone of Canada's immigration system, particularly for reuniting families. Canada has consistently been a top destination for immigrants, attracting them to enhance its economy and workforce. Surveys show that family sponsorship is the most common and well-received category of immigration. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada aims to admit a record-breaking 415,000 new immigrants annually through its family class. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada IRCC oversees the immigration process and manages the family sponsorship program. The IRCC reviews and approves family sponsorship applications before granting temporary or permanent resident visas.

What is Canadian Family Support

There are two major attributes of family sponsorship.

1. It provides the opportunity for a person's family member to immigrate to Canada and get a PR (permanent residence) there.
2. It requires the sponsored person to commit to providing basic financial support and other needs for the immigrant.

To sponsor relatives to come to Canada, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Be at least 18 years old
2. Hold Canadian citizenship or be a permanent resident of Canada
3. Be registered as a Pakistani immigrant in Canada under the Canada-Pakistan Act.

How Is COVID-19 Affecting Family Sponsorship In Canada?

The coronavirus has given a huge toll not only on the economy but also on the environment in which we live. As well, the pandemic has had an impact on the process of family sponsorship and other immigration procedures. However, IRCC is still accepting family sponsorship requests. The Canadian government is still looking for other ways to reunite immigrant families.

The following are some of the steps taken by IRCC during the COVID-19 immigration process.

1. The Immigration Organization of Canada has expanded its workforce to enhance the speed of reviewing immigration applications, resulting in a 45% reduction in processing time.
2. The organization aims to streamline the application process by introducing automation and digitalizing paper-based procedures.
3. In addition, the immigration agency is considering implementing a biometric system where the interview process can be conducted online through the applicant's profile.
4. If you are a Canadian immigrant with job insurance and receive CERB, you may sponsor eligible family members, such as children, spouses, grandparents, parents, etc., as long as you meet the sponsorship requirements.
5. Receiving Employment Insurance or CERB during the sponsorship period will not impact your sponsorship obligations.

Requirements for Sponsoring Family Members

You have the opportunity to bring your loved ones to Canada and make a lasting impact on their lives by sponsoring them! This exciting process involves signing a commitment agreement in which you pledge to provide financial support for their basic necessities, including shelter, food, clothing, and healthcare. By standing by your sponsored family member's side during the agreement signing, you are not only showing your love and support but also your commitment to their well-being and future success in Canada. What a great opportunity to make a positive impact!

For certain types of sponsorships, you will need to obtain the low-income cut-off, for example, in the following cases:

• In the case of sponsoring a spouse or partner with a dependent child who also has their own children.
• If you are extending sponsorship to a parent or grandparent.

 For residents of Quebec, it is necessary to adhere to the province's specific sponsorship requirements and have your income evaluated by the Quebec immigration ministry.