How Much Does it Cost to Sponsor a Family Member in Canada?
As a permanent resident or citizen of Canada, you may be able to sponsor certain relatives to come to Canada as immigrants. You would need to support them financially and make sure they have a place to live when they arrive. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website provides detailed information on the requirements for sponsorship and gives an estimate of the costs involved in bringing family members over. This guide will provide a more comprehensive look at those cost estimates and help you plan your finances accordingly.
How long will it take to sponsor a family member in Canada?
Generally, the time it takes to process a family sponsorship application can range from 12 to 24 months. The amount of time that it takes to sponsor a family member in Canada can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the type of family member being sponsored, the processing times of the relevant application centre, and the level of documentation provided by the sponsor and the applicant.
What are the requirements for sponsoring a family member in Canada?
The requirements for sponsoring a family member to immigrate to Canada depend on the type of family member you want to sponsor. Generally, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident at least 18 years of age and living in Canada. You must also have sufficient income (meet the minimum necessary income) to provide for the basic needs of the family member you are sponsoring, including an adequate place to live.
In addition, you must sign an agreement with the government of Canada to provide financial support to your relative. This agreement states that you will take responsibility for financially supporting your relative for up to 10 years, depending on their age and type of family member they are.
You must also meet other requirements, such as not being in default of any previous sponsorship undertakings and not being in receipt of social assistance, among other requirements.
Cost breakdown for sponsoring a family member in Canada
The cost of sponsoring a family member includes application fees, and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF).
The cost of sponsoring a spouse and children in Canada
Sponsoring a spouse or partner involves paying two fees: the sponsorship fee ($75) and the principal applicant processing fee ($490). Also, an additional cost may apply for including any dependent child on the application with your spouse or partner which is set at $155. However, this does not include right of permanent residence fee which is currently set at $515.
The cost of sponsoring parents or grandparents in Canada
Do you want to support your parent or grandparent? There is a Sponsorship fee of $75, as well as the principal applicant processing fee of $490. It is also possible to do this without the right of permanent residence fee ($515), in which case only these two fees would be necessary.
What are the steps of sponsoring a family member in Canada?
- Determine Eligibility: You must first determine whether you are eligible to sponsor your family member. Generally, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada.
- Gather Necessary Documentation: You will need to provide documentation to prove your relationship to the family member you are sponsoring. This could include birth certificates, marriage certificates, adoption orders, etc.
- Submit an Application: You will need to submit a sponsorship application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) which includes the necessary forms and supporting documents.
- Financial Assessment: You will need to provide proof of income and demonstrate that you can financially support your family member.
- Submit Application Fees: You will need to pay the fee associated with sponsoring a family member.
- Wait for a Decision: Once your application is submitted, IRCC will review it and make a decision. You should receive the decision within 12 months.
Should you hire an immigration consultant to help you with the process?
Hiring an immigration consultant can be beneficial for those seeking immigration advice and assistance, as immigration laws and regulations can be complicated and difficult to navigate. Immigration consultants often have extensive knowledge of the immigration process, can provide personalized advice and assistance, and can help to ensure that applicants follow all of the necessary steps for their immigration situation. Ultimately, it is up to the individual seeking immigration advice or assistance to decide whether or not to hire an immigration consultant.