Canada has long been a popular destination for immigrants seeking a better life and opportunities. For parents who are already in Canada or are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, sponsoring their children to immigrate to Canada can be an important and life-changing decision. In this blog, we will explore the key information you need to know about sponsoring your child for immigration to Canada.
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsorship: To sponsor your child, you must meet certain eligibility criteria set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). As a sponsor, you must be at least 18 years old, a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act. You must also prove that you have sufficient income to support your child and meet other financial requirements.
Types of Child Sponsorship: There are different types of child sponsorship programs in Canada. These include:
a) Sponsorship of Dependent Children: This category includes biological or adopted children under the age of 22 who are not married or in a common-law relationship.
b) Sponsorship of Orphaned Relatives: If you have a sibling, niece, nephew, or grandchild who is orphaned, under 18 years of age, and does not have a spouse or common-law partner, you may be able to sponsor them.
c) Sponsorship of Children Under 18: This program is designed for children who are already in the process of being adopted by Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Financial Responsibilities: As a sponsor, you have financial responsibilities towards your sponsored child. You must sign an undertaking, which is a legal agreement stating that you will provide financial support for your child’s basic needs, including food, clothing, and shelter, for a specific period. This undertaking is usually valid for ten years or until the child turns 25, depending on the age and circumstances of the child.
Application Process: Sponsoring your child for immigration to Canada involves a multi-step application process. It typically includes the following steps:
a) Determining Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements as a sponsor and that your child meets the criteria for sponsorship.
b) Submitting the Application: Complete the necessary forms accurately, gather supporting documents, and submit the application to the IRCC.
c) Processing Time: The processing time for child sponsorship applications can vary. It is essential to stay informed about the current processing times and any updates from the IRCC.
d) Medical and Security Checks: Your child will need to undergo medical examinations and security checks as part of the application process.
Benefits of Sponsoring Your Child: Sponsoring your child for immigration to Canada offers numerous benefits. These include:
a) Family Reunification: It allows you to reunite with your child and build a life together in Canada.
b) Access to Education and Healthcare: Your child will have access to high-quality education and healthcare services in Canada.
c) Permanent Residency: Once your child is sponsored and their application is approved, they will become permanent residents of Canada, which opens up pathways to Canadian citizenship.
Custody Disputes
Those who wish to sponsor a kid who is the subject of custody orders are required to present documentation proving their right to take the children out of the nation they are presently live in.
For the child to go to Canada with the intention of becoming a permanent resident, the parent or guardian must give written permission. A court order may be admissible in lieu of permission if the parent or guardian refuses to give it. It is typically the applicant’s responsibility to show that they have sole custody of a dependent and to confirm that the other parent or legal guardian does not have custody of the child or has any objections to the child being removed from the foreign country when the other parent or legal guardian does not give their consent.
If a child’s parents share custody, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) must have a written statement from the non-custodial parent stating that they do not object to the child’s application for permanent residence in Canada.
These specifications guarantee that no provisions of the custody order or international law are broken by the sponsorship. In Canada, the child’s best interests are the only factor taken into account while making custody decisions. Therefore, if there is no written confirmation of the other parent’s lack of objection, an IRCC officer must weigh all the relevant factors and use reasonable judgement when determining whether to process an application to sponsor a dependent child.
Conclusion: Sponsoring your child for immigration to Canada can be a complex process, but it is an invaluable opportunity to create a better future for your family. By understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and financial responsibilities, you can navigate the process more effectively. Remember to stay updated with the latest information from the IRCC and seek professional advice when needed. Good luck with your journey to bring your child to Canada!