Authorised Representative of
To apply for a family sponsorship visa for Canada, there are several steps and documents you’ll need to prepare. Here’s a general checklist to help guide you through the process:
Before applying, ensure both the sponsor (you) and the applicant (the family member) meet the eligibility criteria:
Sponsor Eligibility: You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, at least 18 years old, and not receiving social assistance (except for disability).
Applicant Eligibility: The family member must be a spouse, common-law partner, dependent child, parent, or grandparent, or another eligible relative.
Sponsorship Application (IMM 1344): The form to apply to sponsor your family member.
Permanent Residence Application (IMM 0008): The form for the family member applying for permanent residency.
Additional Family Information (IMM 5406): For both the sponsor and the applicant.
Use of Representative (IMM 5476) (if applicable): If you have someone representing you in the application process.
Proof of Citizenship or Permanent Residency: Include a copy of your Canadian passport, birth certificate, or permanent resident card.
Proof of Income/Financial Support: Documents like tax returns, pay stubs, or employment letters to show you can financially support the family member.
Police Clearance Certificate: If required by the applicant’s home country.
Valid Passport: A copy of the applicant’s passport, including all pages with stamps and visas.
Photographs: Two passport-sized photos of the applicant.
Medical Exam: The applicant may need to undergo a medical exam by an approved doctor.
Police Clearance Certificates: From the applicant’s country of origin (and other countries they have lived in for a certain period).
Proof of Relationship: For spouses or common-law partners, include marriage certificates, photos, or any documents proving the relationship is genuine. For parents and children, include birth certificates or adoption papers.
Marriage Certificate (if sponsoring a spouse or common-law partner).
Divorce Certificate (if the sponsor or applicant was previously married and divorced).
Child Custody Documents (if applicable).
Language Proficiency Proof: If required for certain types of sponsorship applications, like spousal sponsorships.
Processing Fee: Ensure you have the correct fee for the sponsor application and the permanent residency application.
Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): This fee is for the applicant to become a permanent resident.
Once you’ve gathered all required documents:
Double-check to ensure all forms are filled out correctly and that you’ve included all supporting documents.
Submit your application to the appropriate visa office either online or by mail.
After submission, you may need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photos).
Be prepared for an interview or additional documents if requested by immigration authorities.
Remember, the specific documents and process can vary depending on the type of sponsorship (e.g., spousal, parent/grandparent, or dependent child), so always verify the requirements on the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or consult with a legal advisor to ensure you have everything you need.
Let us know if you need more details on any of the steps!
