The Difference Between Family Class Sponsorship and Other Permanent Residency programs in Canada

27 Feb 2025

Canada is a country that offers various Permanent Residency options for immigrants worldwide. These options include family class sponsorship, economic immigration programs, refugee programs, and temporary work or study permits.  However, family class sponsorship differs from other Permanent Residency types in many aspects.

What Are the Key Features of Family Class Sponsorship?

Family class sponsorship is a program that allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to bring their close family members to Canada for permanent settlement. you can sponsor your spouse, partner or dependent children to become permanent residents of Canada. This program encourages family unity and facilitates the integration of immigrants into the country. Individuals who come through family sponsorship obtain permanent resident status, granting them the right to live, work, and study in Canada indefinitely.

To apply to sponsor your spouse, partner or child, there are two applications:

  1. You must apply to become a sponsor.
  2. Your spouse, partner or child must apply for permanent residence.
  3.  medical exam for all adults sponsored
  4. police certificate for all adults sponsored

 

fees will include:

  1. processing fees for you, the persons you’re sponsoring and their dependants
  2. the right of permanent residence fee
  3. the biometrics fee

 

family-sits-field-with-canadian-flag-canadian-citizenship

 

The most important is to have the intention to move and reside in Canada. The sponsor must demonstrate that he /she will support financially her sponsored family members. The sponsor must be employed but could qualify even with a long-term disability. 

The Principal Applicant (person to be sponsored) must be eligible based on IRCC immigration criterias.  Issues with the law and your health condition will be assessed prior to the decision.

After completing all the forms and providing supporting documents, the application is e-transferred to the IRCC department for review. The current wait time from the US is 10 months.

Individuals who come through family sponsorship are supported by their sponsors and can integrate more easily into Canada. They also have access to language training and social integration programs.

Advantages

 

- Promotes family unity.

- Grants permanent resident status, allowing indefinite residence in Canada.

- Financial support from the sponsor reduces the risk of financial hardship.

 

Disadvantages

 

- The application process can be lengthy.

- The sponsor's financial capability can be challenging, especially for larger families.

- Applications processed in Canada have no appeal option.