Certain relatives of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident may be eligible to migrate to Canada as permanent residents if the Canadian relative can sponsor them.
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Requirements
Both the person sponsoring a relative and the person wishing to immigrate to Canada must meet certain requirements.
- the applicant and relative must sign a sponsorship agreement that commits the Canadian relative to provide financial support if necessary. The applying relative must also commit to making every effort to support themselves. Dependent children under age 22 do not have to sign theagreement. Quebec residents must also sign an “undertaking” with the province of Quebec.
- the Canadian relative must promise to provide financial support for the relative and any other eligible relatives accompanying them for a period of three to ten years, depending on the age and relationship. This time period begins on the date they become a permanent resident.
Applicants for permanent residence must go through medical, criminal and background checks.
Relatives who can be sponsored
- brothers or sisters, nephews or nieces, granddaughters or grandsons who are orphaned, under 18 years of age and not married or in a common-law relationship
- another relative of any age or relationship but only under specific conditionsaccompanying relatives of the above (for example, spouse, partner and dependent children)
Relatives who cannot be sponsored
- brothers and sisters over 18
- adult independent children
However, these people may apply under a skilled worker class and may receive extra points for having a relative in Canada.