Family Sponsorship in Canada – Latest Immigration News and Updates
Are you planning to sponsor a family member to come to Canada? If so, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest news and updates related to family sponsorship. Here are some of the latest developments you should know about:
- Processing Times: The processing times for family sponsorship applications can vary depending on the type of application and the country of origin. As of April 2023, the estimated processing time for a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner sponsorship is approximately 12 months. For other family members, such as parents and grandparents, the processing time can be much longer, with some applications taking up to 4 years.
- Changes to the Family Class Sponsorship Program: In October 2021, the Government of Canada announced changes to the Family Class Sponsorship program, which allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their relatives to come to Canada. The changes included an increase in the number of applications that can be accepted each year, as well as the introduction of a new sponsorship category for non-dependent children.
- Updates to Immigration Policies: The Canadian government regularly updates its immigration policies and regulations. In February 2022, the government announced changes to the requirements for language proficiency for some immigration programs. As of May 2023, applicants for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class must take an approved language test and meet minimum language proficiency requirements in English or French.
- COVID-19 Travel Restrictions: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in travel restrictions and border closures that can impact family sponsorship applications. As of May 2023, Canada has restrictions on travel from certain countries, and all travelers to Canada must provide proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test before entering the country.
- Support for Newcomers: Canada offers a range of services and resources to help newcomers settle and integrate into Canadian society. This includes language classes, job training, and settlement services. The government also offers a range of programs to support refugees and other vulnerable populations.
If you’re planning to sponsor a family member to come to Canada, it’s important to stay informed about the latest news and updates. By understanding the latest policies and regulations, you can better navigate the application process and increase your chances of success.
To learn more about family sponsorship in Canada, visit the Government of Canada’s website or consult with an immigration lawyer or consultant. You can also join online communities and forums to connect with other families who have gone through the sponsorship process.
Here are some helpful links to get you started:
- Government of Canada’s Family Sponsorship website: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/family-sponsorship.html
- Canada Immigration Forum: https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/
- Canadian Bar Association’s Immigration Law Section: https://www.cba.org/Sections/Immigration-Law
We hope this information has been helpful to you. Good luck with your family sponsorship application!
The general steps for spousal sponsorship in Canada:
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Before you begin the spousal sponsorship process, you must ensure that you and your spouse meet the eligibility criteria. This includes being a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, having a genuine relationship with your spouse, and meeting other requirements.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
You’ll need to gather all the required documents to support your application, including your marriage certificate, your spouse’s birth certificate, passport, and other relevant documents.
Step 3: Complete and Submit the Application
Once you have gathered all the required documents, you’ll need to complete the application forms and submit them to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You’ll also need to pay the application fees at this stage.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
After submitting the application, you’ll need to wait for it to be processed. The processing time can vary depending on various factors, including the country of origin, the completeness of your application, and the number of applications received by the authorities.
Step 5: Attend the Interview (if required)
If your application is approved, you and your spouse may be called for an interview. The interview is an opportunity for the authorities to verify the authenticity of your relationship and ensure that all the information provided in the application is accurate.
Step 6: Receive a Decision
Once your application is processed, you’ll receive a decision from IRCC. If your application is approved, your spouse will receive a Permanent Resident Visa, allowing them to live and work in Canada.
Step 7: Land in Canada
After receiving the Permanent Resident Visa, your spouse will need to land in Canada before the expiration date mentioned on the visa.
It’s essential to note that the spousal sponsorship process can be complex and time-consuming. Working with an experienced immigration lawyer can help you navigate the process more smoothly and increase your chances of success.
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