Canada intends to welcome more than 400,00 new immigrants annually under its Immigration Levels Program. About 60% are skilled workers from the economic class, followed by immigrants and refugees from the family class. Under the spouse, partner and children category, Canada hopes to welcome 80,000 family immigrants each year.

Who are included in a family-sized unit?

The size of the family unit is determined by who the sponsor is (currently in Canada ) and who they intend to sponsor. To calculate the family unit, you will include the following:

1. yourself,

2. your spouse or partner,

3. Dependent children of your spouse or partner (if applicable)

4. Your dependent children (if applicable).

You can sponsor your spouse if you:

1) Canadian citizens who are at least 18 years of age, registered as Indians in Canada under the Canadian Indians Act, or permanent residents living in Canada:

2) If you are a Canadian citizen living outside Canada, you must show that you plan to live in Canada when your sponsored relative becomes a permanent resident.

3) You cannot sponsor someone if you are a permanent resident living outside Canada.

4) Be able to demonstrate that you are not receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability, and; 

5) You must also be able to demonstrate that you can meet basic needs for:

1. yourself,

2. your spouse or partner,

3. Dependent children of your spouse or partner (if applicable)

4. Your dependent children (if you are only sponsoring your dependent children).

You may not be able to sponsor if you

• are sponsoring a spouse or partner, but you signed a commitment for an ex-spouse or partner and they have been a permanent resident for less than three years,

• have previously sponsored someone and have not repaid any social assistance they received while the commitment was in place.

• Default on immigration loan or performance bond

• Failure to pay court-ordered alimony or child support

• Declared Bankruptcy Not Discharged

• are sponsoring a spouse or partner and you were previously sponsored as a spouse, common-law partner or marital partner and became a permanent resident of Canada less than five years ago,

• Convicted of a crime

1) Sexual crimes

2) Violent crime

3) Offences causing bodily harm to relatives or

4) Threatening or attempting to commit any of the above offences - depending on the nature of the offence, how long it took and whether you were pardoned

• under a deportation order,

• in prisons, reformatories,

• Have applied to sponsor your current spouse or partner but have not received a decision yet.

Select application category

1) Apply for the family class if:

• The person you want to sponsor lives outside Canada

• The person you want to sponsor is currently living in Canada with you, but does not intend to remain in Canada while the application is being processed

• If your application is denied, you intend to appeal

• you sponsor your marital partner or dependent children

2) Apply under the Canadian spouse or common-law partner category if your spouse or common-law partner:

• Live with you in Canada

• Have a valid temporary resident status in Canada, or not required by public policy

• want to apply for and be eligible for an open work permit so they can work while the application is being processed

Sponsorship Commitment Agreement

The commitment period is 3 years from the date your spouse, common-law partner or common-law partner becomes a permanent resident. When you agree to be a guarantor, you need to sign a letter of commitment pledging to fund your spouse or partner and their basic requirements for dependent children. The requirements are:

1) Daily necessities such as food, clothing, housing and transportation,

2) Other medical needs not covered by public health services, such as dental and vision care.

Before signing a commitment agreement, you must ensure that the person you sponsor does not need to seek financial help from the government. If they receive social assistance, you must repay the money they received while you were legally responsible to them. You will not be able to sponsor anyone else until you have repaid the amount.

This commitment is a binding commitment of support, which means that it is your responsibility to support the applicant during the commitment period, even if your circumstances change. Even if your circumstances change, the pledge will remain in effect for the duration of the pledge. The promise will not be cancelled even if:

• The person you sponsor becomes a Canadian citizen

• you are divorced, separated or your relationship with the sponsored person breaks down

• You or the person you sponsor moves to another province or country

• you have financial problems