Canadian Family Reunification Visa: Application Process
Canadian Family Reunification Visa: Application Process
The Canadian government is committed to keeping families together and it has designed programs that allow Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and refugees to sponsor their family members to immigrate to Canada. The Family Reunification Visa is a program that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their families to move to Canada and stay with them. The program covers different categories of family members such as spouses, common-law partners, parents, grandparents, dependent children, and others.
The Family Reunification Visa application process is a multi-step process that can be overwhelming if you are not familiar with the procedures. However, with the right assistance and guidance, it can turn out to be a successful application. In this article, we will explore the application process for a Family Reunification Visa and answer some frequently asked questions.
Eligibility Requirements for a Family Reunification Visa
To be eligible for a Family Reunification Visa, the following eligibility requirements must be met:
1. A Canadian permanent resident or citizen must sponsor the applicant.
2. The applicant must be a member of the family class, such as a spouse, common-law partner, dependent child (under 22 years of age), parent or grandparent.
3. The sponsor must demonstrate that he or she is capable of financially supporting the sponsored family member for a certain period after he or she arrives in Canada.
4. The sponsor and the sponsored family member must pass certain medical and security checks.
5. The sponsored family member must meet the admissibility requirements.
Application Process for a Family Reunification Visa
1. Sponsor Eligibility Assessment
The first step in the application process is the sponsorship eligibility assessment. The sponsor must be assessed for eligibility and ensure that his or her financial status meets the requirements for sponsorship. The sponsor must also ensure that he or she can financially support the sponsored family member for a period of time after the arrival of the sponsored family member.
2. Sponsorship Application
Following the eligibility assessment, the sponsor will commence the sponsorship application process by filling out and submitting the appropriate family reunification visa application form. The form must be filled out accurately and completely and submitted alongside with the necessary supporting documents.
3. Applicant Application
Once the sponsorship application is approved, the sponsored family member can apply for a Family Reunification Visa application. The sponsored family member must submit the appropriate application form and necessary supporting documents to the Canadian embassy or consulate in their home country.
4. Medical and Security Checks
As part of the application process, the Canadian government will require the sponsored family member to undergo a medical examination and background check to ensure that he or she does not pose any health or security risks.
5. Visa Issuance
If the medical and security checks are satisfactory, the sponsored family member will be issued with a Family Reunification Visa and can move to Canada to be with his or her sponsor.
FAQs
1. Can I sponsor my spouse to move to Canada if I am not a permanent resident yet?
No. You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor your spouse to move to Canada.
2. Can I sponsor my sibling, uncle, or aunt?
No. The family class only includes spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents.
3. How long does it take to get a Family Reunification Visa?
The processing time for a Family Reunification Visa can vary depending on various factors such as the applicant’s country of origin and the type of relationship with the sponsor. It can take anywhere from a few months to a year for the visa to be processed.
4. Can I sponsor multiple family members at the same time?
Yes. You can sponsor more than one family member at the same time. However, you will have to demonstrate that you can financially support all the sponsored family members.
In conclusion, the Family Reunification Visa program is a great opportunity for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their family members. The application process can be complex, but it is worth it to be able to be with your loved ones. If you have any questions or require further assistance in the application process, contact an immigration lawyer for guidance.