Marriage and Family Visa
Spousal and Family Class Sponsorship Canada
Canadian citizens and permanent residents living in Canada who are at least 18 years old may sponsor close relatives and family members for permanent residency. By sponsoring a family member, the sponsor commits to providing financial support for the relative and their accompanying family members for a period ranging from 3 to 20 years, depending on the age of the sponsored individual and their relationship to the sponsor.
Please note that the province of Quebec has its own specific regulations and income requirements regarding family sponsorship. For cases involving Quebec, it is necessary to refer to the official provincial guidelines at www.immigration-quebec.ca.
Sponsoring a Spouse, Common-Law or Conjugal Partner
A spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner may be eligible for a permanent resident visa provided they are at least 18 years of age. A person is classified as a spouse if they are legally married to the sponsor in a marriage that is valid under the laws of the jurisdiction where it took place and under Canadian law. This includes same-sex partners, provided the marriage is legally recognized. If a same-sex marriage was performed outside of Canada, it must be legally recognized in that country to qualify for spousal sponsorship.
If a couple is not married, they may apply under the Common-Law Partner category. This applies to both opposite-sex and same-sex partners who have lived together in a conjugal relationship for a continuous period of at least 12 months. The sponsor and applicant must provide documented proof of their shared life, such as joint financial accounts, shared lease agreements, or proof of a combined household.
The Conjugal Partner category is designed for partners who have maintained a committed, mutually dependent relationship for at least one year but have been prevented from living together or marrying due to exceptional circumstances beyond their control, such as immigration barriers or restrictive local laws.
Family Migration and Eligible Relatives
Canadian citizens or permanent residents aged 18 or older may also sponsor the following relatives from abroad:
Parents and grandparents. Dependent children, including adopted children. A dependent child is defined as being under the age of 22 and not married or in a common-law relationship. Children over 22 may qualify if they have been continuously dependent on their parents for financial support since before age 22 due to a physical or mental disability. Children under the age of 18 whom the sponsor intends to adopt in Canada. Orphaned family members, such as a brother, sister, nephew, niece, or grandchild, provided they are under 18 and not married. A relative of any age if the sponsor does not have any other living relative from the list above who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or whom they could sponsor.
Sponsoring family members requires the sponsor to meet specific Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirements to ensure they can provide for the basic needs of those they are bringing to Canada.
Contact Kangaroo Migration Services
Each visa category involves distinct legal requirements and financial obligations. To ensure you select the most beneficial pathway for your specific circumstances, it is highly recommended to seek professional expertise.
Kangaroo Migration Services has extensive experience in managing all types of Canadian immigration applications and visas. Our team provides tailored guidance to help families reunite in Canada efficiently. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your options with a representative or complete our online questionnaire to begin your assessment.