What is the age requirement to sponsor a family member to Canada?

Canada, with its new Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026, aims to welcome 114,000 immigrants under the Family Sponsorship program - 82,000 Spouses, Partners and Children and 32,000 Parents and Grandparents. If you accomplish the eligibility requirements set by IRCC, you can sponsor these relations under a Canada Spouse Visa.

Family reunification has been consistently encouraged by the Canadian government  To make the process easier, they offer ways for permanent residents and citizens to bring their spouses, partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents to the country. For that, you need to meet the eligibility requirements and age is a crucial factor. Wondering what is the age required to become a sponsor, this article answers your question.



Age Required for Sponsoring Family Members to Canada 

To qualify for Canada’s family sponsorship, your age must be at least 18. By this, the Canadian immigration authorities confirm you are a legal adult with the capacity to support the members you are bringing financially.

Another major eligibility requirement is to either hold a permanent residency status or citizenship in Canada. Only then, you will be able to sponsor family members from India. You will not be considered eligible if you hold a temporary residence visa, like a work or study permit, 

The exact age requirement can differ depending on the relationship between the sponsor and the sponsored person.

Eligibility to Sponsor a Spouse:

• Your age should at least be 18.
• Hold Canadian PR status or citizenship
• Government aid is allowed only for disability
• Meeting low-income criteria is mandatory
• Legal marriage is required for spouse sponsorship
• Relationship legitimacy must be proven for dependents.

Eligibility to Sponsor Dependent Children:

Your child must be:

• Under 22 years old
• unmarried, and not in a common-law relationship

If they are over 22, you must demonstrate their inability to support themselves, necessitating sponsorship.

To sponsor your dependent children, you must fulfil these requirements:

• Both you and your dependent kid must be approved by IRCC for a dependent visa. 
• Give proof that your relationship with your kids is legit by providing birth certificates or adoption papers.

Eligibility to Sponsor Dependent Parents and Grandparents:

• Live in the Great White North as a PR holder or citizen.
• Must be at least 18.
• Have the financial capacity to support them.
• If residing in Quebec, you must sign an agreement.

Guide to Apply for a Canada Family Sponsorship 

Start your application process once you have passed the eligibility checks: 

Step 1 - Check eligibility

This step is already done. You already have met the age requirement, financial requirements, and others set by IRCC.

Step 2 - Gather the required documentation

Depending on whom you are sponsoring to settle in Canada from India, you need to collect documentation to prove the information you will provide in the application. Common documents include proof of identity, relationship, bank history and other supporting documentation.

Step 3 - Submit the sponsorship application

Fill out the complete sponsorship application form along with the sponsored individual's permanent residence application simultaneously. Submit them online through the IRCC website or by mail.

Step 4 - Pay application fees

You also need to pay the processing fee for both the sponsorship application and the sponsored individual's permanent residence application.

• Sponsor your spouse or partner: CAD $1,080
• Sponsor your spouse or partner (without right of permanent residence fee): CAD $565
• Sponsor a dependent child: CAD $150
• Biometrics – per person: CAD $85
• Biometrics - per family (2 or more people): CAD $170

Step 5 - Submit health and police clearance certificates

Canada needs to ensure both the sponsor and the sponsored individuals are in good health and do not have a criminal background.

Step 6 - Wait for processing

If you have submitted the Spousal Sponsorship applications outside of Canada (outside Quebec), it will take about 12 months to process. The exact time cannot be provided as it will vary as per the volume of applications, the completeness of your application, and other factors.

Congratulations! Once your application is approved, the sponsored individual will receive a confirmation of permanent residence (COPR) and can proceed with immigrating to Canada.

Age plays an important role in becoming a sponsor because, without it, you will not be able to qualify for the Canada family visa category. Connect with the best immigration and visa consultants in Delhi - Nationwide Visas who can help you reunite with your family in Canada. The team will assess your case accurately, and provide you with solutions that best suit your circumstances.

Good Luck!