Family sponsorship is one of the most important types of immigrants identified by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in its annual immigration levels plan.
While this type of sponsorship allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents (as well as persons registered in Canada as Indians under the Canadian Indian Act) to sponsor loved ones to immigrate to Canada and potentially settle permanently, it does not allow these individuals to sponsor their siblings, except in rare circumstances.
Continue reading to learn more about these unique instances, what eligibility requirements sponsors must meet, and what options you may have for bringing your sibling to Canada if you are unable to sponsor them for permanent residency.
Understanding Canadian Sibling Sponsorship
If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you may be thinking about bringing your siblings together to start a life in Canada.
The question arises, “Can I sponsor my sibling for Canadian permanent residence?” The answer is yes, under specific circumstances. Sponsorship of siblings is within the family class immigration route, which is focused on reuniting families in Canada.
Who Can Sponsor a Loved One for Canadian Permanent Residence?
The IRCC has established particular conditions for individuals who can serve as sponsors for Canadian permanent residence. To be eligible to sponsor your loved one, you must meet the following requirements:
- Minimum Age:You must be at least 18 years old.
- Citizenship:Only a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada may become a sponsor. You can sponsor a loved one as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
- To become a sponsor, you must live in Canada, unless you are a Canadian citizen. As a citizen, you are not required to be physically present in Canada to sponsor a loved one. However, when your sponsored family member arrives in Canada, you must show that you want to live there.
- Needs Provision:As a sponsor, you must undertake to care for your sponsored loved one’s basic requirements for their whole stay in Canada.
- Financial Proof:You must demonstrate that you have enough income to sustain your sponsored loved one for the duration of their stay in the country.
Under what circumstances can I sponsor my sibling for Canadian permanent residency?
Generally, you cannot sponsor a sibling for permanent residency in Canada. However, the IRCC has one exemption to this regulation, known as the ‘lonely Canadian rule.’
This exception permits you to sponsor your orphaned brother or sister if they match the following four conditions:
- Are linked to you by blood or legal adoption.
- Both their mother and father passed away.
- Are under 18 years old.
- Are single, meaning they are not married, in common law, or legal partnerships.
Meeting these four requirements does not automatically qualify your siblings for sponsorship. Before accepting applications for such family sponsorships, the IRCC will consider a wide range of other immigrant needs.
This exception is only given to siblings who are absolute orphans. You cannot sponsor a sibling if one parent is still living or no one knows where they are. The exception does not apply if a parent is in jail.
Steps to Sponsor Siblings for Canadian PR
To start the Canada immigration procedure for your brother or sister, take the following steps:
- Ensure that you meet all qualifying requirements.
- Prepare your financial documents to show you can support them.
- Have your sibling take the required immigration medical tests and police clearances.
- Submit both the sponsorship and permanent residence applications for your sibling.
- Pay the relevant payments, which may include processing fees, a right to permanent residency fee, and a biometrics fee if applicable.
Conclusion
Sponsoring your brother or sister for Canadian permanent residency can be a life-changing experience for both of you.
While the sponsorship procedure for Canadian PR requires rigorous planning, documentation, and financial compliance, the benefit of having your brother as a permanent resident in Canada is undeniably worthwhile.
Canadian sibling sponsorship allows your loved ones to enjoy the perks and opportunities that come with living in Canada, strengthening family bonds.