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A. Canada recognizes the importance
of reuniting families. Family reunification is the
cornerstone of Canadian Immigration policy. As pointed
out by Canada’s Minister of Citizenship and Immigration:
"Canada has a long tradition of
supporting the reunification of Canadians with their
close family members from abroad. On the one hand this
tradition has enriched the lives of the families and
assisted them in achieving self-reliance. On the other
hand, it has enriched Canadian society by ensuring
social integration and the building of stronger
communities. Family reunification enriches the lives of
those involved and strengthens Canadian communities."
If you have a close family relation in
Canada then the Family Sponsorship program may be of
interest to you. The Canadian government will admit
between 59,800to 63,700 family class applicants in 2002.
Only certain family relations qualify you for this
class.
As a sponsor you must be a Canadian
citizen or permanent resident of Canada who is at least
18 years of age. You may sponsor your:
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- spouses, common-law or conjugal partners 16 years
of age or older;
- parents and grandparents
- dependent children, including adopted children;
- children under 18 years of age whom you intend to
adopt;
- brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces or
grandchildren who are orphans, under the age of 18
years and not married or in a common-law relationship;
and
- any other relative if you have none of the above
relatives or family members, either in Canada or
abroad.
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You must also sign an agreement with
the government promising to support the relative or
family member and accompanying family members for a
period of three to ten years.
B. Although the Immigration Act
requires all immigrants to apply for and obtain an
immigrant visa from outside Canada, exceptions to this
rule do exist. In some cases, you may sponsor your
spouse or common-law partner who is already living with
you in Canada under the “Spouse or Common-Law
Partner in Canada Class”. To apply for processing as a
spouse from within Canada:
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- Your spouse must be of the opposite sex and
married to you and your marriage must be legally
recognized both by Canadian federal law and the laws
in the country where your marriage took place
- Your common-law partner must have lived with you
for at least one year in a conjugal relationship.
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Your spouse or your common-law
partner must also:
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- Have valid, legal status in Canada as a visitor,
student or temporary worker;
- Be living with you in Canada;
- Have a valid passport or travel document;
- Be 16 years of age or older;
- Be your spouse or common-law partner for genuine
reasons and not primarily for the purpose of obtaining
permanent residence in Canada; and
- Not be subject to enforcement proceedings.
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A If you wish to sponsor a
relative from abroad you must:
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- sign an undertaking in which you promise to take
care of your relatives’ essential needs for 10 years
and ensure that they do not receive welfare during
this time,
- be at least 19 years of age,
- be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident,
- physically reside in Canada,
- provide information on your financial resources
and obligations for the 12-month period before the
date you submit your sponsorship application. Your
income must come from a Canadian source,
- meet the Low Income Cut-Off figures for the size
of your family unit (unless you are sponsoring your
spouse or your dependent children),
- sign an agreement (contract) with your sponsored
relative(s) which confirms that each of you
understands, and will fulfill, your mutual obligations
and responsibilities,
- you must meet medical, criminal, and security
clearances.
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