The Family Migration Program has been designed so that families should be allowed to be reunited. Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) specifically determined family reunification as one of its main objectives. To this effect of the 235,824 immigrant visas granted in 2004, over 62,000 visas were allocated to the Family Sponsorship Program.
In this category, Canadian citizens or Permanent relatives, aged 18 years and over may be eligible to sponsor close family members. In order to act as your sponsor, your relative may be required to meet a minimum income requirement and will be required to sign an "undertaking" promising to provide financial support for your basic requirements. This category consists of several different types of visas as given below:-
Spouse & Child Visa
Aiming at reuniting the sponsor with their spouse and dependent children. Your spouse can normally be included in your own application for immigration. The form needs to be completed and similar information needs to be provided as for the "Principal Applicant". Your unmarried children under 19 can be included in your own application for immigration to Canada. Children over 19 can be included if they are in full-time education and still financially dependent on you. Children who are married may be included if they are in full-time education, and are still financially dependent on you.
Common-law Partner Visa
Aiming at reuniting the sponsor with their common-law partner and dependent children with whom they have been residing for at least 1 year.
Conjugal Partner Visa
Conjugal Partner Visa is aiming at reuniting the sponsor with their conjugal partner, with whom they have a continuing relationship and who has been residing outside of Canada and away from the sponsor, due to conditions which do not permit their residence together.
Parental Visa
Aiming at reuniting the Canadian sponsor with their parent(s) who have been residing outside of Canada, and for whom the sponsor undertakes to provide for the essential needs of the parent(s) for a specified duration after their arrival in Canada. Your parents can normally be accepted for immigration to Canada, but you can not apply for their visas until you have settled in Canada.
Other Family Member Visa
Aiming at reuniting the Canadian sponsor with their other family member(s) for whom the sponsor undertakes to provide for the essential needs of the family member(s) for a specified duration after their arrival in Canada.
