Wednesday, June 25, 2008

A Look into Canada’s Immigration Sponsorship

The popularity of migrating in developed countries has always been prevalent among those who seek a better life. Through work, study, and family connection it is possible for anyone to get into a country of their choice. The catch, however, is that its not an easy feat.

One of the top countries rapidly growing with immigrants is Canada. From nurses to waiters, Canada has been accepting migrants from all over the world. The quality of life is high and opportunities for work and career are widespread and many.

Its may be no surprise that you know one or two people who have already moved to Canada. They have taken the steps in order for them to become immigrants; and try their luck in living in a foreign and developed country. If you seek the same thing, there are many ways for you to achieve it; and if by chance you have a family member already living there – the best choice for entry is through Canada’s Family Class Sponsorship.

How family class sponsorship works

For you to be qualified for family class sponsorship, it must be a two-way agreement between you and a relative living in the country. A qualified relative means that he or she must already be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada. If this is established, then the next thing to acquire is the willingness of that relative to sponsor you for Canadian immigration.

The relationship between you and your relative, however, has some perimeters to be considered. If that relative is far from being a first-degree relation, chances are slim, but still possible. The list below defines the type of relationship that is qualified for sponsorship:

• Spouse (wife/husband); common-law or conjugal partner

• Grandparent/s or parent/s

• A dependent child (typically under the age of 21)

• Under 18, unmarried, or orphaned brother, sister, grandchild, niece, nephew

• A child that is under 18 and intended for adoption

• Other relative/s that are not mentioned above

For the willing sponsor, a number of qualifications for him/her to be able to help another relative get into Canada are also required. Aside from being a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, the sponsor should be financially capable to provide for the sponsee. Financial capability means that the sponsor is able to give the essential needs such as food, shelter, clothing and other basic necessities of everyday living.

The sponsor should also acquiesce in entering an agreement with Canada’s government in providing the essential needs for the sponsee over a period of time. Also in agreement is that the sponsor should also make an effort into making the sponsee self-supporting.

Other sponsor qualifications include the following:

• He/she is 18 years old or above;
• Is not in prison or any similar facility;
• Is not bankrupt; and
• Is not charged with any serious or major offence

Process and processing time

When the qualifications have been met, it is then possible for you (as a sponsored relative) to apply for immigration – either from within or outside of Canada. This application is the first step in the immigration process and can vary based on the form of application.

Your application goes through a number of stages, and additional fees are required along the way. The downside for all immigration applicants, however, is that nothing is 100% sure; so making sure all your requirements are met is a very important part when applying.

The processing time is also a major factor that depends on your type of relationship with your sponsor. The chances of faster processing time is when your relative is of first-degree kin. Either way, processing times can be as short as six months to a full blown decade, depending on your circumstances.

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