The thought of moving to Canada for one’s spouse or children may be compelling. After all, it has all the bells and whistles that provide an improved lifestyle. But how are immigration consultants so important for spousal or family sponsorship? This factor demands proper consideration from family-class applicants.Besides, it does not solely centre on personal details, application fees, processing fees, and health and character checks.
Coming to Canada with an immigrant visa through family-class points require that an immigrant be subject to the immigration law and officers who will investigate the application and make decisions based on such law. If there are inconsistencies, such as failure to provide evidence of one’s relationship, the immigrant may lose the application. To prevent such occurrences, this guide provides key details every immigrant should know.
Who Can Become a Sponsor?
Immigration officials evaluate if an applicant is qualified to be a sponsor under the Canadian Immigration Act. It encompasses individuals who wish to sponsor their spouses, children, or dependants, using the IMM 5669 application. To become eligible, the applicant must fulfil the following prerequisites:
- Be 18 years or older
- Be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a beneficiary of the Canadian Indian Act. Canadian nationals residing abroad must prove that they intend to return to the country once their sponsored spouses or children are granted permanent residency.
- Be able to satisfy the sponsored person’s basic needs. Under specific circumstances, exceeding the low-income cut-off (LICO) is compulsory.
- Should not be reliant on social aid unless disabled.
A financial evaluation form (1283) would be beneficial for applicants with dependent children who have other dependent children.
Clauses
Although an applicant who meets the aforementioned qualifications can become a sponsor, such an opportunity would be unavailable under the following circumstances.
- Having a Canadian permanent residence (PR), but living overseas with no intention of returning to Canada.
- Being subjected to a deportation order.
- Failing to satisfy a previously sponsored family member’s basic needs.
- The inability to make payments on family support, performance bonds, and immigration loans.
- Receiving social aids for non-disability-related causes.
- Having sponsored a spouse whose PR is less than three years (for spousal sponsorship).
- Being a spouse-sponsored candidate, whose PR is less than five years (for spousal sponsorship).
- Being a convicted felon.
- Bankruptcy.
- Being incarcerated, whether in a prison, jail, reformatory, or penitentiary.
The sponsored individual must be genuinely related, 18 years or older, and not be barred from gaining entry into Canada. Spousal sponsorship demands that the sponsored spouse must co-habit with the applicant in Canada.
Why Hire an immigration consultant?
Having studied the previously-discussed requirements, as well as the intricacies of an immigration procedure, it is obvious that the applicant would benefit from engaging an immigration consultant. This professional is well-versed in the Canadian immigration process surrounding this application and can give necessary counsel to fulfil the sponsor’s needs.
In addition, an immigration consultant provides help to overcome the hurdles of sponsorship. That being stated, here are some benefits worth considering:
Expert Knowledge and Approach In Handling Immigration Processes
An experienced immigration consultant guides the applicant through the required steps to the point where the application can be completed successfully. The consultation begins with a thorough review of the sponsored applicant’s application, which involves the following tasks:
- Completing an in-depth preparation to ensure that all the necessary documents and information are gathered and organized. This is crucial to complete on time so that all the required deadlines are met.
- Prepare a thorough application plan in advance.
- Contact principal professionals and agents to clarify the sponsorship process and acquire a comprehensive understanding of the regulations and procedures related to the application.
Assist with Visa Selection
To determine which visa is best for the application, the immigration consultant will examine the applicant’s eligibility as per the Canadian government’s visa criteria. Furthermore, this professional will evaluate the applicant’s profile and provide necessary assistance in selecting the most appropriate visa type for the individual’s needs.
Verification and Submission of Visa
The immigration consultant verifies the sponsored applicant’s identity and documents for authenticity. This professional also handles other administrative tasks related to visa application, including making the necessary filings with the concerned departments. Once the application is complete, the consultant ensures it is sent to the appropriate consular offices or the Canadian Embassy in various countries.
The consultant will determine the proper address and corresponding procedure for submitting the visa application. If a sponsored applicant fails to fulfil the visa requirements, the immigration consultant will guide them to take the necessary steps to improve their chances of visa approval.
Provide Guidance on PR Application
Immigration Consultantsare also liaisons between the sponsoring applicants and the Canadian embassy in the country where the latter has set up an office. Through regular communication with the foreign office, they ensure that the required supporting documents are submitted on time.
Undoubtedly, the entire family-sponsored PR application process is complex. For this reason, an immigration consultant is a qualified professional who is aware of the rules related to sponsored applicants. With their help, an applicant can easily navigate the sponsorship application process to the successful completion of their plan.
Resolving Complex Issues
Among other roles, an immigration consultant can quickly address difficulties that emerge during the sponsored PR application process. Likewise, they can resolve issues relating to immigration fraud, sponsor identification, and other relevant issues based on their expertise and skillset.
Family-Sponsored and Spousal-Sponsored Application Fees in Toronto
The sponsorship fees for family and spousal applications are different, so it is wise to choose the right consultant to get the best deal. Such costs depend on the category chosen.
- The sponsorship fee and processing fee for a dependent child each cost $75, a total of $150.
- The sponsorship fee for spousal sponsorship (without the right of PR fee) is $75, while the principal application processing fee is $475, a total of $550. With the right of PR fee, the applicant will pay an additional $500, summing it to $1,050.
- A dependent child sponsored as a principal applicant and applying for another dependent child will pay a processing fee of $150. Under this circumstance, the right of PR fee is not needed.
- A family of two or more members registering at the same time and location pays $170, while a single applicant pays $85.
Summary
Choosing a qualified professional who is familiar with the Canadian immigration and family-sponsored PR process is imperative. This professional can guarantee that an applicant’s sponsorship plan is not jeopardised when filing necessary documents, and can address issues as they arise.