Understanding Family Sponsorship Visas For Canada And The USA

What Is Family Sponsorship?

Who Can You Sponsor?

In Canada, you can sponsor:

• Spouse or common-law partner: You must prove the relationship is genuine. This includes marriage certificates, photos, communication logs, and shared responsibilities.
• Dependent children: Children under 22 years old who are not married or in a common-law relationship. Children with disabilities who depend on you financially may also qualify regardless of age.
• Parents and grandparents: Sponsored through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), which opens once a year through a lottery-style invitation system.
• Other relatives: Only in very limited situations like an orphaned sibling, niece, or nephew under 18 who has no other family members. You may also sponsor one relative of any age if you have no other eligible relatives.

In the USA, you can sponsor:

• Spouse: Marriage must be legally recognized and bona fide. Same-sex marriages are also accepted.
• Children: Both minor (under 21) and adult children (married or unmarried). Stepchildren may qualify if the marriage happened before the child turned 18.
• Parents: Only U.S. citizens aged 21 and above can sponsor parents.
• Siblings: You must be a U.S. citizen aged 21 or older. Green card holders cannot sponsor siblings.

Key Requirements for Sponsors

For Canada:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered under the Canadian Indian Act
• Must reside in Canada (citizens living abroad must return when the sponsored relative arrives)
• Must agree to provide financial support for:
  • • Spouse: 3 years
    • Dependent child: 10 years or until they turn 25
    • Parent/grandparent: 20 years
• Must not be bankrupt, in prison, or have defaulted on previous sponsorships or child support payments

For the USA:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder)
• Must live in the U.S. or prove intent to reside in the U.S.
• Must file Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support), showing you earn at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size
• You are financially liable for the relative until they become a U.S. citizen, earn 40 quarters of work (about 10 years), or leave the country permanently

Application Process Overview

In Canada:

• Gather Documents: Proof of relationship, identity documents, police clearance, financial proof, etc.
• Submit Sponsorship + PR Application Together: You must apply to sponsor and your relative must apply for permanent residence simultaneously.
• Pay Processing Fees: Include biometrics, application, and Right of Permanent Residence Fee.
• Application Review: IRCC will assess the sponsor’s eligibility first, then move on to the applicant.
• Medical Exams & Background Checks: Once you receive approval-in-principle, your family member must complete medical, security, and background checks.
• Final Decision: A Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) is issued if approved.

In the USA:

• File Form I-130: This petition confirms your relationship with the relative.
• USCIS Review: If approved, the case is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC).
• File DS-260 and Affidavit of Support: At this stage, fees are paid and additional forms are submitted.
• Attend a Visa Interview: At a U.S. consulate abroad or adjust status from within the U.S. (Form I-485)
• Medical Examination: Conducted by a certified physician.
• Visa Issuance or Green Card Approval

Processing Times and Costs

Canada:

• Spouse/Common-law partner: Around 12 months
• Dependent children: 10 to 12 months
• Parents and grandparents: 20 to 24 months (must first receive an invitation)
• Orphaned relatives: Varies widely

• Spouse/Partner: $1,080
• Child: $150 per child
• Parent/Grandparent: $1,050 per person

USA:

• Spouse: 10 to 18 months
• Children: 12 to 24 months
• Parents: 12 to 24 months
• Siblings: 10 to 15+ years, especially for citizens from countries like the Philippines, India, or Mexico due to visa caps

• Form I-130: $535
• DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application): $325
• Affidavit of Support: $120
• USCIS Immigrant Fee: $220
• Adjustment of Status (if applicable): $1,140 + biometrics ($85)

Common Challenges and Mistakes

• Submitting incomplete forms or outdated versions
• Missing required documents (marriage certificates, birth certificates, police clearances)
• Providing weak or unclear relationship evidence
• Failing to meet the financial requirements
• Not translating foreign-language documents into English or French (Canada)
• Ignoring immigration requests or deadlines
• Assuming eligibility without checking current immigration rules

Tips to Improve Approval Chances

• Include solid proof of relationship: Photos, travel records, messages, video calls, shared financials, and joint leases.
• Organize documents professionally: Label everything clearly and submit a cover letter explaining your relationship and timeline.
• Use the correct forms: Always download forms from the official government website to ensure they are up to date.
• Respond quickly to additional requests: Delays in response can slow the process or result in refusals.
• Don’t hide information: Disclosing previous visa refusals or legal issues honestly is better than being caught later.

When to Consider Legal Help

• You’ve had past visa refusals or overstays
• Your family structure is complex (e.g., adopted children, step-relations)
• You or your relative have criminal records or medical issues
• You’re unsure about meeting income requirements
• You’re facing long delays or procedural complications