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Sponsorship to Work in Canada is a popular option for those seeking family reunification or career opportunities in the Maple Leaf Country. This article provides detailed information on sponsorship programs, including conditions for sponsoring parents, spouses, and related requirements, helping you understand the process and prepare your documents effectively.
Sponsorship to work in Canada generally involves a Canadian citizen or permanent resident sponsoring a family member (spouse, parents, or children) or supporting a foreign worker to come and work through immigration programs. Common programs include:
Various sponsorship programs to work in Canada
Family sponsorship program: For spouses, parents, grandparents, or dependent children.
Skilled worker program: Involves sponsoring workers through a work permit or Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Family reunification program: Allows relatives of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to immigrate and work legally.
The goal of these programs is to help immigrants reunite with their families or contribute to the Canadian labor market, especially in sectors facing labor shortages such as healthcare, construction, and technology.
Sponsoring parents or grandparents to Canada (Parents and Grandparents Program - PGP) is one of the most sought-after programs. However, it has strict requirements to ensure that both the sponsor and the sponsored individuals meet the criteria set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Meeting the conditions for sponsoring parents to Canada
Legal status: Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, 19 years of age or older.
Minimum income: Must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the three consecutive years prior to applying. For example, in 2025, a family of four (including the parents being sponsored) needs an income of approximately 60,000 CAD (around 1 billion VND).
Financial commitment: Agree to provide financial support for the parents or grandparents for 20 years, covering living expenses, healthcare, and housing.
Residence: Must live in Canada throughout the application review process.
Relationship: Must be the parent or grandparent of the sponsor.
Health: Must pass a medical examination required by IRCC.
Criminal record: Must have no criminal convictions or previous immigration violations.
Submit an Interest to Sponsor: The sponsor registers through IRCC’s online system during the open period (usually at the beginning of the year).
Receive an Invitation to Apply: If selected, you will receive an invitation from IRCC within 60 days.
Prepare the application: This includes documents proving income, family relationship, and personal documents of the parents/grandparents.
Submit the application: Send the application via the online system or Visa Application Centre (VAC).
Wait for processing: Processing times typically range from 20–24 months, depending on the number of applications and the provincebang.
Note: The number of applications accepted each year is limited (around 10,000–15,000), so early submission is recommended. Alternatively, you may consider the Super Visa program (10-year visa, with a maximum stay of 5 years per visit) as a faster option for parents or grandparents.
Spousal sponsorship is a popular program for individuals with a spouse or a legally recognized common-law partner. It also serves as a pathway for the sponsored person to work legally in Canada.
Spousal sponsorship to Canada is also relatively common
Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, 19 years of age or older.
Must prove a legal relationship (marriage certificate, proof of cohabitation for at least one year, or a civil partnership)
Commit to financially support the sponsored person for three years.
Must have no criminal record related to domestic violence or immigration violations.
Must have a legal relationship with the sponsor (legal spouse, common-law partner, or same-sex partner).
Must pass medical and criminal background checks.
Must not be prohibited from entering Canada.
Proof of relationship: Marriage certificate, photos together, correspondence, shared lease agreements, or joint bank accounts.
Personal documents: Passport, birth certificate, criminal record check, medical examination.
Financial proof: Income tax return (T1), pay stubs, or sponsor’s bank statements.
Sponsorship forms: Form IMM 1344 (Application to Sponsor) and related forms such as IMM 5533, IMM 5476.
Download and complete forms: Obtain the forms from the official IRCC website.
Submit the application: Can be submitted online via the IRCC portal or through a VAC in Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi).
Pay fees: Sponsorship fee is approximately 1,050 CAD (including processing and PR card fees).
Wait for processing: Processing time ranges from 12–18 months, depending on whether the application is submitted inside or outside Canada.
Note: If the sponsored person is already in Canada, they may apply for an Open Work Permit while waiting for approval, allowing them to work legally in any occupation.
In addition to sponsoring parents and spouses, Canada offers other sponsorship programs, including:
Dependent child sponsorship: For children under 22 years old who are unmarried and financially dependent on the sponsor.
Other relatives sponsorship: In certain special cases (such as orphaned relatives or those without immediate family), you may sponsor siblings, nieces, nephews, or other relatives.
Worker sponsorship through a work permit: Some programs, such as the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), allow Canadian employers to sponsor foreign workers in sectors experiencing labor shortages.
Canada also offers other sponsorship programs
Immigration through sponsorship provides numerous benefits for both the sponsor and the sponsored individual:
Family reunification: Helps family members live close to each other and build a stable life.
Permanent resident benefits: Sponsored individuals enjoy rights similar to Canadian citizens (except voting), including public healthcare, free education, and the freedom to work.
Pathway to citizenship: After three years of legal residence (at least 730 days within five years), the sponsored individual can apply for Canadian citizenship.
Employment opportunities: Sponsored individuals can work in any occupation, especially in sectors experiencing labor shortages such as nursing, engineering, or construction.
Are you looking to sponsor a family member to Canada for work or family reunification? Let Quốc Tịch Thứ Hai support your Canadian immigration journey! Our team of experts will help you prepare your application, meet sponsorship requirements, and ensure a smooth application process.
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