Eligibility to Become a Sponsor

You may qualify as a sponsor if you:

• Are at least 18 years old.
• Are either a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a person registered as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
• Reside in Canada. If you are a Canadian citizen living abroad, you must demonstrate your intention to return to Canada once the sponsored individual becomes a permanent resident. However, permanent residents outside Canada are not eligible to act as sponsors.
• Can confirm that you are not receiving social assistance except for reasons related to a disability.

Additionally, you must prove that you can provide for the basic needs of:

• Yourself.
• Your spouse or partner.
• Any dependent children of your spouse or partner (if applicable).
• Your dependent children (if sponsoring only them).

 

Income Requirements

Generally, no minimum income is required when sponsoring a spouse, partner, or dependent child in most situations. However, an income threshold applies if:

• The spouse or partner you are sponsoring has a dependent child who also has a dependent child.
• The dependent child you are sponsoring has their own dependent child.

Statistics Canada’s annual Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) determines the required income level. If you are subject to this requirement, you must submit a Financial Evaluation (IMM 1283) form with your application (unless you reside in Quebec, where different rules apply).

Sponsorship While Receiving Benefits

• You can sponsor while receiving maternity, parental, or sickness benefits under the Employment Insurance Act, as these count towards income.
• You can still sponsor if you receive regular employment insurance or federal training allowances, but these payments generally do not count as income for meeting the financial requirement.
• Temporary Policy (2020-2021): Sponsors who needed to meet income thresholds were allowed to include regular Employment Insurance benefits in their income calculations during these tax years.

Restrictions on Sponsorship

You may be ineligible to sponsor if you:

• Previously sponsored a spouse or partner, and less than three years have passed since they obtained permanent residency.
• Sponsored someone in the past who received social assistance, and you failed to repay the amount.
• Have defaulted on an immigration loan or performance bond.
• Failed to pay court-ordered alimony or child support.
• Declared bankruptcy that has not been discharged.
• Were convicted of:
• A sexual offence.
• A violent crime.
• An offence against a relative that caused bodily harm.
• Any attempt or threat to commit the above offences (eligibility may depend on the nature of the crime, time elapsed, and whether a pardon was granted).

Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-5289-sponsor-your-spouse-common-law-partner-conjugal-partner-dependent-child-complete-guide.html#things

Note: None of the above statements are legal advice and are not meant to be the same for everyone. You must check the latest policy from the IRCC website before applying. Although everything is clearly stated on the official website, you may want to seek legal advice if you have any questions or concerns.

 

Meet Tomi Orojinmi – Your Trusted Immigration Consultant

Tomi Orojinmi is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC-IRB) and the Lead Consultant at Purple Quartz Immigration Services. With extensive experience in immigration consulting, she also serves as an International Student Recruitment Advisor at one of Canada’s top 15 universities.

For professional, seamless, and reliable immigration services, contact Purple Quartz Immigration Services today:

WhatsApp/Phone: +1 (226) 559- 4434

Email: info@purplequartzimmigration.com

Website: https://purplequartzimmigration.com/