H&C / FS
Humanitarian & Compassionate
Family Sponsorship
The Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) application can be pursued if you find yourself ineligible for permanent residency in Canada and can demonstrate exceptional hardship that would be incurred if you were to leave the country.
H&C eligibility considerations encompass various factors, including.
Degree of settlement in Canada: Assessing how well-established the individual is in Canada.
General family ties to Canada: Examining the overall familial connections within the country.
Best interests of any involved children: Prioritizing the well-being and interests of children affected by the situation.
Unusual difficulties upon return to the home country: Evaluating potential hardships such as life-threatening risks, cruel treatment, persecution, or the inability to access necessary healthcare.
It's important to note that you cannot apply for the Humanitarian and Compassionate program if.
You have an ongoing refugee claim before the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) hearing.
You received a negative decision from the IRB within the last 12 months, commonly referred to as the "one-year bar." This includes cases of abandonment and withdrawal, which also count as negative decisions.
However, the one-year bar does not apply in specific situations.
If you have children under 18, and their well-being would be adversely affected by their removal from Canada.
If you can provide evidence that you or your dependents have a life-threatening medical condition that cannot be adequately treated in your home country.
Family Sponsorship (FS).
As a Canadian citizen or permanent resident aged 18 or over, you have the opportunity to sponsor certain family members for permanent residency. Upon becoming permanent residents, your sponsored family members can study and work in Canada, and you bear the responsibility of financially supporting them.
You are eligible to sponsor the following family members.
Spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner.
Dependent child (or a child you plan to adopt) aged 21 and younger.
Parents and grandparents.
Orphaned relatives (under the age of 18 and not married or in a common-law relationship).
Other relative (isolated Canadians with no other family living in Canada).
Spousal Sponsorship.
Spouse.
You are legally married.
Common-law Partner.
Either of the opposite sex or same sex, if you have been living together for at least one year.
Conjugal Partner.
Either of the opposite sex or same sex, in exceptional circumstances beyond their control that prevent them from living together or getting married.
Eligibility Criteria.
Legally married to you.
At least 18 years old.
Has been living with you for at least 12 consecutive months (common-law).
Must provide financial support for a spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner for three years.
Must provide financial support for a dependent child for 10 years or until the child turns 25.
Intention to live in Canada.
Not bankrupt.
Not under a removal order if you are a permanent resident (sponsor).
Not inadmissible (sponsored person).
Police certificates (from any country in which you spent 6 or more months since the age of 18).
Must be able to provide proof of relationship.
Proof of Relationship. Proof is crucial when sponsoring a spouse, common-law partner, and conjugal partnership. This includes.
Marriage license (legally valid).
Letters from family and friends from both the sponsor and the principal applicants.
Pictures (wedding photos, trips, family photos).
Airplane tickets.
Communication documents (emails, letters, telephone records, or social media conversations).
Joint bank account, utility bills, lease agreement.
Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship: You can sponsor your parents and grandparents if.
You’re invited to apply.
You’re at least 18 years old.
You live in Canada.
You’re a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
You have enough money to support the people you want to sponsor.
You meet all other requirements under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.
Definition of Dependent Children.
Under 22 years old.
Do not have a spouse or common-law partner.
Children 22 years or older qualify as dependents if they meet both requirements.
Unable to financially support themselves due to a mental or physical condition.
Have depended on their parents for financial support since before the age of 22.
Depending on your situation, your application may require.
Biometrics fee.
Police certificates.
Medical exams.
Current Processing Times.
Spousal sponsorship inside Canada – 12 months.
Spousal sponsorship outside Canada – 12 months.
Parents and grandparent sponsorship – 20 to 24 months.