How to immigrate to Canada legally

If you sponsor a relative to come to Canada as a permanent resident, you are responsible for supporting your relative financially when he arrives.

If you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada, you can sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, dependent child (including adopted child) or other eligible relative to become a permanent resident. Applications for permanent residence under the Federal Skilled Worker Class can also be submitted by skilled workers and professionals. Apply through Citizenship and Immigration Canada to reunite your family in Canada.

Things You'll Need

• Pictures of you and your girlfriend together (if you are doing the married route, and have lots of them)
• Passport
• Birth Certificate
• Marriage Certificate (if marriage route)
• Any proof of College degree or University (if doing work permit)
• Money for plane ticket
• Money saved up for landing in Canada and setting up
• All the forms available at the CIC website
• Time to complete it all

Instructions

1. Gather all of your documentation to apply as a sponsor for your spouse or partner. The applicant will need to provide: passport, residency status in Canada, birth certificate, custody/adoption papers and proof of a edical examination. The sponsor must provide: Canadian citizenship/resident card, Canadian birth certificate and Canadian passport. Both parties must provide: marriage certificate, proof of termination of any previous marriages (if applicable), proof of common-law relationship (joint bank statements, jointly signed lease, etc.), photographs of marriage ceremony. Some photographs are required: two photos of the applicant and any dependent children in Canada. The sponsor must attach proof of income.

2. Collect documentation required to apply as a skilled worker, including job history since age 18, periods of unemployment, study, vacations or time as a homemaker. You'll also need to submit your travel documents and proof of language proficiency. Your employer will need to submit a letter stating that you will begin permanent employment once you are granted permanent resident status. The letter must be on official company letterhead with the name and address of the company -- and be signed by the responsible officer/supervisor. It must include a start date, annual salary, job title and number of hours expected to work each week. You'll need letters of reference from all employers over the last 10 years. Also include your educational history, proof of any relationship status, identity and civil status documents, six photos of yourself, police clearance,

3. Click on the “Validate” button at the top or bottom of the form before printing to ensure you have answered all the questions and will avoid delays in processing your application. A last page with bar codes and a signature line will automatically be created. Print, sign and date the form. Print it out on white, bond-quality and non-glossy paper. Place the bar code page on the top of each individual package.

4. Pay the fee, and submit the form for processing.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you have pictures of you and your spouse on at least a 4-6 month time span

• As of Nov. 5, 2011, no new applications to sponsor parents or grandparents will be accepted for processing for up to 24 months.

References

• Citizenship and Immigration Canada: Document Checklist
• Citizenship and Immigration Canada: Application for Permanent Residence in Canada — Spouse or Common-Law Partner
• Citizenship and Immigration Canada: Document Checklist -- Skilled Worker Class

Resources

• Application for Permanent Residence in Canada — Spouse or Common-Law Partner