Family Visa

Canada is renowned for its welcoming and inclusive environment, offering opportunities for families to reunite and build a better future together. If you’re looking to bring your loved ones to Canada, the Family Visa program is one of the most common pathways. At OmniLex Bangladesh, we specialize in providing expert assistance throughout the application process, helping you reunite with your family members in Canada.

Overview of the Family Visa for Canada

The Family Class Visa is designed for individuals who wish to sponsor their family members to come to Canada for permanent residence. This visa allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouses, children, parents, and other eligible relatives to join them in Canada.

Canada’s Family Visa program aims to reunite families and support the cultural and emotional well-being of both sponsors and their family members. The immigration process can be complex, with strict requirements and documentation. Our experienced team at OmniLex Bangladesh is dedicated to providing comprehensive support and guidance to help you navigate this process successfully.

Eligibility Criteria for the Family Visa

To be eligible for the Family Visa under the Family Class Sponsorship Program, you need to meet certain requirements as both a sponsor and a sponsored family member:

For the Sponsor:

1. Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Residency:
   • You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Citizens of Canada can sponsor family members living outside of Canada or those already in Canada, while permanent residents can sponsor family members living outside Canada.
2. Age Requirement:
   • The sponsor must be at least 18 years of age or older.
3. Financial Support:
   • Sponsors must prove their ability to financially support the family members they are sponsoring and ensure that they will not rely on government assistance. This includes providing proof of income, assets, and the ability to support family members for a specific period (usually 3 years for spouses or children and 10 years for parents/grandparents).
4. No Criminal Convictions:
   • You cannot sponsor someone if you have been convicted of a violent crime, financial fraud, or other offenses that would pose a threat to the safety or well-being of your sponsored family members.
5. No Defaulted Government Loans:
   • If you are in default of any government loans, such as alimony, child support, or other Canadian immigration-related financial obligations, you will not be eligible to sponsor.

For the Sponsored Family Member:

1. Family Relationship:
   • You can sponsor the following family members:
     • Spouse/Common-law Partner: Your legally married spouse or common-law partner (living together for at least one year).
     • Dependent Children: Biological, adopted, or stepchildren under the age of 22 (with specific exceptions for older children who are dependent due to physical or mental conditions).
     • Parents and Grandparents: Parents and grandparents of the sponsor.
     • Other Relatives: In some cases, other relatives such as orphaned siblings, nieces/nephews, or grandchildren may be eligible to apply.
2. Medical and Security Screening:
   • Sponsored family members must undergo medical examinations and security background checks to ensure they meet Canadian health and security standards.
3. Financial Dependency (for children):
   • If you are sponsoring a child, they must be financially dependent on you. This includes meeting the age and relationship requirements and proving that the child’s dependency status is valid under Canadian immigration law.

Types of Family Visa Categories

Canada’s Family Visa program covers various categories, each with distinct requirements:

1. Spouse or Common-law Partner Sponsorship:
   • You can sponsor your spouse or common-law partner to live in Canada. To qualify, you must provide evidence of a genuine and legally recognized relationship.
   • If your spouse or partner is outside Canada, they may apply for permanent residence from their home country. If they are in Canada, they may apply for permanent residency through inland sponsorship.
2. Dependent Children Sponsorship:
   • You can sponsor your biological, adopted, or stepchildren under the age of 22 (with some exceptions) who are financially dependent on you. If they are older than 22 but have physical or mental conditions that prevent them from being self-sufficient, they may still be eligible for sponsorship.
3. Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship:
   • The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency in Canada. This is a highly sought-after program with limited spots available each year, and the selection is often conducted through a lottery system.
4. Other Family Members Sponsorship:
   • In certain circumstances, you may be able to sponsor other family members, such as siblings, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren. This category is typically reserved for situations where the family member is orphaned or has no other family support.

The Family Visa Application Process

The application process for a Canadian Family Visa involves multiple steps, including gathering documentation, submitting forms, and complying with Canadian immigration requirements. Below is a general overview of the process:

1. Determine Eligibility:
   • The first step is determining your eligibility as a sponsor and as a family member seeking sponsorship. OmniLex Bangladesh will assess your situation and help you determine which category is applicable.
2. Prepare Required Documents:
   • Both the sponsor and the sponsored family members must provide various documents, including:
     • Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency (for the sponsor)
     • Relationship proof (marriage certificates, birth certificates, adoption records, etc.)
     • Proof of financial support (income statements, tax returns, etc.)
     • Medical examination and police clearance for the sponsored family member
     • Passport copies and photographs
     • Other supporting documents as required by the specific family category
3. Submit the Application:
   • The completed application, along with all required documents, must be submitted to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The application can be submitted either online or through paper-based processes, depending on the specific case.
4. Application Processing:
   • Once the application is submitted, it will be processed by the Canadian immigration authorities. This can take several months, depending on the visa category and the complexity of the case.
   • During the processing time, additional information or documentation may be requested by the Canadian authorities. The sponsor and the sponsored family member must comply with these requests promptly.
5. Decision and Approval:
   • Once the application is processed, the IRCC will make a decision on whether the application is approved or denied. If approved, the sponsored family member will receive their Permanent Resident Visa (PRV) and can enter Canada as a permanent resident.
6. Arrival in Canada:
   • After visa approval, the sponsored family members can travel to Canada and complete the immigration process at the Canadian border. Upon arrival, they will be granted permanent residency.

Why Choose OmniLex Bangladesh for Your Family Visa Application?

At OmniLex Bangladesh, we provide personalized immigration services for families looking to reunite in Canada. Our experienced team offers:

• Comprehensive Consultation: We assess your case, guide you through the requirements, and ensure that you meet all eligibility criteria for the Family Visa application.
• Document Preparation: We help you gather and prepare the necessary documents to ensure accuracy and completeness in your application.
• Expert Advice: Our experts stay updated on the latest immigration policies and provide timely advice to help you overcome any challenges during the application process.
• High Success Rate: With years of experience in handling family sponsorship cases, we are proud of our high success rate in helping families reunite in Canada.
• Timely Processing: We ensure that your application is submitted in a timely manner, minimizing delays and enhancing your chances of success.