SPOUSAL / PARTNER / DEPENDENT CHILD SPONSORSHIP

Canadian citizens (including those residing abroad with the intention to return to Canada to reside) and permanent residents (restricted to those residing in Canada only), ages eighteen and over, may sponsor their spouse, common-law or conjugal partner, or their dependent child as long as the child meets the definition of "dependent child". 

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses an express entry system for economic immigration applications; all eligible candidates are placed in a pool and only those with the highest points (based on specific criteria) are invited to apply for permanent residency.

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Express Entry relates to the following classes:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program;

• Federal Skilled Trades Program;

• Canadian Experience Class; and

• A portion of the Provincial Nominee Program.

Most provinces and territories in Canada can nominate immigrants through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). These immigrants must have the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to the economy of that province or territory, and must want to live there. Each province and territory has its own streams (in demand occupations), eligibility and nomination guidelines, if you choose to immigrate to Canada under the Provincial Nominee Program, you must first apply to the Province or Territory where you wish to settle and obtain a Nomination Certificate from that Province or Territory.

Under the business immigration class, applicants are selected based on their ability to become economically established and support the development of a strong and prosperous Canadian economy.

There are two classes of business immigrants:

Start-Up Visa: This program targets immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build innovative businesses in Canada that can create jobs for Canadians and compete on a global scale.

Self-Employed Person: This program seeks to bring innovative and business-minded people who will become self-employed in Canada. Applicants must have the relevant work experience in cultural activities, athletics or farm management.