Family Class
Spouse, Common-Law or Conjugal Partner, and Children
Sponsored permanent residence applications by spouses, partners, and children receive priority processing. Spouses and partners must prove they meet the definition of married, common-law partner, or conjugal partner, and have not entered into the relationship primarily for immigration purposes.
Pitfalls
Processing delays and even refusals may result if a visa officer finds the provided relationship evidence inadequate, or discovers any number of complications, including:
- the sponsor or family member have a criminal history;
- the sponsor or family member have been involved in a previous sponsorship;
- the sponsor has a poor support payment or bankruptcy history;
- the family member omits or misrepresents relevant information on the application or in an interview – serious consequences can flow from any misrepresentation, whether deliberate or innocent; and,
- incorrect answers to ambiguous questions.
Parents, Grandparents, Adopted Children, and Orphaned Close Family
Sponsors of these relatives must meet the Minimum Necessary Income throughout the life of the application. Parents and Grandparents are not included in priority processing; however, an in-process sponsorship may facilitate their entry as visitors in the meantime.