From Ghana to Canada: A Guide to Sponsoring Family Members

Canada is known for its welcoming policies towards immigrants, and one way that individuals can come to Canada is through family sponsorship. Family sponsorship allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their family members to come and live in Canada. If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and have family members in Ghana that you would like to sponsor, this article will provide you with information on how to navigate the process of family sponsorship.

Eligibility Requirements

You must first meet specific eligibility requirements to sponsor a family member to come to Canada from Ghana You must be at least 18 years old, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and be able to prove that you have enough income to support the family member you are sponsoring. Additionally, you must not have any criminal convictions or be in default of any previous sponsorship undertakings.

The family member you are sponsoring must also meet specific eligibility requirements. They must be a close relative, such as a spouse, parent, grandparent, dependent child, or orphaned brother or sister. They must also be admissible to Canada, which means they cannot have any criminal convictions or medical conditions that would make them inadmissible.

The Application Process

The application process for family sponsorship is done in two stages: sponsorship and permanent residence applications.

Sponsorship Application

The first step in the process is to complete the sponsorship application. This involves completing the appropriate forms and providing supporting documentation. You will need to provide proof of your relationship with the family member you are sponsoring and evidence of your income and ability to support them. You will also need to provide a police certificate and a medical exam for the family member you are sponsoring.

Once the sponsorship application is complete, it is sent to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for processing. The processing time for sponsorship applications varies, but it can take several months.

Permanent Residence Application

If the sponsorship application is approved, the family member you are sponsoring will then need to complete the permanent residence application. This involves completing the appropriate forms and providing supporting documentation. They will need to provide proof of their relationship with you, as well as proof of their admissibility to Canada.

Once the permanent residence application is complete, it is sent to the IRCC for processing. The processing time for permanent residence applications varies, but it can take several months.

It is important to note that the family member you are sponsoring can only come to Canada once their permanent residence application has been approved.

Financial Responsibilities

As a sponsor, you will have financial responsibilities toward the family member you are sponsoring. You will need to provide financial support for their basic needs, such as food, shelter, and clothing, for three to ten years, depending on their age and relationship with you.

You must also sign a sponsorship undertaking, a legal agreement between you and the Canadian government. This agreement states that you will provide financial support for the family member you are sponsoring and repay any social assistance they receive from the government during the sponsorship period.

If you fail to meet your financial responsibilities, you could face legal action and be required to repay any social assistance the family member receives from the government.

Processing Times

The processing times for family sponsorship applications vary widely and depend on several factors. These factors can include the type of sponsorship application, the volume of applications being processed, and the completeness of the application.

Currently, the processing times for family sponsorship applications from Ghana are around 12 to 18 months for spousal and common-law partner sponsorships, and approximately 20 to 24 months for parent and grandparent sponsorships. However, these times can change based on the demand for applications and the processing capacity of the government.

It is important to keep in mind that processing times are estimates, and actual processing times can be longer or shorter. If you are planning to sponsor a family member from Ghana, it is recommended that you monitor the IRCC website for updates on processing times.

Documents Required

To sponsor a family member from Ghana, you will need to provide a significant amount of documentation to support your application. This documentation can include:

• Proof of your Canadian citizenship or permanent residence status
• Proof of your relationship to the family member you are sponsoring
• Proof of your income, such as tax returns and pay stubs
• Police certificates and medical exams for both you and the family member you are sponsoring
• Proof of the family member's admissibility to Canada, such as a passport or travel document

It is vital to ensure that you provide all the required documentation and that it is complete and accurate. Incomplete or incorrect documentation can result in delays or even application refusal.

Family sponsorship is a great way for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their family members to Canada. However, the process can be complex and time-consuming. It is important to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements, provide all the necessary documentation, and meet your financial responsibilities as a sponsor.

If you are considering sponsoring a family member from Ghana, it is recommended that you consult with an immigration lawyer or a licensed immigration consultant. They can provide you with guidance and assistance throughout the sponsorship process and ensure that your application is complete and accurate.