Immigration to Canada through Canadian Family Class Sponsorship

REMAINING RELATIVE VISA TO CANADA

Family reunification is an important component of Canada's immigration agenda. Of the 262,236 immigrant Visas granted in 2005, over 63,300 Visas were allocated to family sponsorship under the Family Class program. Canada's current Immigration Plan sets out a long range goal of welcoming approximately 67,000 to 69,000 Family Class Visa Applicants per year and will account for a large portion of migrants to Canada.

Under the Remaining Relative Visa, Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are living in Canada can apply to sponsor one remaining extended relative if they do not have any other family members in Canada or abroad.

The Remaining Relative Visa allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents living in Canada to sponsor one relative regardless of age or relationship, if the Canadian sponsor does not have any relatives who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents or any other relative who may be sponsored under the family category.

REMAINING RELATIVE VISA BASIC REQUIREMENTS

In order to apply for the Remaining Relative Visa, you must have an extended relative with Canadian citizenship or permanent residence living in Canada, willing to sponsor you. Your sponsor must also sign an undertaking to provide for all of your basic needs for a specified period of time.

REMAINING RELATIVE VISA ENTITLEMENTS

As a Family Visa permanent resident, you will have the right to live, work and study in Canada indefinitely. You are also free to travel anywhere in Canada, and to take employment as you see fit. This flexibility makes it the popular choice for newcomers.

You will have access to Canada's Medicare system (government-funded health care), subsidized education, unrestricted access to the Canadian employment market, language training programs, assistance for finding employment, and the rights, freedoms and responsibilities associated with permanent residence.

Canada also provides financial assistance to residents and citizens through various programs such as unemployment insurance benefits, Canada child tax benefit, worker's compensation plans, social assistance and senior citizen discounts.