1. Understand the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) Requirement
To sponsor a family member for immigration to Canada, you must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement. This is based on your family size and is updated annually by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
2. Gather Required Financial Documents
To prove financial support, you must provide the following documents:
- Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the last three years.
- Employment letters indicating job position, salary, and length of employment.
- Recent pay stubs as proof of consistent income.
- Bank statements to show available funds.
- Proof of additional income, such as rental income, business earnings, or investment returns.
3. Complete the Sponsorship Application Forms
- Fill out IMM 5481 (Sponsorship Evaluation) to assess financial eligibility.
- If sponsoring parents or grandparents, complete IMM 5768 (Financial Evaluation for Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship).
4. Consider Co-Signing (If Needed)
If you do not meet the financial requirement alone, a spouse or common-law partner may co-sign the sponsorship application. The co-signer must:
- Meet the same eligibility criteria.
- Be responsible for financial support for the duration of the undertaking period.
5. Submit Your Application
Ensure all documents are included before submission to avoid processing delays. Submit your application online or by mail to the designated IRCC processing center.
6. Respond to Additional Requests
IRCC may request additional documents or clarification regarding financial support. Be prepared to submit further proof if needed.
7. Meet the Sponsorship Obligations
Once approved, you are financially responsible for the sponsored individual for:
- 3 years for a spouse or partner.
- 10 years (or until age 25) for dependent children.
- 20 years for parents and grandparents.
Following these steps will ensure a smooth sponsorship application process and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to support your family members in Canada.