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Canada has announced its commitment to offering an alternative to irregular migration by extending a warm welcome to 15,000 individuals through a dedicated family-based humanitarian pathway, complementing existing programs. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced that the dedicated humanitarian pathway will provide permanent residence to Colombian, Haitian, and Venezuelan foreign nationals. The pathway is now open for applications.
“Providing safe, legal pathways for displaced people to start new lives in Canada not only delivers on that commitment but also strengthens our country through the profound contributions newcomers make in their communities, including growing our economy and filling labor market gaps,” said the Honourable Marc Miller.
Navigating the Family Reunification Pathway
Applicant’s Eligibility
Are you considering applying for the Family Reunification Pathway to bring your loved ones from Colombia, Haiti, or Venezuela to join you in Canada? Let's explore the key eligibility criteria to ensure a smooth application process.
Am I eligible to apply?
To be eligible for this humanitarian pathway, you must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality: You should be a national of Colombia, Haiti, or Venezuela.
- Geographical Location: Reside in Mexico, Central or South America, or the Caribbean.
- Relationship: Qualify as a spouse, common-law partner, child (regardless of age), grandchild, parent, grandparent, or sibling of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is willing to be your "anchor" – providing support for your application.
- Residency: Plan to live outside Quebec.
- Travel Documentation: Hold a valid passport or eligible travel/identity document.
- Inclusion of Family: You can include immediate family members (dependent child under 22, spouse, or common-law partner) in your application.
Am I eligible to be an “anchor” for my relative?
If you're considering being an anchor for your relative, you must meet the following criteria:
- Status: Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, aged 18 or older.
- Residency: Reside in Canada, excluding the province of Quebec.
- Admissibility: Not be subject to a removal order, detained in any penitentiary, or convicted of specified offenses.
- Financial Obligations: Not be in default of any sponsorship undertaking or support payment obligations.
- Bankruptcy: Not be an undischarged bankrupt under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
- Social Assistance: Not be receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability.
- Financial Compensation: Not have accepted any financial compensation from the foreign national and their accompanying family members.
Admissibility Requirements
Police Certificates
Applicants and their family members (aged 18 and older) who are not permanent residents or Canadian citizens must provide a valid police certificate for any country where they spent six or more consecutive months since turning 18. If the original certificate is not in English or French, an accredited translation is required.
Medical Requirements
While a medical exam is not required during the application process, instructions on completing medical exams for you and your family will be provided after submission. All family members must undergo medical exams, even if they are not accompanying you to Canada.
Individuals aged 14 and above may need to provide biometric information through fingerprints and a photograph. Instructions for giving biometrics will be sent to you with a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL). Ensure you book an appointment at an official biometric collection service point after receiving the BIL, as processing will commence only after biometrics are received.
Embarking on the Family Reunification Pathway is a significant journey. Understanding eligibility and admissibility requirements ensures a seamless process, bringing families together on Canadian soil.
Using a Representative
Using a representative, such as a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), can streamline the Family Reunification Pathway application process. An RCIC can provide expert guidance, ensuring that all documentation is accurate and submitted on time, enhancing the chances of a successful reunification with your loved ones in Canada. Their knowledge of immigration policies and procedures can navigate complexities, offering valuable support throughout the journey.
Documentation Required for Family Reunification Pathway
Embarking on the Family Reunification Pathway is an exciting journey, and understanding the necessary documentation is crucial for a successful application. This section outlines the key forms and documents you'll need to submit as part of your application process.
Required Documents
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Generic Application Form for Canada | For the principal applicant |
| Additional Family Information | For the principal applicant, spouse or partner, and each dependent child over 18 |
| Schedule A – Background/Declaration | Detailed personal history for the last 10 years or since the age of 18 (if under 28) |
| Schedule 1: Declaration | To be completed and signed by the principal applicant (available once applications launch) |
| Statutory Declaration for the anchor | To be completed and signed by the anchor, uploaded by the principal applicant (available once launched) |
| Use of a Representative | Form for using an immigration representative; both principal applicant and representative must sign |
| Authority to Release Personal Information | Authorizes IRCC and CBSA to release information to a designated individual (not a representative) |
| Proof of relationship | Document demonstrating the relationship between the principal applicant and the anchor (e.g., birth certificates) |
| Proof of status | Document for the anchor to prove Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status |
| Identity and civil status documents | Provincial government-issued identification for the anchor, showing full name, date of birth, and address (proof of residence outside Quebec) |
| Police certificate(s) | Required for the principal applicant and dependents over 18; one from each country lived in for six or more months since turning 18 |
| Travel documents and passports | Passports, travel documents, or identification showing nationality for the principal applicant and dependents |
| Photo | One recent photo for the principal applicant and each family member, taken within 6 months (JPG or JPEG format) |
Ensuring that you have all the necessary documents will contribute to a smooth application process on your Family Reunification Pathway.
Anchor’s Responsibilities
Being an anchor comes with the responsibility of assisting the applicant in settling down in Canada and providing support to them and their family members for one year as they adapt to their new life.
Welcome and Basic Needs
Upon the arrival of the applicant (and their family, if applicable), your role includes meeting them at the airport and ensuring they reach their accommodation. You are tasked with helping them find a suitable home and ensuring access to necessities such as food, clothing, and other basics throughout their initial year in Canada. Additionally, you play a vital role in acquainting them with life in Canada, covering aspects like public transportation, banking, shopping, and their rights and responsibilities.
Accessing Important Services
Beyond fulfilling basic needs, your responsibilities extend to aiding the applicant in understanding information and connecting with essential services. This involves assisting them in opening a bank account to receive financial assistance and enrolling in provincial and federal programs and benefits. Tasks include applying for a Social Insurance Number and registering for provincial health care coverage.
You are also accountable for assisting the applicant in finding healthcare providers such as a family doctor, dentist, and eye care specialist. This includes arranging for any other medical needs applicable to them and their family. Ensuring children are enrolled in school is a crucial responsibility. Lastly, you play a key role in helping them access employment-related services, which they may be referred to if they accessed pre-arrival support or other settlement services provided by organizations that can assist with language training and provide information about life in Canada (in English and French only).
Settlement Programs Available
Individuals granted approval may qualify for the following settlement services:
- Pre-arrival services, including an assessment of employment skills and a referral to a settlement service provider organization in their intended community.
- All settlement services offered under the Settlement Program, are available in English and French.
- Transitional financial assistance is provided under the Resettlement Assistance Program to address settlement needs upon arrival.
Achieving your permanent resident status is a significant milestone in your journey to Canada. Upon approval of your application, you and your accompanying family members will be issued:
- A visa for travel to Canada or a single-journey travel document (if you don't have a valid passport).
- Confirmation of permanent residence (COPR).
If your current country of residence necessitates an exit permit, it is essential to apply for it before departing for Canada.
As you embark on this new chapter, we wish you a smooth transition and a successful start to your life in Canada. Welcome to your journey toward permanent residency!
FAQs
Is There Another Way to Immigrate to Canada from My Country?
Generally speaking, all countries qualify for many of Canada’s immigration programs, such as Express Entry, and Provincial Nominee Program, and Family sponsorship. Some programs are area-specific, like CUSMA.
Is Canada A Good Place For South and Central Americans?
Canada can be a favorable destination for individuals from South and Central America due to its high quality of life, diverse job opportunities, inclusive culture, and reputable education system.
How Do I Find a Place to Live in Canada?
Finding a place to live in Canada involves several steps. Begin by researching the housing market in your desired location, considering factors like affordability and proximity to amenities. Online platforms such as rental websites, social media groups, and classified ads can help you identify available listings.
Engage with local real estate agents or property management companies for professional assistance. Networking within the community and seeking advice from current residents can also provide valuable insights into the housing market. Be proactive, start your search early, and be prepared with the necessary documents for rental applications.
