How to invite relatives under the family reunification program?

The family sponsorship program is one of the fastest ways to legally move to Canada, as the state considers family reunification a priority in its immigration policy. In Calgary, the process is similar to the rest of Canada, but there are some practical nuances: local service organizations, market prices, and common mistakes made by applicants.

1. Who can be invited

  • Spouses, common-law partners, or civil partners 18+ .
  • Biological or adopted children who meet the “dependent” criteria (under 22 years of age and unmarried).
  • Parents and grandparents (separate quota program PGP or temporary Super Visa).
  • Exceptionally, close relatives who are orphans under 18, if the sponsor has no other close relatives in Canada.

2. Sponsor requirements

Status: Canadian citizen or permanent resident, 18+.

Residence: must actually live in Canada; a citizen who is temporarily abroad may sponsor if they prove their intention to return.

Finances:

  • For spouses and children, a LICO certificate is not required, but the CRA will still verify income.
  • For parents/grandparents/other relatives — three years of Notice of Assessment at or above the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) (e.g., a family of four — $43,942 before taxes in 2025). In Calgary, the spouse's income can be counted as a co-signer.
  • No outstanding alimony, tax debts, bankruptcies, or criminal convictions.

Undertaking:

  • Spouse/partner — 3 years of financial responsibility.
  • Children under 22 — 10 years or until they reach 25 (whichever comes first).
  • Parents/grandparents — 20 years.

3. Typical routes

3.1 Spouses and children

In-Canada (inland) Class – partners already living in Calgary; the sponsor and applicant submit a single e-file through the PR Portal. After AOR, the partner can obtain an open work permit. Disadvantage — restrictions on international travel and no possibility of appeal to the IAD.

Family Class (outland) — applicant outside Canada; faster processing times (8–16 months) and the right to appeal a refusal to the IAD. A couple can apply simultaneously as “outland” but live together in Calgary.

3.2 Parents and grandparents

  • PGP lottery: the sponsor registers Interest to Sponsor; after the invitation, they submit a complete package (IMM 5768, IMM 1344). Quota for 2025 — 32,500 applications.
  • Super Visa: 10-year multiple-entry visa, stay up to 5 years per entry, requires annual medical insurance ≥ CAD 100,000 and income at LICO + 30%.

3.3 Other relatives

If you have no parents, spouse, or children in Canada, the sponsor may invite one relative of any age (brother/sister, nephew, etc.). Proof of the absence of alternative family members is critical.

4. Step-by-step

  • Eligibility check (MyCIC “Determine your eligibility”).
  • Gather documents: – IMM 5533 checklist for spouses; – marriage/birth certificates; – NOA (three years) and T4/T5; – proof of right to work/study for inland applicants.
  • Medical examinations + police certificates for all persons aged 18+.
  • E-filing via PR Online Portal or IRCC Portal → CPC-Mississauga.
  • Biometrics (in Calgary — Canada Visa Application Centre on MacLeod Trail).
  • AOR, SA (Sponsorship Approval), transfer to the fund.
  • Request for additional evidence (relationship photos, chats, money transfer receipts).
  • Decision Made → COPR or PR card (delivered to the address in AB).

5. Deadlines in 2025

  • Spouse/partner outside Quebec: 11 months (“living outside Canada”) / 34 months (“living in Canada”).
  • Dependent children: 10 months.
  • PGP: 36–48 months.
  • Super Visa: 6–8 weeks (Ukrainian passports are processed on a priority basis).

6. What to do in case of refusal

  • 30 days to file a Notice of Appeal with the IAD (Family Class).
  • For the inland class — only Judicial Review in Federal Court (15 days).
  • Most common reasons: doubts about genuineness, insufficient proof of income, misrepresentation.

7. Assistance in Calgary

  • Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) — free “Family Class File Review” clinics.
  • Centre for Newcomers — monthly Family Sponsorship info sessions in Ukrainian.
  • Immigrant Services Calgary (ISC) — translators and assistance with filling out the IMM 1344 form.
  • Pro Bono Law Alberta — consultations on appeals to the IAD.
  • Health insurance for Super Visa — brokers on 17 Ave SW specialize in policies for $100,000+.

8. Practical tips

  • Submit your RCMP criminal record check and Ukrainian certificate at the same time to avoid delays in your request letter.
  • Scan photo evidence of cohabitation with EXIF dates.
  • Do not leave discrepancies in the dates on the IMM 5406 “Additional Family Information” form.
  • If LICO is “on the border,” combine the spouses' income or use a letter of offer for full-time work with a confirmed salary.
  • Involve Settlement Workers before submitting your application: free training will help you avoid oversights in the forms.

Conclusion

Family sponsorship remains the most reliable channel for family reunification in Calgary. Success is determined by: a carefully selected class (inland vs. outland), a flawless package of proof of relationship and income, adherence to procedural deadlines, and the use of local support services. By working according to this plan and preparing documents “from the first take,” you can significantly reduce waiting times and avoid expensive appeals.