Commentary

As of April 18, 1997, the provisions of sponsorship in the Family Class changed. If the application was submitted prior to this date, these changes would not affect the applicant. As of this date, the Low Income Cut-Off figures are the only factor in the determination of eligibility of a sponsor, and only the sponsor’s spouse (including common-law) may have net income considered as a co-signer.

Eligibility as a Sponsor: minimum age - 19; Canadian citizen or permanent resident; residing or intending to reside in Canada; not in prison; not bankrupt; not in default of ROLF loan or transportation loan; not under a removal order; not charged with a ‘serious offence’; not the subject of A27; has signed an agreement with FC applicant, if the applicant is 19 or older, or if the applicant is a spouse or fiance(e); where applicable meets LICO for income generated in Canada for 12 months preceding date of undertaking (or, if visa officer requests reassessment, 12 months before immigrant meets requirements).

Eligibility as a Co-Signer: Married, or is common-law spouse for a minimum of one year; minimum age - 19; Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and is physically residing in Canada and will continue to reside in Canada; not in prison; not bankrupt; not in default of ROLF loan or transportation loan; not under a removal order; not charged with a ‘serious offence’; not the subject of A27; has signed an agreement with FC applicant, if the applicant is 19 or older; income generated in Canada for 12 months preceding date of undertaking.