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Can my cousin file for me and my partner? - News - Jamaica Gleaner - Tuesday | November 6, 2012

Can my cousin file for me and my partner? - News - Jamaica Gleaner - Tuesday | November 6, 2012


by Deidre S. Powell, Contributor


My cousin is a permanent resident, soon to be citizen. Would he be able to file for me and my common-law partner?


- YW
Dear YW,
A Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada can sponsor an eligible relative to become a permanent resident under the Family Class Category. This category may also extend to family member of any age or relationship, as well as their accompanying relatives, if they satisfy certain requirements.
In order for your cousin to sponsor you and your partner, he will need to meet a number of requirements such as:
He must not fall into any of the below categories:
  • Prove that he is to be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada by submitting a copy of his permanent resident/citizenship card.

  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Able to show that he has sufficient funds to provide for his personal needs, as well as, yours and your common-law partner.
  • He must not have any other relative living in Canada. He must not have a spouse or common-law partner, child, parent, grandparent, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece who could be sponsored as a member of the family class.
He must not fall into any of the below categories:
  • Signed a sponsorship agreement for any other relative in the past.
  • Defaulted on any child/ spousal support payments.
  • Defaulted on a court-ordered support order, such as alimony or child support.
  • Received government financial assistance for reasons other than a disability.
  • Convicted of a violent criminal offence, that has not been pardoned.
  • Defaulted on an immigration loan, or have late or missed payments.
  • Be in prison.
  • Declared bankruptcy and have not been released.

This list of circumstances preventing sponsorship is not exhaustive, but is a guide.
Your cousin will need to sign documents which show his commitment to provide financial support for you and your common-law partner accompanying you for a period of three to ten years, depending on your age.
The first step is for your cousin to make a sponsorship application to find out if he is eligible as a sponsor. If his application is approved, then you and your partner will need to submit the required forms, documents and satisfy the medical and criminal checks in Jamaica.
Deidre S. Powell is a lawyer, mediator and Notary Public  who is a member of the Jamaican and Ontario, Canada, bars, with main office located in Ottawa, Ontario. Her main areas of practice are in immigration, real estate, personal injury, family, commercial and administration of estates. Submit your questions and comments to Email: info@deidrepowell.com  Subject line: Immigration or Tel: 613.695.8777.

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