Programs that assist in filing applications by Canadian citizens and permanent residents living in Canada, age 18 years and older, to sponsor close relatives or family members who want to become permanent residents of Canada. Sponsors must promise to financially support the relative or family member and their accompanying family members for a period of three to 10 years to help them settle in Canada. Family class sponsorship can apply to parents and grandparents; dependent children, including adopted children; or brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces or grandchildren who are orphans under the age of 18 and not married or in a common-law relationship. Sponsorship may also include a spouse or common-law partner if they are living in a bona fide or genuine relationship (this provision also accepts the validity of same-sex civil marriages).

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