What Are My Options If I Cannot Sponsor My Siblings for Canadian PR?
Your sibling may not qualify for a sponsorship. However, the IRCC allows Canadian immigrants to build eligibility for permanent residency through economic immigration programs. If you cannot sponsor your sibling for permanent residence, you can still bring them to Canada. Below is an overview of the three common programs available for entering Canada:
1. The Educational Route
You can help your sibling enter Canada through the educational route. This involves applying for an educational program or course from a designated learning institution (DLI). Only DLI schools are allowed to enroll international students.
Once your sibling completes their course, they may obtain a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). A PGWP allows them to work in Canada and build eligibility for permanent residency through existing economic immigration programs.
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is the most popular economic immigration program in Canada. Your sibling can also apply for residency through Express Entry management streams. Data also suggests that immigrants with Canadian education and work experience see better long-term outcomes in the country.
2. LMIA-based Work Permits
The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-based work permit offers another route to entering Canada. If the educational route isn’t feasible, you can consider LMIA-based permits. This involves finding an LMIA-supported job offer for your sibling.
Canada uses LMIA to determine the impact hiring a foreign worker has on the labour market. If the assessment yields a positive or neutral result, it means no Canadian citizen or permanent resident could have filled the LMIA-supported job offer. It also indicates that hiring won’t negatively impact Canada’s economy or labour market.
You can help your sibling successfully apply for LMIA-based work permits. Once in Canada, they can build eligibility through PNP or other economic immigration programs.
3. International Experience Canada (IEC)
If your sibling is from a country that has trade agreements with Canada, you can help them obtain an open work permit (OWP). This permit is available under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. An OWP allows your sibling to work in Canada, just like LMIA-based permits.
However, OWPs don’t limit immigrants to specific industries or job positions. Your sibling can work for most employers and industries, resulting in more freedom. Note that OWP is only available if the foreign country has a bilateral youth mobility agreement with Canada.
Once your sibling is in Canada, they can build eligibility for permanent residence using the usual economic immigration programs.
Key Takeaways About Sponsoring Loved Ones for Canadian PR
You can sponsor your sibling for Canadian permanent residence under special circumstances. However, if this isn’t an option, your sibling can still gain entry through other routes, including education and work. Understanding your options and eligibility requirements is crucial to accomplishing your goal of bringing your sibling to Canada.
