Sponsoring your step brother/sister

[luccimane]

Hi everyone,

I am currently filling out my spouses application forms. My wife is from Pakistan. She has 3 step brothers that were adopted by her parents when they were young. My question is when I fill out their names in the 'Additional Family Information' form (IMM5406E), do I need to give an explanation on a separate piece of paper in regards to their family?

Also like the Subject title says, when my wife does come to Canada and she becomes a permanent resident, she plans on sponsoring her mother and her step-brothers, what information would be needed for her step-brothers to be sponsored if they are adopted?

What should/can I do in my spouses application forms that could help their case in the future?

Thank you

Lucci

 

[Ponga]

I don't know if it's even possible for someone to sponsor a step sibling, but, if there is a way, someone here will certainly tell you how to do it!

You've come to the right place for help...that's for sure!

 

[Alurra71]

Hi everyone,

I am currently filling out my spouses application forms. My wife is from Pakistan. She has 3 step brothers that were adopted by her parents when they were young. My question is when I fill out their names in the 'Additional Family Information' form (IMM5406E), do I need to give an explanation on a separate piece of paper in regards to their family?

Also like the Subject title says, when my wife does come to Canada and she becomes a permanent resident, she plans on sponsoring her mother and her step-brothers, what information would be needed for her step-brothers to be sponsored if they are adopted?

What should/can I do in my spouses application forms that could help their case in the future?

Thank you

Lucci

OK. A few things. If these boys were all adopted, they are not step siblings at all. They are siblings. They will only be included on form 5406E as siblings, nothing more, nothing less is required. That they were adopted is not a point of interest to CIC for the purposes of your wifes immigration to Canada.

Later on, when she is ready so sponsor her mother/siblings, then the adoption paperwork will be needed/necessary to prove they are in fact legally adopted children. One point you should note, in case you weren't aware. Beginning in Jan 2014 the age for a dependent is being dropped from 22 to 19. Just some information to keep in mind.

 

[Rob_TO]

One point you should note, in case you weren't aware. Beginning in Jan 2014 the age for a dependent is being dropped from 22 to 19. Just some information to keep in mind.

Also based on 2014 rules, you and your spouse will need to show combined Canadian-only income (so taxes done through CRA) for 3 previous years, at the minimum LICO amounts + 30%.

 

[luccimane]

Thank you so much guys. This has helped me a lot so far.

So for the 5406E, are her brothers considered just 'brothers' or 'step brothers'?

Thanks

 

[keesio]

She can sponsor her mother but I don't think she can sponsor siblings

 

[Ponga]

She can sponsor her mother but I don't think she can sponsor siblings

I wonder if her mother will have to be the sponsor for the siblings, after she becomes a PR?
If so, that sounds like a lengthy process.

 

[keesio]

maybe. But it will be lengthy at least. Parent sponsorship takes a very long time and on top of that, I don't think you can sponsor someone right away if you were just sponsored. There is some wait period. By then, her siblings may be too old to be sponsored (if they are not already)

 

[Alurra71]

She can sponsor her mother but I don't think she can sponsor siblings

Actually, she can sponsor her mother, and by default, if her brothers are 19 or younger would be dependents of the mother and included in the sponsorship form. Kind of like sponsoring your spouse who already has children.

 

[Ponga]

Actually, she can sponsor her mother, and by default, if her brothers are 19 or younger would be dependents of the mother and included in the sponsorship form. Kind of like sponsoring your spouse who already has children.

That's fantastic!

 

[Rob_TO]

maybe. But it will be lengthy at least. Parent sponsorship takes a very long time and on top of that, I don't think you can sponsor someone right away if you were just sponsored. There is some wait period. By then, her siblings may be too old to be sponsored (if they are not already)

For parent's sponsorship there is no wait period i'm aware of. The 5-year ban after being sponsored as a spouse, only is applicable to sponsoring new spouses. The only wait period for parents is assuring that you have 3 years of Canadian income with proof through the CRA.

So if a new PR has CRA work history of at least 3 years in Canada under whatever permit before becoming a PR, or their spouse will be a co-sponsor and has the 3 years work history... then the new PR can sponsor their parents immediately after becoming a PR (assuming the parents program is open at the time).

Dependents (as defined by CIC) under the parents would also be part of the application. I believe the dependents age/qualification is locked-in at the time the application is submitted.

 

[Alurra71]

Yes, there is a 'lock in' date. The age of the dependents at the time the application is received is the age they use. However, changes in circumstances of each dependent before being issued a PR visa are taken into account and can delay the application time and again.

Say dependent 1 gets married. That information now needs to be included in the application, which would then, I beleive, negate the ability to now sponsor that one child, however it has taken time to get to that point.

Now dependent 2 has a child out of wedlock, however, wants to bring that child along as a dependent, and because the child is dependent on mother and now the grandchild is dependent as well, there is more paperwork.

Anyway, you get the idea of what kind of 'issues' can arise even with the 'lock in' date for the age.

 

[screech339]

Beginning in Jan 2014 the age for a dependent is being dropped from 22 to 19. Just some information to keep in mind.

I thought it was dropped to from 22 to 18, not 19. 19 is considered an adult, which is why 18 is the upper age limit since they are not considered adults yet.

Screech339

 

[Rob_TO]

I thought it was dropped to from 22 to 18, not 19. 19 is considered an adult, which is why 18 is the upper age limit since they are not considered adults yet.

Screech339

Yep, the exact wording is "under the age of 19". So once someone hits their 19th b-day, they are no longer considered a dependent.

 

[screech339]

Yep, the exact wording is "under the age of 19". So once someone hits their 19th b-day, they are no longer considered a dependent.

That is what I thought. Alurra71 mentioned 19 so I thought it needed a calarification.

Screech339