When you consider sponsoring a loved one, there are a number of things you should consider yourself before attempting to do so. The first thing to consider is, “Am I eligible to sponsor?” or “Do I qualify as a sponsor?”

Sponsoring is not just the simple matter of being a permanent resident or citizen of Canada; there are many other obligations that you must fulfill and agreements you must make while sponsoring your loved one.

For example, when you sponsor someone, they become your financial responsibility, and you must agree to this in writing. This is actually a form you will need to complete in a long list of applications to sponsor called the Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking. It is here that you will have to agree to support the applicant financially. For spouses or partners, this agreement lasts three years from the day they become permanent residents of Canada. For dependent children, this will last ten years or until they turn 25 years of age, whichever occurs first. You should be prepared for such an agreement as it is not to be taken lightly. It means that, for example, should your spouse, partner or dependent child utilize social assistance (welfare), you will be required to return these funds and be indebted until they are repaid.

This is just one of the responsibilities of being a sponsor, should you qualify. Again, there are preclusions to becoming a sponsor as well. You may not be eligible to sponsor for a number of reasons, such as if you have not met the agreement of a previous sponsorship agreement, have not duly paid alimony or child support from a previous court order or have been convicted of a crime(s) of a certain nature.

Another thing to consider is your own means of entry to Canada. There is currently a sponsorship bar for previously sponsored people. This means that if a spouse or partner sponsored you, you now cannot sponsor a new spouse or partner within five years of becoming a permanent resident. This even applied if you received your Canadian citizenship within that time period.

These are just some of the reasons that may affect your ability to sponsor; there are many others that you should be aware of.