4. Learn how criminal law or status problems affect whether you can be a sponsor
Question & Answer
Can I be a sponsor for a member of my family?Next Steps
1. Learn about the financial responsibilities of a sponsor 2. Learn about minimum necessary income 3. Learn about other rules concerning your financial situation 4. Learn how criminal law or status problems affect whether you can be a sponsor 5. Get legal help if you gave incorrect or incomplete information to IRCCYou cannot be a sponsor if you've been convicted of:
- a violent crime that has a maximum of 10 or more years in prison, even if you get a shorter sentence or no time at all in prison,
- a sexual offence,
- an offence that caused bodily harm to a or member of your family or the family of your or partner, or
- an attempt or a threat to commit any of the above crimes.
But this rule does not apply if:
- you have a record suspension for the offence, which used to be called a pardon, or
- it's been at least 5 years since you completed your sentence.
If you have a conviction that might prevent you from being a sponsor, you need to get legal advice.
You also cannot be a sponsor if:
- you're in jail, or
- you're charged with a .
If you're charged with a crime, get legal advice. If you're a , you can be removed from Canada if you’re convicted of a serious crime.
Problems with your status
You cannot be a sponsor if you have a against you. And if Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) believes there may be reasons you should lose your status as a permanent resident or Canadian citizen, they won't process an application for which you are a sponsor.
