A sponsor was committing themselves in a legal undertaking with the Canadian government to be financially responsible for a member of the family class for a period of 10 years - meaning that if the applicant went on social assistance, the government could come after the sponsor for compensation.
As of June 2002, new regulations have been introduced which vary the requirement of financial assistance from three to ten years.
Members of the family class include:.
• spouses, common-law or conjugal partners 16 years of age or older; .
• parents and grandparents; .
• dependent children, including adopted children; .
• children under 18 years of age whom you intend to adopt; .
• brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces or grandchildren who are orphans; under the age of 18 and not married or in a common-law relationship; or .
• you may also sponsor one relative of any age if you do not have an aunt, uncle or family member from the list above who you could sponsor or who is already a Canadian citizen, Indian or permanent resident. .
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However, until the changes in the 2002 Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, it was necessary for members of the family class to pass medical clearance to be admitted to Canada and family members could be refused admission on the grounds that they would impose an unfair burden on the health care system.
B. SKILLED WORKERS.
Skilled workers are people whose education and work experience will help them find work and make a home for themselves as permanent residents in Canada. They are chosen for their economic potential and are expected to be able to establish themselves economically in Canada.
To be accepted as a Skilled Worker, applicants must:.
• meet the minimum work experience requirements; .
• prove that they have the funds required for settlement; and .
• earn enough points in the six selection factors to meet the pass mark.
