Reuniting family by sponsoring someone's immigration
If you want a family member to join you in Canada you can sponsor them to become a permanent resident.
To sponsor you must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada. Eligible family include husband or wife, common-law partner, conjugal partner, dependent child (including adopted child), or other close relative (such as a parent or grandparent).
You can sponsor family to come to Canada through the Manitoba or the federal system:
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program: Family Stream
This gives priority assessment to skilled workers who can demonstrate the strong support of a close relative who is successfully established in Manitoba.
Citizenship & Immigration Canada: Family Class
Read the processes, rules and support obligations involved in sponsoring family.
Citizenship & Immigration Canada: Sponsoring Refugees
To sponsor someone as a refugee the person must be in need of protection as defined by Canada's refugee claimant system. A sponsor commits to providing emotional and significant settlement support for at least one year.
More information about refugees
Any group of at least five Manitoba residents can sponsor refugees to come to Canada. Common examples are church groups and community groups.
The following organizations have more information:
Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council
This non-profit group has a lot of information specific to Manitoba. It has a Refugee Sponsorship Training Program.
Canadian Council for Refugees
This group lobbies for the rights and protection of refugees in Canada and around the world and the settlement of refugees and immigrants in Canada.
Amnesty International
This international organization monitors groups and individuals living in threatening conditions.
Citizenship & Immigration Canada: Refugees
Read the rules and processes of sponsorship and of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
Immigration and Refugee Appeal Board
The independent administrative tribunal set up by the Canadian government to decide on immigration and refugee matters efficiently, fairly and in accordance with the law.
