Philippine Asian News Today | Page 17

July 16 - 31, 2016 PHILIPPINE ASIAN NEWS TODAY The Notary Corner By Editha Corrales Nelson Immigration Consultant, Notary Public, Mediation / Arbitrator Some relatives may be eligible to immigrate to Canada as permanent residents. If you have relatives who want to immigrate to Canada under the Family Class, you must sponsor them. You and your relatives must meet certain requirements. Your relatives must have medical, criminal and background checks. They may not be allowed to enter Canada if they have a criminal record or are a risk to Canada’s security. They may have to get a police certificate from police in their home country. The application kit explains medical, criminal and background checks. • Sponsoring an eligible relative • Who you can sponsor • Who you cannot sponsor SPONSORING AN ELIGIBLE RELATIVE You can sponsor certain relatives if you are a citizen or permanent resident of Canada and if you are 18 or older. You may not be able to sponsor a relative if you: • sponsored another IMMIGRATION CORNER A17 DETERMINE YOUR ELIGIBILITY – SPONSOR YOUR ELIGIBLE RELATIVES relative in the past and did not meet the terms of the sponsorship agreement, • are in default of alimony or child support payments, • got government financial help for reasons other than being disabled, • were convicted of a violent crime, any offence against a relative or any sexual offence, depending on details of the case, such as o the type of offence, o how long ago it was and o whether a record suspension was issued • did not pay back an immigration loan, made late payments or missed payments, • are in prison, or • have declared bankruptcy and have not been released from it yet. Other things not on this list may stop you from being able to sponsor a relative. To be a sponsor you must: • meet set income guidelines, and • agree in writing to give financial support to your relative and any other eligible relatives coming with them for up to 10 years, depending on their age and how you are related. (This time period begins on the date they become a permanent resident.) The person you sponsor must promise to try to suppor