What Is a Family Visa in Mississauga?

A Family Visa in Mississauga allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor close family members for permanent residency. This visa falls under Canada’s Family Class sponsorship program and is processed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The objective is to reunite families by enabling spouses, children, parents, or grandparents to live together in Canada on a long-term basis.

The program is applicable to those residing in Mississauga who are either sponsoring a family member or being sponsored. A complete application must include key documents that prove identity, relationship, financial status, and eligibility.

Why Documentation Matters

For any Family Visa in Mississauga application, documentation is more than a formality – it is a legal requirement. Each document submitted supports the authenticity of the application and helps IRCC evaluate:

• The legitimacy of the family relationship
• The sponsor’s ability to provide financial support
• The applicant’s admissibility to Canada

Missing or incorrectly completed documents can lead to delays, refusals, or requests for more information. Therefore, gathering and organizing documents accurately plays a central role in the success of the application.

How to Prepare

Preparing for a Family Visa in Mississauga begins with understanding which documents are required and why. Each item must be up to date, formatted correctly, and submitted according to IRCC’s guidelines.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the nine documents every applicant should include, along with explanations of their purpose and how to prepare them correctly.

1. Sponsorship Undertaking Form (IMM 1344)

This form confirms the sponsor’s intent and ability to support the applicant financially. The IMM 1344 is the formal contract between the sponsor and the Canadian government.

What to Include:

• Personal information of both sponsor and applicant
• Details about the relationship
• Sponsor’s declaration of financial responsibility

This form must be signed and dated before submission.

2. Proof of Relationship Documents

Proof of relationship is essential to validate the connection between the sponsor and the applicant.

Examples:

• Marriage certificates (for spouses)
• Birth certificates (for parents or children)
• Joint utility bills or lease agreements (for common-law partners)
• Photos, letters, and communication logs

The Family Visa in Mississauga application relies heavily on these documents to prove the relationship is genuine and not for immigration purposes.

3. Application for Permanent Residence Forms

The principal applicant must complete a set of IRCC forms depending on their age, background, and visa class.

Typical Forms Include:

• Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
• Background Declaration (IMM 5669)
• Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
• Supplementary travel or work history forms (if applicable)

Each form must be typed (not handwritten unless stated), reviewed, and signed before submission.

4. Identity and Civil Status Documents

Establishing legal identity is required in any immigration process. These documents verify who the applicant is and their civil status.

Required Documents:

• Valid passport
• Birth certificate
• National ID card (if applicable)
• Marriage or divorce certificate
• Death certificate (if widowed)

For a Family Visa in Mississauga, translations must be provided for any documents not in English or French.

5. Police Clearance Certificates

IRCC requires police clearance to determine if the applicant poses a security risk. All adults aged 18 and above must provide this document for every country they have lived in for six months or more over the past ten years.

Tips for Submission:

• Must be recent (usually within the past 6 months)
• Request certificates early, especially from countries with longer processing times
• Include a letter of explanation if unable to obtain one

6. Medical Examination Report

A medical exam conducted by an IRCC-approved panel physician is required for all family class applicants.

Steps:

• Locate a panel physician in your region
• Complete the exam and obtain proof
• Submit the medical report or provide the UMI (Unique Medical Identifier)

This step helps ensure that applicants do not have conditions that could burden Canada’s healthcare system.

7. Proof of Financial Capacity

Sponsors must demonstrate their ability to support the sponsored family member financially. This ensures that the applicant will not need government assistance after arrival.

Acceptable Proof Includes:

• CRA Notice of Assessment (past year)
• Employment verification letters
• Pay stubs from the last few months
• Bank account statements
• Proof of assets, if applicable

While income requirements may be waived for certain cases (e.g., spousal sponsorships), they remain critical for parent and grandparent sponsorships.

8. Photographs

Applicants must include recent digital photos that comply with IRCC specifications.

Requirements:

• Taken within 6 months
• White background
• No shadows or alterations
• Proper size (usually 50mm x 70mm)
• Head centered and clearly visible

Incorrect photo submissions can result in application delays.

9. Proof of Payment

All fees must be paid before submitting the application. Payments are made online through the IRCC portal.

Fees May Include:

• Sponsorship processing fee
• Right of Permanent Residence Fee
• Biometrics fee
• Dependent child fee (if applicable)

After payment, you’ll receive a receipt. This must be printed and added to the application package for your Family Visa in Mississauga.

Final Review Before Submission

Use the IRCC Document Checklist

Always refer to the most recent version of the IRCC checklist specific to your visa class. This ensures that no required documents are missed.

Double-Check for:

• Complete, typed forms
• Proper signatures and dates
• Accurate translations and certified copies
• Validity dates for passports and police checks

What Happens After Submission?

Once the application is submitted:

1. IRCC sends an acknowledgment of receipt.
2. Biometrics appointments (if required) are scheduled.
3. The application enters the processing stage, during which additional documents or clarifications may be requested.

The waiting time can vary depending on the family relationship and completeness of the submission.

Moving Forward

Applying for a Family Visa in Mississauga involves several detailed steps, but proper document preparation can significantly improve the process. The nine documents outlined—ranging from identity verification to financial proof—form the core of a successful application.

Understanding what is required, why it matters, and how to prepare each document offers clarity and control over the application experience. By following a structured approach and meeting IRCC requirements, both sponsors and applicants can move forward with confidence.