Sponsorship undertakings and financial responsibility

Overview

Sponsorship undertakings and financial responsibility

A sponsorship undertaking is a contract with government to provide the sponsored person’s basic needs for a set period. Separation, unemployment or a change of mind does not cancel it after permanent residence is granted.

Know when responsibility begins

The undertaking generally starts when the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident and lasts for the period assigned to that family category. The length differs for spouses, children, parents and other relatives.

Quebec undertakings use provincial rules and administration.

Understand what support covers

The sponsor promises food, clothing, shelter, utilities, household supplies, personal needs and health costs not covered by public insurance. The aim is to prevent reliance on social assistance.

Private family arrangements do not eliminate government rights under the undertaking.

Social assistance can become sponsor debt

If the sponsored person receives covered assistance during the undertaking, government may seek repayment and record a default. A default can block future sponsorship.

A co-signer is jointly responsible rather than merely a backup reference.

Family breakdown does not end the promise

Divorce, separation, conflict, relocation or the sponsored person’s citizenship does not automatically terminate the undertaking. Sponsors should understand this before submitting.

The sponsored person retains legal rights and does not have to remain in an abusive relationship to keep status.