Free Imm 1344 Application PDF Template

1. What is the IMM 1344 form used for?

   The IMM 1344 form is an essential document for individuals in Canada wishing to sponsor their family members for Canadian permanent residency. This application comprises two main parts: the Application to Sponsor and the Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking. It allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, or dependent children by agreeing to support them financially upon their arrival in Canada.

2. Who can be a co-signer on the IMM 1344 application?

   A co-signer on the IMM 1344 form must be the spouse or common-law partner of the sponsor. The co-signer shares the responsibility of the financial obligations towards the sponsored person for the duration of the undertaking.

3. Can I withdraw my sponsorship application, and will I receive a refund?

   If a sponsor decides to withdraw their sponsorship application before it has been processed, they are entitled to a refund of all processing fees minus $75. This decision must be indicated on the form should the sponsor be found ineligible to sponsor their family member.

4. What should I do if I have used another name in the past?

   If a sponsor has used another name in the past, such as a maiden name, nickname, alias, etc., they need to disclose this information in the section provided on the IMM 1344 form. Providing complete and accurate personal details is crucial for the processing of the application.

5. What information is required from previous marriages or common-law relationships?

   Sponsors who have previously been married or in a common-law relationship must provide details of their previous spouse or common-law partner. This includes the family name(s), given name(s), and the type of relationship. Such information is necessary for the comprehensive evaluation of the application.

6. What residency requirements must sponsors meet?

   Sponsors are required to reside in Canada and must declare their residency status on the IMM 1344 form. Canadian citizens living exclusively outside Canada must also specify their intention to reside in a Canadian province or territory upon their sponsored family member becoming a permanent resident.

7. Are there age requirements for a sponsor?

   Yes, to be eligible as a sponsor, the individual must be 18 years of age or older at the time of sponsoring a family member.

8. Who is not eligible to be a sponsor?

   Several conditions may render an individual ineligible to be a sponsor. These include, but are not limited to, not currently residing in Canada, being under 18 years of age, being in receipt of social assistance for reasons other than disability, being an undischarged bankrupt, or having previous sponsorship obligations during which the sponsored person received social assistance.

9. What happens if I have previously sponsored someone, and they received social assistance?

   If a sponsor previously sponsored someone, and the sponsored person or their family members received social assistance during the validity period of the undertaking, it might affect the sponsor's eligibility to sponsor again. Sponsors in this situation are urged to refer to the detailed instructions in the guide before proceeding with their application.

Filling out the IMM 1344 Application form is a critical step in sponsoring someone to come to Canada. However, it’s fraught with potential pitfalls. Being mindful of common mistakes can make the difference between a successful application and a frustrating delay or rejection. Here, we spotlight six common missteps applicants make.

1. Not verifying eligibility before application: A fundamental but often overlooked step is confirming eligibility to sponsor. If you’re younger than 18 years, not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or you don’t reside in Canada, you may not be eligible. Ensuring eligibility prior to application submission can save time and resources.

2. Incorrect personal details: The form requires exact matches for names as they appear on official documents like passports. Misspelling a name or using a nickname instead of the legal name can lead to processing delays or application denial.

3. Failure to disclose previous sponsorships: If you've previously sponsored someone, or have been sponsored yourself, within the last five years, this could impact your application. Failing to disclose such information could be seen as misrepresentation.

4. Inconsistent information: Any discrepancy between the information provided on this form and your documents can raise red flags. Double-check to ensure consistency across all documents submitted with your application.

5. Omitting details of previous relationships: If you’ve been married or in a common-law relationship before, details must be provided. Omission of such critical personal history can lead to application denial on the grounds of incomplete information.

6. Not specifying a co-signer correctly: If your application includes a co-signer, like a spouse or common-law partner, ensuring that their details are accurately filled in is crucial. An error here can invalidate the entire application.

Mistakenly believing that a rejected application is the end of the road is not uncommon. However, understanding where mistakes were made and correcting them is a positive step towards successful sponsorship. Reading instructions carefully, double-checking all provided information, and consulting with a professional if there's any doubt, can dramatically increase the odds of approval. Patience and attention to detail are your best allies in this process.

Filing the IMM 1344 Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking form is just the starting point for many Canadians and permanent residents who wish to bring their family members to Canada. To navigate through the process efficiently, it’s crucial to understand and prepare several other documents and forms often required in conjunction with the IMM 1344. Below is a concise guide to these additional documents, ensuring applicants are well-prepared for a smoother sponsorship experience.

• IMM 5476 Form - Use of a Representative: This form is for applicants who are appointing an immigration representative to handle the sponsorship application on their behalf. It authorizes communication between the representative and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
• IMM 5409 Form - Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union: Required when sponsoring a common-law partner, this form serves as proof of a genuine, ongoing relationship for at least 12 months.
• IMM 5669 Form - Schedule A – Background/Declaration: This extensive background check form is filled out by the person being sponsored and any family members over 18 years of age, detailing their personal history.
• IMM 0008 Form - Generic Application Form for Canada: This is the primary application form for permanent residence that the person being sponsored needs to complete.
• IMM 5768 Form - Financial Evaluation: If you're sponsoring a relative other than your spouse, partner, or dependent children, this form evaluates your financial ability to support the sponsored person(s).
• IMM 5532 Form - Relationship Information and Sponsorship Evaluation: This document helps assess the genuineness of the relationship between the sponsor and the sponsored person, especially in spousal or partnership-based sponsorships.
• Police Certificates: These are required for the person being sponsored and any family members over 18, from every country they've lived in for six months or more since turning 18. They’re used to screen for criminal history.
• Medical Exams: The person being sponsored and any accompanying family members must undergo medical exams by IRCC-approved physicians to ensure they don’t pose a health risk to Canadian public health.
• Passport Copies: Copies of the passport or travel documents for the person being sponsored and any family members are necessary to verify identity.
• Proof of Relationship Documents: These vary by the type of sponsorship (e.g., marriage certificate for a spouse, birth certificate for a child) and serve to prove the legitimacy of the claimed relationship.

Successfully navigating the sponsorship process requires careful attention to detail and thorough preparation of all necessary documents. By understanding and gathering these additional forms early on, sponsors and their family members can avoid delays and move closer to reuniting in Canada. Each form serves a unique purpose, from confirming the sponsor’s financial stability and the authenticity of relationships, to ensuring newcomers meet Canada’s health and security standards. It’s a journey of many steps, but with the right preparation, a positive outcome awaits at its conclusion.

• The Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, used in the United States, is similar to the IMM 1344 Application form as both are initial steps for family-based immigration processes, allowing citizens or permanent residents to sponsor family members for immigration.

• The UK Family Visa Application Form resembles the IMM 1344 as it requires sponsors to provide personal information, details about their relationship with the applicant, and a declaration of financial responsibility.

• Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa Electronic Application, shares similarities with the IMM 1344 in that it is part of the process for obtaining permanent residence status, although the DS-260 is for applicants applying from outside the United States.

• The Australian Form 40, Sponsorship for migration to Australia, is akin to the IMM 1344 because it involves a sponsor in Australia providing personal details and undertaking to support a family member's visa application.

• Form NZ 1024, Sponsorship Form for Temporary Entry to New Zealand parallels the IMM 1344, being a document where a sponsor agrees to financially back the visa applicant, demonstrating the commitment to support the individual during their stay.

• The Schengen Visa Application Form has elements in common with the IMM 1344, particularly in the requirement for applicants to detail their family ties and the sponsorship or invitation by residents in the Schengen area.

• Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA, used in the U.S., is similar to part of the IMM 1344 application that pertains to the sponsorship agreement and undertaking, ensuring the sponsor accepts financial responsibility for the family member immigrating.

• The Swiss Family Reunification Visa Application shares similarities with the IMM 1344 as it involves a sponsorship aspect where the resident in Switzerland must prove the ability to support the arriving family member.

• Form SU07/12, Sponsorship Undertaking for UK Settlement, is equivalent to the IMM 1344 in its requirement for the sponsor to commit to supporting the applicant financially and accommodating them in the UK.

When filling out the IMM 1344 Application form, it's important to follow specific guidelines to ensure a smooth processing of your sponsorship application. Here are things you should and shouldn't do:

• Ensure all information matches your official documents. This includes full names as shown on passports or travel documents, dates of birth, and marital status details.
• Answer every question truthfully. If a question does not apply to you, make sure to indicate with "N/A" or "None," where permissible, to show that you did not overlook the question.
• Include all necessary documentation. Double-check the guide to make sure you’re not missing any required documents that need to be submitted with the application.
• Check your application for errors or omissions before submitting. A quick review can prevent delays in the processing time.

• Do not leave any sections blank without explanation. If a section does not apply to you, make sure to indicate as much in a manner that is allowed by the form’s instructions.
• Avoid guessing dates or facts. If you're uncertain about specific details, take the time to verify them to ensure accuracy.
• Do not use nicknames or abbreviations unless specifically stated that you can. Always use full names and terms as they appear in official documents.
• Refrain from ignoring instructions about signing and dating the application. Unsigned or undated applications are incomplete and will be returned.

There are several misconceptions regarding the IMM 1344 Application Form, which is a crucial document for those seeking to sponsor a family member for immigration to Canada. Understanding these misconceptions can help applicants navigate the process more effectively.

• Only Canadian citizens can sponsor family members: This is incorrect. Both Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor eligible family members. The key requirement is that the sponsor must meet certain conditions, such as being 18 years of age or older and residing in Canada or intending to return to Canada when the sponsored relative becomes a permanent resident.

• If you are found ineligible to sponsor, you cannot proceed: The form offers options if you're found ineligible. Applicants have the choice to withdraw their sponsorship application, where most fees except $75 will be refunded, or proceed with the application for permanent residence despite the recognition of ineligibility, in which case processing fees are retained.

• Only direct family members can be sponsored: While the IMM 1344 form is primarily used for sponsoring spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children, the definition of who can be sponsored extends beyond these categories under certain conditions. For example, parents and grandparents can be sponsored under different application processes.

• Having a co-signer is mandatory: A co-signer is not required for all sponsorship applications. A co-signer, who must be the spouse or common-law partner of the sponsor, can support the application but is optional. This arrangement allows for shared financial responsibility for the person being sponsored.

• Approval is guaranteed if you meet basic criteria: Meeting the basic eligibility criteria such as age and citizenship or residency status is only the first step. The sponsor and the sponsored person must both meet various other requirements, including financial stability, no criminal history, and others depending on the specific case.

• Your current marital status does not affect the application: Your marital status, along with any previous marital or common-law relationships, must be disclosed and can impact the application. It is part of assessing the legitimacy of the relationship between the sponsor and the sponsored person.

• Once submitted, the application cannot be updated: While it's true that accurate and complete information is vital at the time of application, circumstances can change. Updates, especially changes in contact information, marital status, or the withdrawal of the application, are allowable and should be communicated to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to avoid issues with processing.

Understanding these misconceptions can clarify the sponsorship process and help applicants avoid mistakes that might delay or jeopardize their application. It is always recommended to review the current guidelines provided by IRCC or consult with a legal expert specializing in Canadian immigration to ensure compliance and accuracy in your application.

Filling out the IMM 1344 Application form is a crucial step for those wishing to sponsor a family member for immigration to Canada. This application allows individuals to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, or dependent children. Understanding the key elements of this form can aid in a smooth application process. Below are some essential takeaways to consider:

• Ensure Eligibility: Before beginning the application, sponsors must confirm their eligibility. This includes being 18 years of age or older, being a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, residing in Canada, and not being in receipt of social assistance (except for disability).
• Co-Signer Involvement: If the application involves a co-signer, such as a spouse or common-law partner of the sponsor, clear indication and information for the co-signer are necessary. Both parties must meet the eligibility requirements.
• Accurate Information: Accuracy is paramount when completing the IMM 1344 form. This includes the full name, birth date, and personal details of both the sponsor and the person being sponsored, exactly as they appear on official documents.
• Choice upon Ineligibility: Applicants must decide in advance what their preferred course of action is if found ineligible to sponsor. Options include withdrawing the sponsorship application with a partial refund or proceeding with the application for permanent residence without a refund.
• Communication Preferences: The form asks for the sponsor’s preferred language for correspondence and whether email communication is acceptable. Providing an email address authorizes Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to send correspondence, including sensitive personal information, to that email.
• Residency Declaration and Sponsor Eligibility Assessment: Sponsors must declare their intention to live in Canada once the sponsored individual becomes a permanent resident. Sponsors living or intending to reside in Quebec have different requirements and should not complete certain sections of the form.

Completing the IMM 1344 form attentively and accurately is critical to the success of the sponsorship application. Sponsors should review the guide provided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for detailed instructions and ensure that all information is current and correct to avoid delays or rejection of their application.