Undertakings

It is important to understand your responsibilities when you sponsor your loved ones. It is a commitment that must be thoroughly reviewed and understood. I will begin by explaining what an undertaking is.

An undertaking is a formal promise, in this case, a promise to be accountable for the support of the person you wish to sponsor. This means making reasonable efforts to provide them with the basic necessities of life.

It is important to note that if you are sponsoring your spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, or dependent child, there are no obligations to show that you meet a minimum financial threshold as set out in the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) table.

This being said, this is not to say that there are no financial responsibilities at all, however, is it assessed differently and not as formally.

Instead of having to meet the LICO requirements, as you would for sponsoring your parents, per se, you would have to make an undertaking that states your intent to provide basic necessities to your spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, or dependent child.

Basic necessities may include, but are limited to,

• Food
• Clothing
• Utilities
• Shelter

The purpose of an undertaking is to prevent sponsored persons from being a burden to Canada through social assistance or welfare. An undertaking is valid for a certain amount of years depending upon the relationship of you and the person you are sponsoring. Consequences of not fulfilling your undertaking may be a bar from any further sponsorship.

Often times there are confusions as to the differences between what financial obligations are required and what financial responsibilities you should have when sponsoring a loved one. It is important that you know if you are eligible so that you do not hinder your application process.

At Akrami & Associates, our legal professionals can assist you with your assessment and guide you through any procedural materials you need to submit. Book a consultation with us today and tell us how we can help.