Canada: Family Sponsorship Program

In Canada, the Family Sponsorship Program enables Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouses, parents, and dependent children for permanent residency. If one parent is studying or working in Canada on a temporary visa, they can sponsor their spouse or children for family reunification. The sponsoring parent must demonstrate their ability to financially support their family members and meet other eligibility criteria set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

USA: Family-Based Immigration

The United States offers various family-based immigration options, including visas for spouses, parents, and children of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders). If one parent is living and working in the USA, they may petition for their spouse and children to join them through the appropriate family visa category. The sponsoring parent will need to file Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and meet the income requirements to sponsor their family members.

Australia: Partner and Family Visas

Australia’s Partner and Family Visa program allows Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor their partners, parents, and dependent children for visas to live in Australia. If one parent is residing in Australia on a temporary visa, they can sponsor their spouse or children for family reunification. The sponsoring parent must meet specific criteria and provide evidence of their relationship and financial capacity to support their family members.

European Countries: Family Reunification Directive

European countries, including those within the European Union (EU), have laws and directives governing family reunification for third-country nationals. While specific requirements vary by country, most European countries allow residents to sponsor their spouses, children, and sometimes parents for family reunification visas. If one parent is living and working in a European country, they can apply to bring their family members to join them, subject to meeting the eligibility criteria and providing proof of their relationship and financial support.

New Zealand: Family Stream Visas

New Zealand’s Family Stream Visas enable New Zealand citizens and residents to sponsor their partners, parents, and dependent children for visas to live in New Zealand. If one parent is studying or working in New Zealand on a temporary visa, they can sponsor their spouse or children for family reunification. The sponsoring parent must meet the requirements set by Immigration New Zealand and demonstrate their ability to support their family members financially.

Conclusion

While living and working abroad can present challenges for family life, many countries offer pathways for family reunification through spouse, parent, and child visas. Whether in Canada, the USA, Australia, Europe, or New Zealand, families can navigate the visa application process with the guidance of immigration authorities and legal professionals. By understanding the eligibility criteria and requirements for family visas, parents can take the necessary steps to bring their loved ones together and create a sense of belonging and unity in their new home abroad.