Rose found out that her husband could not send her back to her home country whenever he wanted. Rose is protected by Canadian laws. Rose may need to look at the Definitions to see terms about immigration.

Here are a few questions and answers based on the information on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website. The information was current at the time of posting. For more information, you can visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website at http://www.cic.gc.ca.

What does it mean to be sponsored?

This means that someone has made a contract with the government of Canada and agreed to provide shelter and the necessary care and living expenses for you for a period of three to 10 years depending on tier age and relationship to you. This means that as a sponsored person, you should not need financial help from the government.

On February 18, 2005, CIC announced a change that affects the sponsorship of spouses and common-law partners applying from within Canada. For more information please visit http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/sponsor/faq-spouse.html.

Does the sponsor have the authority to send the sponsored person back to his or her country of origin?

No. The sponsorship agreement is an agreement between the sponsor and the Canadian government. Your sponsor has no power to deport you.

Is there any reason why the Canadian government would deport a sponsored person?

Yes, the government can issue a deportation order after a hearing (Immigration Inquiry) if you have been found in violation of Immigration law by:

• using a false passport or other illegal means to gain initial entry,
• being convicted under the Criminal Code of Canada and sentenced to more than six months in prison.

The person has the right to have a lawyer at this hearing.

What is my legal status in Canada if I am sponsored?

You are a Landed Immigrant in Canada.

Can someone lose the right of residence in Canada?

Yes. Permanent residents may lose the right of residence in Canada for the following reasons:

• by leaving Canada with the intent of abandoning it as their place of permanent residence;
• by staying outside Canada for more than 183 days out of one year;
• by reason of a deportation order.

If my spouse, who is my sponsor, is deported because he has been convicted of a criminal offence can I be asked to leave as well?

No, you are not obliged to leave. You may remain in Canada.

If there is a marriage breakdown can the spouse that has been sponsored be asked to leave?

If the marriage breaks down the spouse is not obliged to leave and may remain in Canada.

If I am sponsored can I get Employment Insurance?

Yes, if you have worked, employment insurance has usually been taken out of your pay automatically. You must meet certain criteria such as number of weeks worked, reason for termination and so on.

If I am sponsored and get injured at work can I get Workers' Compensation?

Yes, if the company you work for pays Workers' Compensation and you meet certain criteria. Being sponsored is not a reason to not get benefits.

What are your rights as a Canadian?

Canadians enjoy the following rights and freedoms:

• equality rights
• democratic rights
• legal rights
• mobility rights
• language rights
• freedom of religion
• freedom of expression
• freedom of association

What are my responsibilities as a Canadian?

• obey Canadian laws
• participate in Canada's democratic processes
• respect the rights and freedoms of others
• respect Canada's linguistic duality and multicultural heritage

Financial Assistance

What kinds of income security benefits are available in Canada?

Governments at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels help people who are unable to provide for themselves and their families.

Special programs help people in different circumstances such as:

• raising children (Child Tax Benefits)
• retirement (Canada Pension, Old Age Security, and Guaranteed Income Supplement)
• job-related injuries (Workers' Compensation)
• the loss of a job (Employment Insurance)
• longer-term unemployment (Social Assistance)

You will find more information on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website at http://www.cic.gc.ca.

October 2005