Family Sponsorship
Reunite with your loved ones in Canada through family sponsorship programs. Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor eligible family members for permanent residence.
Program Overview
Family sponsorship allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their eligible family members to become permanent residents of Canada. This program recognizes the importance of family reunification and helps maintain family unity across borders.
Spouse/Partner
Sponsor your spouse, common-law or conjugal partner
Children
Sponsor your dependent children under 22 years old
Parents/Grandparents
Sponsor parents and grandparents through PGP
Who Can You Sponsor?
Spouse, Common-Law or Conjugal Partner
- • Legally married spouse
- • Common-law partner (living together for at least 12 months)
- • Conjugal partner (in a relationship for at least 12 months but unable to live together)
Dependent Children
- • Biological or adopted children under 22 years old
- • Children 22 or older who are financially dependent due to physical or mental condition
- • Must be unmarried and not in a common-law relationship
Parents and Grandparents
- • Through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
- • Limited intake with annual application periods
- • Requires invitation to apply
Other Eligible Relatives
- • Orphaned siblings, nephews, nieces, or grandchildren under 18
- • Any relative if you have no other eligible relatives to sponsor
- • Must meet specific conditions and requirements
Sponsor Eligibility Requirements
Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. If you're a permanent resident, you must be living in Canada.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Meet minimum income requirements (for parents/grandparents) and sign an undertaking to provide financial support.
Must not be in prison, charged with a serious offence, or under a removal order.
Must not be in default of previous sponsorship undertakings or immigration loans.
Application Process
- Determine eligibility: Confirm that both sponsor and sponsored person meet all requirements.
- Gather documents: Collect all required documents including identity, relationship proof, and financial documents.
- Complete applications: Fill out sponsorship application and permanent residence application.
- Pay fees: Pay processing fees, right of permanent residence fee, and biometrics fee.
- Submit application: Send complete application package to the appropriate processing centre.
- Medical exams and interviews: Sponsored person completes medical exams and may attend interviews.
- Decision: Receive decision on sponsorship and permanent residence applications.
Undertaking Responsibilities
Sponsor Commitments
- • Provide financial support for basic needs (food, clothing, shelter)
- • Repay any social assistance received by sponsored person
- • Undertaking period: 3 years for spouse/partner, 10-20 years for parents/grandparents
- • Responsibility continues even if relationship breaks down
- • Must inform IRCC of changes in circumstances
Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
The PGP has limited annual intake and operates on an invitation-to-apply basis. Sponsors must submit an interest to sponsor form during the application period.
- • Annual application period (usually in fall)
- • Random selection from interest to sponsor submissions
- • Must meet income requirements for 3 consecutive years
- • Alternative: Super Visa for temporary visits
Family sponsorship is one of the most rewarding immigration pathways, allowing families to reunite and build their lives together in Canada. While the process can be complex, proper preparation and understanding of requirements significantly improve the chances of success.
How We Can Help
Complete application preparation and review
Relationship documentation guidance
Financial requirement assessment
Processing Times
Processing times vary by relationship type and country of residence.
Application Fees
Success Rate
Our success rate for family sponsorship applications
Ready to Reunite Your Family?
Our team of experts will guide you through every step of the family sponsorship process to help bring your loved ones to Canada.