Canada’s immigration system prioritizes family reunification through its Family Class Sponsorship program. Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, and other eligible relatives to immigrate to Canada.
1. Who Can Be Sponsored?
Spouse or Common-Law Partner
- Eligibility:
- Legally married, or in a common-law relationship (cohabiting for at least 12 months).
- The relationship must be genuine and not solely for immigration purposes.
Dependent Children
- Eligibility:
- Under 22 years old and not married or in a common-law relationship.
- Over 22 years old but financially dependent due to a physical or mental condition.
Parents and Grandparents (via the Parents and Grandparents Program – PGP)
- Eligibility:
- Must meet income requirements to support the sponsored relative.
- Must submit an Interest to Sponsor form when the program opens.
Other Relatives (Limited Circumstances)
- Orphaned siblings, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren under 18 and unmarried.
- A single relative if the sponsor has no other eligible family member in Canada or abroad.
2. Eligibility Requirements for Sponsors
To sponsor a family member, you must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Agree to financially support the sponsored person for a specific period:
- Spouses/common-law partners: 3 years.
- Dependent children: 10 years or until they turn 25 (whichever comes first).
- Parents/grandparents: 20 years (depending on the province).
- Meet minimum income requirements (not required for sponsoring spouses or dependent children).
3. Sponsorship Process
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Ensure you and your family member meet the requirements.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Prepare documents such as:
- Proof of relationship (marriage certificates, joint lease agreements, photos).
- Proof of income (Notice of Assessment, pay stubs).
- Medical exams, police certificates, and identity documents for the sponsored person.
Step 3: Submit the Sponsorship Application
- Apply through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
- Include the sponsorship application and permanent residence application together.
Step 4: Application Processing
- Spousal/common-law partner applications: Around 12 months.
- Dependent children: Varies based on location.
- Parents and grandparents: Processing times depend on yearly quotas.
Step 5: Decision and Follow-Up
If approved, the sponsored family member will receive their permanent residence.
4. Costs for Sponsorship
- Sponsorship fee: $75
- Principal applicant processing fee: $490 (spouse/partner); $150 (child).
- Right of permanent residence fee: $515 (spouse/partner only).
- Biometrics fee: $85 per person or $170 for families.
5. Alternative Pathways for Family Sponsorship
If the Family Sponsorship Program doesn’t apply, other pathways include:
- Super Visa: Allows parents/grandparents to visit Canada for up to 5 years per entry.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Some provinces support family sponsorship in specific cases.
For more information, visit the IRCC website.
