Who can I sponsor to come to Canada under family sponsorship?

You can sponsor your spouse or common-law partner, dependent children, parents, grandparents, and in certain cases other eligible relatives, provided you meet the sponsorship eligibility requirements.

What are the income requirements to sponsor a family member?

For most spousal and dependent child sponsorships there is no minimum income requirement, but parent and grandparent sponsorships require you to meet a Minimum Necessary Income threshold for three consecutive years.

How long does family sponsorship take to process?

Spousal and partner sponsorships typically take around 12 months to process, while parent and grandparent sponsorships can take longer depending on program intake and application volumes.

What is the difference between inland and outland spousal sponsorship?

Inland sponsorship applies when your spouse or partner is already living with you in Canada, while outland sponsorship applies when they are residing outside of Canada during the application process.

Can I appeal if my family sponsorship application is refused?

Yes, in many cases you can appeal a refusal to the Immigration Appeal Division. We can review the refusal reasons and advise on the best strategy for a successful appeal or reapplication.

Home/Services/Family Sponsorship

Family Reunification

Canada Family Sponsorship

Reunite with your loved ones in Canada through our comprehensive family sponsorship services. We guide you through every step to bring your family together permanently.

Family First

Reunification Priority

What is Family Sponsorship?

Family sponsorship allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their eligible family members for permanent residence in Canada, enabling families to reunite and build their lives together.

Family Reunification

Bring your spouse, children, parents, and other eligible family members to live with you permanently in Canada.

Financial Commitment

As a sponsor, you commit to providing financial support for your family member for a specified period.

Permanent Status

Sponsored family members receive permanent resident status with full rights to live, work, and study in Canada.

Sponsorship Categories

Canada offers various family sponsorship programs to reunite families. Each category has specific requirements and processing times.

Spouse/Common-Law Partner

Sponsor your spouse or common-law partner for permanent residence

Processing Time: 16-24 months

Eligible Relations:

Legally married spouse

Common-law partner (1+ years)

Conjugal partner

Same-sex relationships

Dependent Children

Sponsor your dependent children under 22 years old

Processing Time: Approximately 12 months

Eligible Relations:

Biological children

Adopted children

Children under 22 (unmarried)

Children 22+ with disability

Parents & Grandparents

Sponsor your parents and grandparents through PGP program

Processing Time: 20-24 months

Eligible Relations:

Biological parents

Adoptive parents

Grandparents

Must meet LICO

Other Eligible Relatives

Sponsor other eligible family members in specific circumstances

Processing Time: 12-18 months

Eligible Relations:

Orphaned relatives under 18

Last remaining family member

Accompanying relatives

Special circumstances

Adopted Children

Sponsor children you've adopted or plan to adopt

Processing Time: 12-15 months

Eligible Relations:

International adoption

Hague Convention adoption

Provincial adoption

Private adoption

Protected Persons

Family members of protected persons and refugees

Processing Time: 12-18 months

Eligible Relations:

Spouse of protected person

Children of refugees

One-year window program

Government-assisted refugees

Important Note

Processing times set by IRCC are subject to change at any time and are beyond our control.

Benefits of Family Sponsorship

Family sponsorship provides numerous benefits for both sponsors and sponsored family members, creating opportunities for a better life in Canada.

Family Reunification

Bring your loved ones to Canada and build your life together as a family unit

Permanent Residence

Sponsored family members receive permanent resident status with full rights and benefits

Healthcare Access

Family members gain access to Canada's universal healthcare system

Education Opportunities

Children can attend Canadian schools and access post-secondary education at domestic rates

Work Authorization

Permanent residents can work anywhere in Canada without restrictions or work permits

Path to Citizenship

After meeting residency requirements, family members can apply for Canadian citizenship

Sponsor Eligibility

To sponsor a family member, you must meet all eligibility requirements and demonstrate your ability to provide financial and emotional support.

Canadian Status

Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident aged 18 or older

Financial Capacity

Must meet minimum income requirements and sign an undertaking to provide financial support

No Criminal Record

Must have no criminal convictions and not be in default of previous sponsorship undertakings

Relationship Proof

Must provide genuine evidence of your relationship with the person you want to sponsor

Residency in Canada

Must be residing in Canada or demonstrate intent to return if living abroad

Undertaking Commitment

Must sign an undertaking to provide financial support for the sponsored person for 3-20 years

Important Note

Meeting the minimum requirements doesn't guarantee approval. Each application is assessed individually based on the genuineness of the relationship, financial capacity, and completeness of documentation.

Required Documents

Family sponsorship requires extensive documentation to prove relationships, financial capacity, and eligibility. Here are the key document categories.

Sponsor Documents

Proof of Canadian status

Identity documents

Financial documents

Police clearances

Relationship Proof

Marriage certificate

Birth certificates

Photos together

Communication records

Financial Documents

Notice of Assessment

Employment letter

Bank statements

Income proof

Sponsorship Process

Our comprehensive approach ensures your family sponsorship application is strategically planned, thoroughly prepared, and submitted with the best chance of success.

Eligibility Assessment

1-2 weeks

Evaluate your eligibility as a sponsor and assess your family member's eligibility to be sponsored under Canadian immigration law.

Document Collection

4-8 weeks

Gather all required documents including relationship proof, financial documents, identity documents, and supporting evidence.

Sponsorship Application

2-3 weeks

Complete and submit the sponsorship application with all required forms and supporting documents.

Permanent Residence Application

4-6 weeks

Your family member completes their permanent residence application with medical exams and background checks.

Application Processing

Approximately 12-24 months

IRCC processes both applications, may request additional information, and conducts interviews if required.

Medical & Background Checks

Varies

Sponsored person completes medical examinations and provides police clearance certificates from all countries lived in.

Decision & Landing

Approximately 1-2 months

If approved, sponsored family member receives confirmation and can immigrate to Canada as a permanent resident.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about sponsoring family members to Canada.

Ready to Reunite Your Family?

Let our experienced immigration consultants help you navigate the family sponsorship process and bring your loved ones to Canada. Your family's future starts here.