Immigration Programs
Family Sponsorship: Reunite Your Family in Canada
Family reunification is a cornerstone of Canadian immigration policy. If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you can sponsor your spouse, partner, children, parents, and grandparents to join you in Canada as permanent residents.
80,000+
Families Reunited Annually
~12 Months
Spousal Sponsorship Processing
Permanent
Residence for Your Family
Who Can You Sponsor?
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor close family members for permanent residence. Each category has specific eligibility criteria and processing timelines.
Spouse or Common-Law Partner
Processing: ~12 monthsYou can sponsor your legally married spouse, common-law partner (living together for at least 12 consecutive months), or conjugal partner (in a committed relationship but unable to live together due to immigration barriers or other valid reasons).
- Spouse must be at least 18 years old
- Same-sex marriages and partnerships are fully recognized
- No minimum income requirement for spousal sponsorship
- Sponsored person can apply for an open work permit while awaiting PR
- You must undertake to financially support your spouse for 3 years
Dependent Children
Processing: ~12 monthsYou can sponsor your biological or adopted children for permanent residence. Dependent children can also be included as dependants in a spousal sponsorship application.
- Child must be under 22 years old and not married or in a common-law relationship
- Children 22 or older may qualify if they have depended substantially on a parent's financial support since before age 22 due to a medical condition
- Adopted children must meet both Canadian immigration requirements and the adoption requirements of the child's country of origin
- Orphaned relatives under 18 may also be eligible under specific conditions
Parents and Grandparents
Processing: 20–24 monthsThe Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence. Intake is managed through an annual Expression of Interest process.
- Sponsor must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for 3 consecutive tax years
- MNI is based on the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) plus 30% for your family size
- Annual intake is limited — an Expression of Interest lottery or first-come system is used
- You must undertake to financially support your parents/grandparents for 20 years
- Super Visa is an alternative while waiting for PGP sponsorship
Other Eligible Relatives
Processing: VariesIn specific circumstances, you may be able to sponsor other relatives. These situations are less common but important to understand.
- Orphaned brother, sister, nephew, niece, or grandchild who is under 18, unmarried, and not in a common-law partnership
- Any relative, regardless of age or relationship, if you have no living relatives who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or registered Indians — and no relative you could otherwise sponsor
- These categories are subject to strict eligibility criteria
Requirements for Sponsors
To sponsor a family member, you must meet all of the following requirements. Failure to meet any requirement will result in your sponsorship application being refused.
Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is at least 18 years old and currently resides in Canada (or plans to return to Canada when the sponsored person arrives).
Financial Ability
For spousal/partner and dependent child sponsorship, there is no minimum income requirement. For parents and grandparents, you must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (LICO + 30%) for 3 consecutive tax years based on your Notice of Assessment.
Undertaking of Financial Support
You must sign an undertaking to provide for the basic needs of the person you sponsor. The duration is 3 years for spouses/partners, 10 years for children under 22 (or until age 25), and 20 years for parents/grandparents.
No Previous Sponsorship Default
You must not be in default on a previous sponsorship undertaking, immigration loan, or court-ordered family support payment (such as alimony or child support).
Not Convicted of Certain Offences
You cannot sponsor if you have been convicted of a sexual offence, a violent offence, or an offence against a relative (depending on the circumstances and timing of the offence).
Not Under a Removal Order or in Prison
You cannot be the subject of a removal order, be detained in prison, or have declared bankruptcy that has not been discharged.
Family Sponsorship Process: Step by Step
The family sponsorship process involves both the sponsor and the sponsored person submitting applications simultaneously.
Determine Eligibility
Confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements as a sponsor and that the person you wish to sponsor is an eligible family member. For parents/grandparents, check if the PGP intake is open.
Gather Documentation
Collect all required documents including identity documents, proof of relationship (marriage certificate, common-law declaration, birth certificates), proof of the sponsor's income (Notices of Assessment), photographs, and immigration forms.
Submit the Sponsorship Application
Submit both the sponsorship application (your part as the sponsor) and the permanent residence application (the sponsored person's part) together as a combined package to IRCC. Applications are submitted online.
Sponsor Approval
IRCC first assesses the sponsor's eligibility. If approved, the sponsored person's application for permanent residence is processed. If the sponsor is found ineligible, both applications are refused.
Permanent Residence Processing
The sponsored person undergoes background checks, medical examinations, and may be required to attend an interview. For inland applications, an open work permit may be issued while the PR application is being processed.
Decision & Landing
Once approved, the sponsored person receives their Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and, if outside Canada, a permanent resident visa. They can then travel to Canada and complete the landing process.
Current Processing Times
Processing times vary by category and are subject to change. These estimates are based on recent IRCC data.
| Category | Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse / Partner (Inland) | ~12 months | Applied from within Canada. Applicant may receive an open work permit during processing. |
| Spouse / Partner (Outland) | ~12 months | Applied from outside Canada. Processing time may vary by visa office. |
| Dependent Children | ~12 months | Can be included in a spousal application or sponsored separately. |
| Parents & Grandparents | 20–24 months | Subject to annual intake limits. Super Visa is available as a temporary alternative. |
Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents
The Super Visa is a multi-entry visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit Canada for extended periods — up to 5 years per visit — without needing to renew their status. It is an excellent option while waiting for a PGP sponsorship application to be processed.
Super Visa Requirements
- You must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Your child or grandchild must meet the minimum income threshold (LICO) for their family size
- You must have valid Canadian medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company for at least 1 year (minimum $100,000 coverage)
- You must pass an immigration medical exam
- You must be admissible to Canada (no criminal record, security concerns)
- You may need to provide a letter of invitation from your child/grandchild in Canada
Super Visa vs. Regular Visitor Visa
Super Visa
Valid for up to 10 years. Allows stays of up to 5 years per entry. Multi-entry. Requires medical insurance. Designed specifically for parents and grandparents.
Regular Visitor Visa (TRV)
Valid for up to 10 years. Allows stays of up to 6 months per entry. Multi-entry or single-entry. No medical insurance requirement. Available to anyone visiting Canada.
Important Considerations
Inland vs. Outland Applications
Spousal sponsorship can be submitted from within Canada (inland) or from outside Canada (outland). Inland applicants may be eligible for an open work permit. Outland applicants may be able to continue living in their home country during processing.
Proof of Genuine Relationship
IRCC carefully reviews spousal and partner sponsorship applications for genuineness. You must provide substantial evidence that your relationship is genuine and not primarily for immigration purposes. This includes photos, communication records, joint finances, and more.
Sponsorship Undertaking is Binding
When you sign a sponsorship undertaking, you are legally committing to financially support the sponsored person. This obligation remains even if your relationship ends (divorce, separation) during the undertaking period.
Refused Applications & Appeals
If your sponsorship or PR application is refused, you may have the right to appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) of the Immigration and Refugee Board. An experienced immigration consultant can help you understand your options and build a strong case.
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