Family Sponsorship
Reunite with your spouse, partner, children, or parents in Canada
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor eligible family members for permanent residence in Canada. The Family Class sponsorship program is designed to keep families together and is one of the most important pillars of Canada's immigration system. Sponsors must meet income requirements and agree to financially support the sponsored person for a defined period.
Program Streams
Spouse, Common-Law & Conjugal Partner Sponsorship
Canadian citizens and PRs can sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner. The sponsored person can apply for an open work permit while the PR application is in process. Processing times vary depending on whether the applicant is inside or outside Canada.
Dependent Children
Dependent children under 22 years of age (or older if financially dependent due to a physical or mental condition) can be sponsored for permanent residence. Children can be included in a parent's PR application or sponsored separately.
Parents and Grandparents
Canadian citizens and PRs can apply to sponsor their parents and grandparents through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). Intake is managed through an annual expression of interest process. The Super Visa is an alternative for extended visits of up to five years.
Key Facts
- Sponsors must meet minimum income thresholds (LICO) for most categories
- Undertaking period: 3 years for spouses/partners; 10 years for parents/grandparents
- Sponsored spouses inside Canada may receive an open work permit within weeks
- Misrepresentation in a sponsorship application can result in a five-year ban
- Previous sponsorship undertakings in default may affect eligibility to sponsor again