Family Sponsorship in Canada

The Family Sponsorship Program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, children, parents, and grandparents to immigrate to Canada. This program aims to reunite families while ensuring financial support from the sponsor.

 

1. Overview of Family Sponsorship

Family Sponsorship is divided into three main categories:

Spouse, Common-law, or Conjugal Partner Sponsorship

Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship

Dependent Children and Other Relatives Sponsorship

 

2. Spouse, Common-law, and Conjugal Partner Sponsorship

Eligibility Criteria:

The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

The applicant must be a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner.

The sponsor must be at least 18 years old and financially capable of supporting their partner.

Application Process:

Submit sponsorship and PR application.

Background checks and eligibility assessment.

Interview (if required).

Approval and PR issuance.

Processing Time:

Typically 12 months

 

3. Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship

Eligibility Criteria:

The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

The sponsor must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement to support the parent or grandparent financially.

Application Process:

Submit Interest to Sponsor form.

If selected, submit sponsorship and PR application.

Background checks, medical exams, and document review.

Approval and PR issuance.

Processing Time:

Approximately 20-24 months

 

4. Dependent Children & Other Relatives Sponsorship

Eligibility Criteria:

Children must be under 22 years old and unmarried.

In some cases, siblings or relatives may be sponsored under specific conditions.

Application Process:

Submit sponsorship and PR application.

Background checks and medical exams.

Approval and PR issuance.

Processing Time:

12-24 months on average

 

5. Sponsor’s Responsibilities

The sponsor must provide financial support for 3 to 20 years, depending on the relationship.

If the sponsored family member receives government financial assistance, the sponsor must repay the amount.