Bring your loved ones to Canada through IRCC’s family sponsorship programs — a core pillar of Canadian immigration.
What is Family Sponsorship?
Family sponsorship allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor certain family members for permanent residence in Canada. The goal is to reunite families and allow sponsored individuals to live, work, and study in Canada permanently.
To be eligible to sponsor, you must:
● Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act
● Be 18 years of age or older
● Reside in Canada (or plan to return if sponsoring from abroad)
● Meet income and legal obligations specific to each sponsorship stream
Who Can You Sponsor?
Below is a summary of each family member you can sponsor, with links to their respective
● Spouse, Common-Law, or Conjugal Partner
Bring your husband, wife, or long-term partner to live with you permanently in Canada.
○ No minimum income required
○ Must prove the genuineness of your relationship
● Dependent Children
Sponsor your biological or adopted children who are under 22 (or over with qualifying conditions).
○ Must include proof of relationship and legal custody
● Parents and Grandparents
Bring your parents or grandparents to Canada permanently through the PGP lottery or as a Super Visa holder.
○ Minimum income requirement applies
○ Invitation-based program (PGP) or long-term visitor visa (Super Visa)
● Other Eligible Relatives
In rare cases, sponsor extended family members such as siblings, nieces/nephews, or grandchildren.
○ Only available when you have no immediate family and meet all eligibility criteria
General Sponsorship Process
1. Confirm Eligibility – Ensure both sponsor and applicant meet requirements
2. Gather Documents – Collect proof of relationship, financials, and identity
3. Submit Application – Apply through IRCC’s sponsorship portal
4. Await Processing – Monitor communication from IRCC
5. If Approved – Sponsored person becomes a permanent resident
6. Undertaking Period – Sponsor commits to supporting the family member financially for 3–20 years depending on the relationship
Unsure Where to Start with Family Sponsorship?
Whether it is sponsoring your spouse, parents, or a child, Sapra Immigration offers RCIC-led guidance to help you submit a complete and compliant application the first time.