Sponsor Your Family to Immigrate to Canada

Canada welcomes over 100,000 immigrants each year through family sponsorship. About 80% of these immigrants come through the Spouses, Partners, and Children Program, while the remaining 20% are admitted under the Parents and Grandparents Program. This comprehensive guide will help you understand how to sponsor your family for immigration to Canada.

Family reunification holds huge significance in Canada's immigration system. Since the end of World War II, Canada has focused on welcoming immigrants to boost the economy, reunite families, and provide humanitarian aid. Family sponsorship is the second largest category of newcomers under Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan.

As a sponsor, you must sign a Sponsorship Agreement, committing to provide financial support for the basic needs of the sponsored person. For certain sponsorships, you must meet or exceed the Low-Income Cut-off (LICO), particularly if:

What is a Sponsorship Undertaking?

The undertaking period depends on the family member you are sponsoring at this age.

  • Spouse, common-law partner: 3 years

  • Dependent child (under 16 years): Minimum 10 years, or until age 18, whichever is longer

  • Dependent child (16 years and older): Minimum 3 years, or until age 25, whichever is longer

  • Other relatives: 10 years

How to Apply for Family Sponsorship?

Ensure You Meet Eligibility Criteria: Verify that you meet the criteria to be a sponsor.

  • Verify Relatives’ Eligibility: Ensure the relatives you intend to sponsor meet eligibility criteria.

  • Apply to IRCC and MIFI (if in Quebec): Submit your sponsorship application and the permanent residence applications of your family members together.

  • Pay the Application Fee: Ensure you pay the family sponsorship application fee.

  • Spousal or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship

  • If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you may sponsor your spouse, common-law partner (living together for at least 12 months), or conjugal partner (living outside Canada).

Eligibility Requirements for Sponsors:

Inland Sponsorship: The sponsored person is currently in Canada and can apply for a work permit once the application is in process.

Outland Sponsorship: The application is processed abroad through an embassy or consulate. The sponsored person usually waits outside Canada but may visit during the process.