Family Sponsorship in Canada

 A Path to Reunite Loved Ones

Canada values family reunification and offers several immigration programs that allow Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor family members to live in the country. If you wish to sponsor a loved one—such as your spouse, children, or other eligible relatives—our team can guide you through every step. Start by completing our free online assessment, and one of our advisors will contact you to discuss your options.

What is family sponsorship?

Family sponsorship enables a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to help certain family members immigrate to Canada. This program’s purpose is to maintain family unity by allowing eligible sponsors to bring close relatives such as spouses, dependent children, or parents to Canada. While the process can be complex, it offers a direct route for families to reunite.

Who can you sponsor to come to Canada?

The family members you can sponsor depend on your legal status in Canada and your relationship to them. Generally, you may sponsor:

• Your spouse or common-law partner – If you are married or in a recognized common-law relationship, you can apply for spousal sponsorship.

• Your dependent children – This includes biological or adopted children, or those of your spouse or partner, who are under 22 years old and financially dependent.

• Your parents and grandparents – Under specific conditions, you may sponsor them for permanent residency, often through programs like the Parents & Grandparents Super Visa.

• Other relatives – In exceptional cases, you may sponsor extended family members such as siblings, if certain conditions are met.

Eligibility requirements for sponsors

To be eligible to sponsor a family member, you must:

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

• Intend to live in Canada once your sponsored relative is approved.

• Be financially able to support the sponsored person, ensuring they will not need social assistance.

• Meet minimum income requirements based on the number of dependents you support.

Certain individuals are ineligible to sponsor due to financial, legal, or immigration-related reasons.

Who cannot sponsor a relative?

You may not be eligible to sponsor if:

• You owe debts to the Canadian government, such as unpaid student loans or taxes.

• You are a permanent resident living outside Canada, unless your relative is already in Canada with valid temporary status.

• You have been convicted of certain crimes or have a criminal record.

• You have previously sponsored relatives but failed to meet your financial obligations toward them.

Processing times for family sponsorship

The time required to process a sponsorship application varies based on the country of origin of the sponsored family member and the complexity of the file. In general, it can take 12 to 24 months, though timelines can change. Always check the most up-to-date information from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Sponsorship in Quebec

If you live in Quebec, the process differs because the province has its own immigration agreement with the federal government. You must first receive approval from the Quebec government before your sponsorship application proceeds to federal review. This step includes proving your ability to financially support your sponsored relative and may involve additional provincial requirements.

Once approved by Quebec, your application will be sent to the federal authorities for final processing.

Bringing families together in Canada

Family sponsorship is a powerful way to reunite with loved ones, but it comes with strict eligibility requirements. Whether you are the sponsor or the applicant, our team can guide you through each stage to maximize your chances of success.