How to Sponsor Your Family Immigration to Canada

Family sponsorship programs exist in Canada for parents, grandparents, spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners, and children.

Under Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan, family class immigration is the second largest category of newcomers.

Canada expects to welcome 105,000 newcomers under the family class in 2022, with 25,000 coming through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) and 80,000 coming through Spouses, Partners, and Children.

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Can I participate as a sponsor?

In order to sponsor a family member, you must show Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that you are

• a citizen of Canada or a permanent resident of Canada
• 18 years old or older
• capable of supporting the sponsored person for a number of years

Who am I able to sponsor?

1. Conjugal partners, spouses, and common-law partners
2. children
3. parents
4. grandparents

Canadians can only sponsor relatives such as brothers, sisters, aunts, and uncles in very limited circumstances.

What steps should I take to sponsor my spouse or partner?

To sponsor your spouse or partner, you must be a citizen or permanent resident of the country where you are applying for sponsorship. The process for sponsoring a spouse or partner can vary depending on the country in which you are applying. In general, however, you will need to provide evidence of your relationship and financial support for your spouse or partner. You may also need to provide documents such as a birth certificate, proof of identity, and evidence of your legal status in the country.

To begin the process, you should contact the immigration agency in the country where you are applying for sponsorship to learn about the specific requirements and process for sponsoring a spouse or partner. It is a good idea to gather all of the necessary documents and information before beginning the application process, as this can help ensure that the process goes smoothly.

You and your spouse can apply as either inland or outland people applying. Inland applicants are sponsored in Canada, whereas outland applicants live outside the country. Only Canadian citizens are allowed to reside outside of Canada with their foreign spouses during the sponsorship process. Permanent residents who choose the outland option must stay in Canada and their spouse must stay outside of Canada while the application is being processed.

The application process will require you to submit the two applications listed below at the same time:

• Your sponsorship application for your spouse or partner
• The application for permanent residence of your spouse or partner

If you are an inland applicant, you may also apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) along with your application.

How do I sponsor my child for immigration to Canada?

To sponsor your child, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of 18 years of age and demonstrate that you can financially meet your basic needs as well as those of your child.

If your child is your legal or biological child, is not married, and is under the age of 22, they may be eligible for sponsorship. Children aged 22 and up may be considered dependent’s if they have a physical or mental condition that prevents them from supporting themselves and have relied on their parents for financial support since before the age of 22.

What steps should I take to sponsor my parent or grandparent?

The PGP allows parents and grandparents to be sponsored.

To be eligible as a sponsor, you must be at least 18 years old and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident during the sponsorship process. If you are a temporary resident or have a permanent residence application pending, you may not sponsor your parents or grandparents for immigration through the PGP.

You must also provide evidence of income demonstrating that you meet the necessary Minimum Necessary Income (MNI).

The application procedure, including the MNI necessary to sponsor parents and grandparents, is subject to change on a regular basis. IRCC issues application instructions on a yearly basis.

How can I sponsor my children for immigration to Canada?

To sponsor your child, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of 18 years of age and demonstrate that you can financially meet your basic requirements as well as those of your child.

If your child is your legal or biological child, is not married, and is under the age of 22, they may be eligible for sponsorship. Children aged 22 and up may be considered dependents if they have a mental or physical impairment that prohibits them from supporting themselves and have relied on their parents for financial support since before the age of 22. Read More