Family Sponsorship

Family reunification is a core pillar of Canadian immigration policy. If you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, you can sponsor certain family members to come to Canada as permanent residents. Our team helps families navigate the sponsorship process with care and expertise.

1. Spouse, Common-Law Partner, or Conjugal Partner

Spouse:

Legally married to you
Marriage must be valid under Canadian law and the law of the jurisdiction where it took place
Both opposite-sex and same-sex marriages are recognized

Common-Law Partner:

Living together in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 continuous months
Can be opposite-sex or same-sex
Must demonstrate cohabitation and relationship genuineness

Conjugal Partner:

In a committed relationship for at least 1 year
Unable to live together or marry due to significant legal or immigration barriers
Must prove the relationship is genuine and committed

2. Dependent Children

Under 22 years old and not married or in a common-law relationship
22 years or older if they depended on parent(s) for financial support before 22 AND are unable to be financially self-supporting due to a physical or mental condition
Includes biological, adopted, and step-children

3. Parents and Grandparents

Must meet income requirements
Limited spots available (interest to sponsor system)
Super Visa alternative available

4. Orphaned Relatives

Brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, or grandchildren who are:

Under 18 years old
Not married or in a common-law relationship
Both parents are deceased

5. Other Relatives (Lonely Canadian)

One relative of any age if you (the sponsor) have no other living relatives who could be sponsored.

Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian
Be at least 18 years old
Live in Canada (citizens can sponsor from abroad if they plan to return when sponsored person arrives)
Sign an undertaking to provide financial support
Not be receiving social assistance (except for disability)
Meet income requirements (for parents/grandparents and certain other categories)

Are in default of previous sponsorship undertakings
Are in default of court-ordered support payments
Are in bankruptcy (undischarged)
Were convicted of certain criminal offenses
Are subject to a removal order

The Sponsorship Process

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Confirm both sponsor and applicant meet all requirements.

Step 2: Choose Application Type

Inland Sponsorship:

Applicant is living in Canada with valid status
Can apply for an open work permit
Processed within Canada
Appeal rights limited to Federal Court

Outland Sponsorship:

Applicant is living outside Canada
Can also be used if applicant is in Canada but prefers this stream
Processed through visa office abroad
Full appeal rights to Immigration Appeal Division

Step 3: Gather Documents

For Sponsor:

Proof of Canadian status (citizenship certificate, PR card)
Financial documents (if required)
Employment letter and pay stubs
Tax assessments (NOA)

For Applicant:

Passport and travel documents
Birth certificate
Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Police clearance certificates
Medical examination results
Photos
Evidence of relationship genuineness

Relationship Evidence:

Wedding photos and ceremony documents
Communication history (messages, emails, call logs)
Joint financial documents (bank accounts, property)
Photos together at different times/places
Travel documents showing visits
Affidavits from family and friends
Joint leases or utility bills

Step 4: Submit Application

Submit complete sponsorship and permanent residence applications together.

Step 5: Processing

IRCC reviews:

Sponsor eligibility
Relationship genuineness
Applicant admissibility

Step 6: Decision

If approved, the sponsored person receives permanent residence.

Financial Undertaking

As a sponsor, you must sign an undertaking promising to provide for the basic needs of the sponsored person.

Undertaking Length:

Spouse/common-law partner: 3 years
Dependent child under 22: 10 years or until age 25 (whichever comes first)
Dependent child 22 or over: 3 years
Parents/grandparents: 20 years
Other relatives: 10 years

Income Requirements (Parents/Grandparents Only): Must meet Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for 3 consecutive years prior to application:

Family Size	2023 MNI
2 people	$34,254
3 people	$42,100
4 people	$51,128
5 people	$57,988
6 people	$65,400
7 people	$72,814
Each additional person	+$7,412

Amounts are before tax

Processing Times

Processing times vary by:

Type of sponsorship
Country of residence
Application completeness
Case complexity

Approximate Processing Times:

Spouse/partner (outside Canada): 10-12 months
Spouse/partner (inside Canada): 12-14 months
Parents/Grandparents: 20-24 months

Special Circumstances

Same-Sex Couples

Canada recognizes same-sex marriages and common-law partnerships for immigration purposes. Requirements are identical to opposite-sex couples.

Proxy, Telephone, Fax, and Internet Marriages

Marriages where one or both parties were not physically present may not be recognized. Exceptions exist for members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Previous Relationships

Must provide proof that previous marriages/relationships have ended (divorce certificates, death certificates).

Inadmissibility Issues

Some family members may be inadmissible due to:

Criminal record
Medical issues
Misrepresentation Our team can help address these issues through rehabilitation, TRPs, or medical mitigation.

Super Visa (Alternative for Parents/Grandparents)

If you cannot sponsor parents/grandparents due to program caps, consider the Super Visa:

Valid for up to 10 years
Multiple entries
Can stay for up to 5 years per visit
Requires private medical insurance
Must meet income requirements

How We Can Help

Our family sponsorship services include:

✓ Eligibility Assessment - Confirm sponsor and applicant eligibility ✓ Application Strategy - Choose between inland vs. outland sponsorship ✓ Document Preparation - Complete application packages ✓ Relationship Evidence - Guidance on proving genuine relationship ✓ Open Work Permits - For inland sponsorship applicants ✓ Complex Cases - Previous refusals, relationship concerns ✓ Inadmissibility Issues - Criminal, medical, or misrepresentation issues ✓ Appeals - Immigration Appeal Division representation ✓ Interview Preparation - Coaching for immigration interviews ✓ Super Visa Applications - Alternative pathway for parents/grandparents

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Insufficient relationship evidence - Provide comprehensive proof
Incomplete applications - All fields must be answered
Incorrect photos - Follow IRCC photo specifications exactly
Missing signatures - Ensure all required signatures
Not updating IRCC - Report changes in circumstances
Undeclared family members - Must declare all dependents

Document Checklist Summary

Sponsor Documents:

Proof of Canadian status
Government-issued ID
Financial documents (NOA, employment letter, pay stubs)
Sponsorship forms and undertaking

Applicant Documents:

Passport and photos
Birth certificate
Marriage certificate/divorce documents (if applicable)
Police certificates from all countries lived in 6+ months
Medical exam results
Relationship evidence