Overview
Canada’s Family Sponsorship Program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor close family members for Permanent Residency (PR), including:
- Spouse, common-law or conjugal partner
- Dependent children
- Parents and grandparents
Spouse or Partner Sponsorship
If you are married or in a common-law relationship with a Canadian PR or citizen, you may be eligible for PR under the spousal sponsorship program.
- Relationship must be genuine and well-documented
- Can apply inland (inside Canada) or outland (from abroad)
- Processing time: 12 months (approx.)
Parent & Grandparent Sponsorship
Sponsors must meet income requirements and commit to financially support the applicant for 20 years.
- IRCC opens an annual intake through an interest-to-sponsor form
- Option for Super Visa (temporary stay up to 5 years per visit)
Dependent Child Sponsorship
Children under 22 years old, or financially dependent due to disability, can be sponsored for PR.
- Must be biological or adopted child
- Processing time: ~12 months
Eligibility to Sponsor
- Must be 18+ years old and a Canadian citizen/PR
- Living in Canada or intend to return once family arrives
- No criminal convictions related to violence or family abuse
- Financial ability to support sponsored person (especially for parents/grandparents)
Documents Required
- Valid ID documents (passport, PR card, etc.)
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Photos, chat history, call logs (for proof of relationship)
- Proof of income (for parent/grandparent sponsorship)
- Police clearance and medical exam results
How to Apply
- Gather all documents and check eligibility
- Fill out IRCC forms (IMM 1344, IMM 5406, etc.)
- Pay the processing and biometrics fee
- Submit application online via IRCC portal
- Wait for AOR, biometric request, and final decision
Fees & Processing Time
- Spouse/Partner: CAD 1,080
- Parent/Grandparent: CAD 1,080
- Child: CAD 150
- Processing Time: 8–14 months depending on visa type
Useful Resources
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