What is Family Sponsorship?

Family Sponsorship is a Canadian immigration program that allows citizens and permanent residents to sponsor close family members to come live in Canada as permanent residents.

How Family Sponsorship Works

Sponsors agree to support the family member financially so they won’t need government assistance. Once approved, the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident of Canada.

Family Sponsorship Highlights

• Sponsors must be 18+ years old and live in Canada.

• Financial requirements vary depending on who you’re sponsoring.

• Sponsored relatives receive permanent residence with the right to work, study, and live anywhere in Canada.

Eligible Family Members

✅ Spouse or common-law/conjugal partner

✅ Dependent child (under 22, unmarried)

✅ Parents and grandparents

✅ In some cases: orphaned siblings, nieces, nephews, grandchildren

Sponsor Requirements

✅ Be a Canadian citizen or PR, aged 18+

✅ Sign a financial undertaking agreement (3–20 years depending on relationship)

✅ Meet income requirements (mainly for parents/grandparents)

✅ Cannot be bankrupt, in jail, or behind on immigration or child support payments

Application Process

1️⃣ Submit sponsorship application and permanent residence application together.

2️⃣ Pay the required fees and submit biometrics (if applicable).

3️⃣ IRCC reviews eligibility and completeness.

4️⃣ Once approved, your family member receives PR and can come to Canada.

Advantages of Family Sponsorship

✅ Reunite with loved ones permanently in Canada.

✅ Sponsored members receive PR status with full rights.

✅ No job offer or language test required for the sponsored person.

✅ Faster processing for spouses and dependent children (approx. 12 months).