Who Can Be Sponsored?
Under Canadian immigration law, you may sponsor the following relatives:
- Spouse, common-law or conjugal partner
- Dependent children (biological or adopted, under 22 years old and not married)
- Parents and grandparents (through the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program or the Super Visa program)
- Other eligible relatives in exceptional circumstances (such as orphaned siblings, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren under 18)
Who Can Sponsor?
To be eligible to sponsor, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Be living in Canada (or plan to return if sponsoring a spouse or dependent child as a citizen abroad)
- Prove the ability to financially support the sponsored family members
- Sign an undertaking agreement promising financial responsibility for the sponsored person for a specific period:
- 3 years for spouses or partners
- 10 years for parents and grandparents
- 10 years or until age 25 (whichever comes first) for dependent children
Note: You cannot sponsor someone if you’re bankrupt, in prison, under a removal order, or have failed to meet previous sponsorship obligations.
Key Steps in the Sponsorship Process
- Check Eligibility
- Confirm both the sponsor’s and applicant’s eligibility.
- Gather Documents
- Collect required identity, status, and relationship documents.
- Complete the Application
- Submit two applications together: the sponsorship application and the permanent residence application.
- Pay the Fees
- Fees include the sponsorship fee, principal applicant fee, and biometrics. As of 2025, the total cost for sponsoring a spouse is about CAD $1,135.
- Submit the Application
- Applications are submitted online or by mail depending on the type of sponsorship.
- Wait for Processing
- Processing times vary:
- Spouses/partners: ~12 months
- Parents/grandparents: ~24-36 months
- Dependent children: ~10-12 months
- Processing times vary:
Important Considerations
- Genuine Relationship: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) assesses whether relationships (especially spousal) are genuine and not entered into for immigration purposes.
- Income Requirements: For parent/grandparent sponsorships, you must meet a Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for three consecutive years prior to applying.
- Medical and Background Checks: Sponsored persons must undergo medical exams and background/security screenings.
What Happens After Sponsorship?
Once approved, your family members become permanent residents of Canada. They can live, work, and study in Canada and may apply for Canadian citizenship after fulfilling residency requirements.
