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Family Sponsorship

Canada is known for its family-friendly immigration policies, making it easier for citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their loved ones. Through the Family Sponsorship Program, eligible sponsors can bring family members to live, work, and study in Canada as permanent residents. If you’re considering sponsoring a family member, this guide provides everything you need to know about the process, eligibility, and requirements.

What is Family Sponsorship?

Family Sponsorship is part of Canada’s immigration program designed to reunite families. This initiative allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor specific family members to come to Canada as permanent residents. The sponsor takes financial responsibility for the sponsored individual during their initial years in Canada.

Who Can Be Sponsored?

Under the Family Sponsorship Program, you can sponsor:

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

   • Legally married or in a long-term partnership.
   • Must prove the genuineness of the relationship through documentation.

2. Dependent Children

   • Biological or adopted children under the age of 22.
   • If over 22, they must have a physical or mental condition requiring financial support.

3. Parents and Grandparents

   • Sponsored under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP).
   • Sponsors must meet specific income thresholds.

4. Other Eligible Relatives (under certain circumstances)

   • Orphaned siblings, nephews, nieces, or grandchildren under 18.
   • A close relative if you have no other eligible family members to sponsor.

Eligibility Requirements for Sponsors

To sponsor a family member, you must:

1. Be at Least 18 Years Old
   Only adults can act as sponsors under this program.

2. Be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Registered Indian

   • Citizens living abroad must plan to reside in Canada once the sponsored family member arrives.
   • Permanent residents must be living in Canada at the time of application.

3. Meet Financial Requirements

   • Show proof of sufficient income to support your family member(s).
   • Provide an undertaking to cover their financial needs for a specific period (3–20 years, depending on the relationship).

4. Not Be Barred from Sponsorship
   You cannot sponsor someone if you:

   • Have declared bankruptcy.
   • Receive social assistance (other than disability benefits).
   • Have a criminal record related to violence.
   • Have defaulted on previous sponsorship agreements.

Application Process

1. Check Eligibility

Confirm that both you (the sponsor) and the family member you want to sponsor meet the eligibility requirements.

2. Gather Necessary Documents

Typical documents include:

• Proof of identity and relationship (e.g., birth certificates, marriage certificates).
• Financial documents to show your income.
• Immigration forms like IMM 1344 and IMM 5532.

3. Submit the Application

• Applications must be submitted to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
• Include the sponsorship forms and the permanent residence application for your family member.

4. Pay the Fees

Fees vary depending on who you are sponsoring:

• Sponsorship application fee: $75 CAD
• Principal applicant processing fee: $490 CAD
• Right of Permanent Residence Fee: $515 CAD (if applicable)

5. Wait for Processing

Processing times vary depending on the relationship and location of the applicant:

• Spouse/common-law partner: 12 months
• Parents and grandparents: 20–36 months
• Other relatives: Varies

6. Decision and Arrival

• If approved, your family member will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
• They can travel to Canada and officially become a permanent resident upon arrival.

Financial Responsibility: The Undertaking

When sponsoring a family member, you agree to an undertaking, meaning you are financially responsible for them. The duration of this responsibility depends on the relationship:

• Spouse/Partner: 3 years
• Dependent Children: 10 years or until they turn 25, whichever comes first
• Parents/Grandparents: 20 years

During this period, your sponsored family member cannot apply for social assistance unless you fail to meet their basic needs.