Independent Canadian immigration information
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Family

Family Sponsorship

Bring a spouse, partner, child or parent to Canada permanently.

Spouse ~12 months; parents ~24-36 months ~$1,205 for a spouse; ~$1,205 per parent

Overview

Canadian citizens and permanent residents aged 18+ can sponsor a spouse, common-law partner, dependent child, or — through the annual Parents and Grandparents Program lottery, or a super visa — their parents and grandparents. Sponsors sign an undertaking to support the person financially for a set number of years.

What you need

  • Sponsor is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or registered Indian, aged 18+
  • Sponsor is not in default on a previous undertaking or receiving social assistance
  • Genuine relationship evidence for spousal and partner applications
  • Minimum necessary income for parent and grandparent sponsorship

How the process runs

  1. 1

    Confirm eligibility

    Check the sponsor's status, income and undertaking history.

  2. 2

    Gather relationship proof

    Photos, chats, joint finances, travel records, statutory declarations.

  3. 3

    Submit both parts

    The sponsorship application and the PR application are filed together.

  4. 4

    Interim status

    Inland spousal applicants can request an open work permit while waiting.