Family Sponsorship: Reunite with Your Loved Ones in Canada

Canada believes that families belong together. The Family Class Sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their family members for Permanent Residency (PR).

If you are living in Canada, you may be able to bring your spouse, partner, children, parents, or grandparents to live with you permanently. At Come Canada, we specialize in helping families navigate the complex sponsorship process to ensure a successful reunion.

Who Can You Sponsor for Canadian PR?

There are several streams under the Family Class, depending on your relationship with the person you wish to sponsor.

Spousal, Common-Law, or Conjugal Partner Sponsorship

You can sponsor your partner regardless of whether they are living inside or outside of Canada.

Spouse: Legally married to you.

Common-Law Partner: Living with you for at least 12 consecutive months.

Conjugal Partner: In a committed relationship for at least one year but unable to live together or marry due to legal or immigration barriers.

Work Permit Bonus: Spouses living in Canada (Inland) may be eligible for an Open Work Permit while their PR application is being processed.

Dependent Child Sponsorship

You can sponsor your children to live as permanent residents in Canada if:

They are under the age of 22 and do not have a spouse or partner.

They are over 22 but depend on their parents financially due to a physical or mental condition.

Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP)

Canada offers a specific program for parents and grandparents. Because demand is high, the IRCC often uses a lottery or interest-to-sponsor system.

Note: If the PGP is closed, the Super Visa is a popular alternative, allowing parents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time.

Other Relatives (The “Lonely Canadian” Stream)

In very specific circumstances, you may sponsor an orphaned brother, sister, nephew, niece, or grandchild. You may also sponsor one relative of any age if you have no other close family members to sponsor.

Requirements for the Sponsor (You)

To be a sponsor, you must meet several criteria:

Status: You must be at least 18 years old and a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a person registered as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
Financial Commitment (The Undertaking): You must sign an “undertaking” promising to provide financial support for the basic needs of your sponsored family member for a specific period (ranging from 3 to 20 years).
Income Requirements: For some categories (like sponsoring parents), you must prove you meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) levels for the past three years.

How the Application Process Works

Check Eligibility: Ensure both the sponsor and the family member meet IRCC requirements.

Prepare the Document Checklist: Gather marriage certificates, birth certificates, and proof of relationship (photos, chats, shared assets).

Submit the Application: Most sponsorship applications are now submitted through the Permanent Residence Portal.

AOR & Processing: Once you receive the Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR), your family member will undergo medical and background checks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long does Spousal Sponsorship take?

A: Most spousal applications are processed within 10 to 12 months, though it can vary based on the complexity of the case.

Q: Can I sponsor my family if I am on Social Assistance?

A: Generally, no. You cannot sponsor family members if you are receiving social assistance for a reason other than a disability.

Q: What is the difference between Inland and Outland sponsorship?

A: Inland is for partners already living in Canada. Outland is for partners living abroad, though Outland applicants can still visit Canada during the process.

Bring Your Family Home

Reuniting with family is an emotional journey. Let us handle the paperwork while you focus on your future together.

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