Family sponsorship.
For spouses, partners, dependent children, and parents or grandparents of Canadians and permanent residents.
At a glance
A Canadian citizen or permanent resident can sponsor a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner, and dependent children. Parents and grandparents are invitation-based with limited spots each year; the super visa is a long-stay visitor alternative.
Five steps, at a glance.
An overview of the process. Requirements change, so always check IRCC before you apply.
Check the sponsor is eligible
Sponsors must be 18+, a citizen or PR, and able to support the person they sponsor.
Check the relationship qualifies
Marriage, common-law or conjugal relationships, or dependent children, with proof.
Submit the sponsorship and PR application
Both are usually submitted together online.
Biometrics, medical and background checks
IRCC checks both the relationship and admissibility.
Decision and landing
If approved, the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident.
Who it’s for, and who it isn’t.
Usually a fit if
- Your spouse, partner or child is a citizen or PR
- You can document the relationship well
Probably not for you if
- The sponsor can’t meet the financial undertaking
- You’re sponsoring parents but haven’t been invited. Consider the super visa
What you’ll usually need.
Collect documents early, since some take months to get. Government fees change; check IRCC’s fee list for current amounts.
- Proof of relationship (certificates, photos, communication)
- Sponsor’s status document
- Passports
- Police certificates
- Medical exam
Then comes settling.
Approval is the start. Here’s what comes next.
First 30 days
SIN, bank, phone, health card, in the right order.
Housing
From a temporary stay to your first lease.
Banking
Open an account and start building credit.
Send money home
Compare what your family actually receives.
Before you land
Documents, money and a place to stay.
Choose a city
Rent, jobs and communities compared.
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