Comprehensive guide to sponsoring your spouse, partner, children, parents, or grandparents to Canada.
Family sponsorship allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their eligible family members for permanent residence in Canada. As a sponsor, you commit to financially support your family member for a specified period.
This is one of Canada's most important immigration pathways, reuniting tens of thousands of families each year. Unlike Express Entry, there's no points system or CRS score—eligibility is straightforward but documentation requirements are strict.
✓ Eligible Family Members:
✗ Not Eligible:
Sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residence.
Spouse
Legally married with valid marriage certificate recognized in Canada
Common-Law Partner
Lived together continuously for 12+ months in conjugal relationship
Conjugal Partner
Relationship 1+ year but can't live together due to barriers (immigration, legal)
Key Requirements:
Processing Time:
Inland (living in Canada): 12-14 months
Outland (outside Canada): 12-18 months
Costs:
• Sponsorship fee: $75
• Principal applicant fee: $490
• Right of PR fee: $515
• Total: $1,080
⚠️ Common Red Flags to Avoid:
Sponsor your biological or adopted children for permanent residence.
Who Qualifies as Dependent Child:
Key Points:
⚠️ Important:
If your child turns 22 during processing, they may age out. Apply well before they turn 21 to allow processing time. Age is "locked in" when application is received.
Sponsor your parents and grandparents for permanent residence. This program has strict income requirements and limited annual intake.
Strict Income Requirements:
Must meet Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for 3 consecutive tax years before application, at 130% of Low Income Cut-Off (LICO).
| Family Size | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | $43,082 | $45,975 | $48,167 |
| 3 persons | $52,965 | $56,518 | $59,209 |
| 4 persons | $64,306 | $68,598 | $71,890 |
| 5 persons | $72,935 | $77,817 | $81,564 |
Family size includes sponsor, co-signer (if any), sponsor's dependents, and sponsored persons.
How the Program Works:
Alternative: Super Visa
If you don't meet income requirements or can't wait for PGP lottery, consider Super Visa:
You MUST:
You CANNOT Sponsor If:
Undertaking Period (Financial Support Commitment):
During this period, if sponsored person receives social assistance, you must repay the government.
For ALL Sponsorship Applications:
Additional for Spousal/Partner Sponsorship:
Additional for Parents/Grandparents:
1. Insufficient Relationship Proof
Only providing wedding photos, no ongoing relationship evidence
2. Inconsistent Information
Dates, addresses don't match across forms and documents
3. Missing Police Certificates
Not obtaining from all countries lived 6+ months since age 18
4. Incomplete Financial Documentation
For PGP: not showing income for full 3 years
5. Not Addressing Red Flags
Large age gap, quick marriage without explanation
✓ Provide extensive timeline: first meeting → engagement → marriage → present
✓ Triple-check all forms for consistency before submission
✓ Order police certificates early (can take 2-6 months)
✓ Include Notice of Assessment + Option C for all 3 years
✓ Write detailed Letter of Explanation proactively addressing concerns
Family sponsorship applications require careful documentation and attention to detail. Our AI-powered platform can help you prepare a strong application, ensure all documents are complete, and identify potential red flags before submission.
Generated and reviewed by PRCan AI
An automated immigration analysis system trained on IRCC regulations, program guides, and official government documentation. Learn more about PRCan AI →