Canada is known worldwide for its welcoming immigration policies, especially its commitment to family reunification. Recognizing the importance of family in providing emotional support and stability, the Canadian government has made family sponsorship a core part of its immigration system. This program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring certain family members to Canada to live permanently, helping newcomers settle smoothly and thrive in their new home.
This article offers a detailed, step-by-step guide for anyone interested in sponsoring family members to join them in Canada. From understanding eligibility rules to navigating the application process, you’ll find everything you need to know here, updated with the latest information.
What is Family Sponsorship?
Family sponsorship is a special immigration program that helps Canadian citizens and permanent residents bring close family members to Canada as permanent residents. It is designed to keep families together, making it easier for newcomers to adapt and succeed in Canadian society. The emotional and social benefits of family reunification are enormous — families provide support networks that reduce loneliness, improve mental health, and foster community integration.
Who can sponsor?
To be a sponsor, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- You must be either a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or registered under the Canadian Indian Act to qualify as a sponsor.
- Reside in Canada or plan to return to Canada once the family member arrives if you currently live abroad.
- Sponsors are required to fulfill all financial commitments and legal duties outlined in the sponsorship agreement.
- Have no history of defaulting on previous sponsorships or immigration loans.
Why is family sponsorship important?
Bringing family members together supports Canada’s social and economic goals. Families promote stability, contribute to stronger communities, and help immigrants integrate faster. When newcomers have their loved ones by their side, they are more likely to find employment, learn English or French more quickly, and participate actively in Canadian life.
Types of family members eligible for sponsorship
The program covers a variety of family relationships, including spouses, dependent children, parents, grandparents, and in some cases, other relatives under special circumstances. The program is flexible, addressing the unique needs of different family types and situations.
Legal Responsibilities of a Sponsor
Sponsorship is not simply a formality. When you agree to sponsor someone, you enter into a legally binding contract with the Canadian government. This contract, called an undertaking, means you promise to provide financial support and ensure the sponsored person does not require social assistance from the government.
What does this legal promise involve?
- Financial support: You must provide for basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, and health care not covered by public insurance.
- Duration of commitment: This support obligation typically lasts for 3 years for spouses and dependent children, but for parents and grandparents, it extends up to 20 years.
- Impact of relationship changes: Even if you and the sponsored person separate or divorce, your sponsorship responsibilities remain.
- Legal consequences: Failure to meet your obligations can result in penalties, including being barred from sponsoring others in the future.
Meeting financial requirements
While there is generally no minimum income requirement when sponsoring spouses or dependent children, sponsors of parents and grandparents must demonstrate a certain level of income. This is to ensure the sponsor can financially support their relatives without them needing government aid.
Practical considerations for sponsors
Before applying, sponsors should carefully assess their ability to meet these responsibilities. Unexpected life changes such as job loss or health issues could affect your capacity to support the sponsored family member. It is important to plan realistically and maintain communication with immigration authorities throughout the sponsorship period.
Who Can You Sponsor?
Understanding exactly who qualifies under Canada’s Family Sponsorship Program is crucial to a successful application. Different family members have different eligibility criteria and application processes.
Spouse, Common-Law, or Conjugal Partner
You can sponsor a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner under the following conditions:
- Spouse: You are legally married. The marriage must be legally valid in the country where it took place and in Canada.
- A common-law partner: This is someone you have lived with in a committed, conjugal relationship continuously for at least 12 months.
- Conjugal partner: You are in a committed relationship of at least one year but have not been able to live together due to legal or immigration barriers (such as persecution or same-sex marriage restrictions).
You must provide substantial proof that the relationship is genuine and ongoing. This can include:
- Joint bank accounts or financial documents.
- Photos and communication history.
- Evidence of shared responsibilities like children or leases.
Dependent Children
Dependent children eligible for sponsorship include:
- Biological or adopted children under 22 years old.
- Children over 22 who are unable to support themselves due to physical or mental conditions and have been financially dependent since before age 22.
Children being sponsored should not be married or in a common-law partnership.
Parents and Grandparents
Sponsoring parents and grandparents comes with more strict rules due to the high volume of applications:
- Sponsors must demonstrate that their income has met the minimum required level for the last three years.
- They must submit an “Interest to Sponsor” form and wait for an invitation to apply due to annual caps.
- A 20-year undertaking is required to financially support these relatives and repay any social assistance they might receive.
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors
To sponsor a family member to Canada, you must meet specific eligibility rules set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These rules are designed to ensure that sponsors can responsibly support their relatives without the family relying on public assistance.
Age and Immigration Status
First, the sponsor must be:
- At least 18 years old (the legal age of majority in Canada).
- To sponsor someone, you must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or registered under the Canadian Indian Act.
If you are a Canadian citizen living outside Canada temporarily, you must demonstrate the intention to return to Canada when your sponsored family member becomes a permanent resident. This requirement ensures that family reunification genuinely strengthens Canadian society.
If you are a permanent resident, you need to live physically in Canada both when applying and throughout the sponsorship process. They cannot sponsor family members if they live abroad unless they become Canadian citizens first.
Proof of Income (Especially for Parents and Grandparents)
For spouses and dependent children, there is no minimum income requirement to sponsor them. However, for sponsoring parents, grandparents, and some other relatives, sponsors must prove they earn enough income to support these family members.
What does this mean in practice?
- The Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) is a threshold set by IRCC based on your family size, including the people you plan to sponsor.
- You must submit your Notices of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the past three tax years as proof of your income.
- If your spouse or common-law partner is part of the household, their income can be combined with yours to meet this requirement.
- Failure to meet income requirements results in automatic refusal of the sponsorship application.
Meeting income thresholds is crucial because parents and grandparents may need significant support, and IRCC wants to ensure they do not become a burden on social services.
No Criminal History or Defaulted Sponsorships
Sponsors cannot have:
- A current or past serious criminal record, particularly involving violence or sexual offenses.
- Previously defaulted on sponsorship obligations, meaning they failed to support a sponsored family member financially.
- Outstanding immigration loans or court-ordered family support payments unpaid.
- Declared bankruptcy without a full discharge.
These restrictions protect the integrity of the sponsorship program and ensure that sponsors are financially and legally reliable.
Residency in Canada (or Intent to Return if Living Abroad)
Sponsors must:
- Be physically living in Canada as a permanent resident or citizen when applying.
- Or, if currently living abroad but are Canadian citizens, provide proof of intent to return to Canada when the sponsored person arrives.
Proof can include:
- Job contracts in Canada.
- Housing leases or property ownership.
- Written statements or affidavits showing plans to reside in Canada.
- Other relevant documents showing genuine intent.
This residency requirement guarantees that family members reunite in Canada, maintaining social cohesion and community integration.
Sponsorship Process and Application Steps
Successfully sponsoring a family member requires following a series of well-defined steps. Each phase is important to avoid delays, rejections, or application errors.
1. Confirm Eligibility and Relationship
Before applying, make sure:
- You meet all sponsor eligibility criteria.
- The person you want to sponsor qualifies under IRCC’s family sponsorship categories.
- Your relationship is genuine and legally recognized.
This involves gathering all necessary evidence and reviewing eligibility checklists provided by IRCC.
2. Gather Required Documents
A complete application depends heavily on accurate documentation. You will need two main sets of documents:
- Sponsor Documents: Proof of Canadian status (citizenship or permanent residency), tax records, employment verification, and a signed sponsorship undertaking.
- Sponsored Person’s Documents: Identity documents, proof of relationship (marriage certificates, birth certificates, joint bank statements, photos), police certificates, and medical exam reports.
Always refer to the latest IRCC guides to ensure you collect all mandatory forms and documents specific to your family member’s situation.
3. Submit Sponsorship and Permanent Residence Applications Together
You must submit:
- The Sponsorship Application (Form IMM 1344).
- The Application for Permanent Residence (varies by category, e.g., IMM 0008).
These are typically processed in two stages:
- IRCC first reviews your eligibility as a sponsor.
- If approved, they assess the sponsored person’s permanent residence application.
Submit both applications together to avoid processing delays.
4. Pay the Required Fees
Fees must be paid online either before or during submission. They may include:
- Sponsorship fee.
- Processing fee for the sponsored person.
- Right of Permanent Residence fee.
- Biometrics fee (if applicable).
Keep all payment receipts as proof and include copies in your application package.
5. Wait for Application Processing and Decision
Processing times vary depending on:
- Type of sponsorship (spBe a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered under the Canadian Indian Act.ouse, child, parent, grandparent).
- Location of the applicant (inside or outside Canada).
- Case complexity.
You can track estimated processing times on IRCC’s official website.
During this period, IRCC may request additional documents, conduct interviews, or ask for clarifications. Respond quickly to all requests to prevent delays.
6. Medical, Criminal, and Background Checks for the Sponsored Person
As part of the permanent residence application, the sponsored person must:
- The person you are sponsoring must complete a medical exam conducted by a panel physician approved by IRCC.
- Provide police certificates from every country where they have lived six months or more since turning 18.
- Pass security and background checks to confirm admissibility.
Failure to complete these checks or failing them can lead to refusal or processing delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to sponsor a family member if I currently live outside of Canada?
Yes, but only if you are a Canadian citizen. You must show clear intent to return to Canada when your sponsored family member becomes a permanent resident.
Is there a minimum income requirement for all types of sponsorship?
No. You don’t need a minimum income when sponsoring spouses, common-law partners, or dependent children. However, minimum income is required for sponsoring parents, grandparents, and some other relatives.
Can I sponsor my sibling to come to Canada?
Generally, no, unless the sibling qualifies under special cases, such as being an orphan under 18 years old, unmarried, and not in a common-law relationship.
Can my spouse or partner work while waiting for their sponsorship to be approved?
Yes. If the application is submitted from within Canada (inland sponsorship), your spouse or partner can apply for an open work permit allowing them to work while waiting.
Conclusion
Family sponsorship is a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration system. It strengthens families, communities, and the country’s social fabric. While the process may seem complex, understanding the eligibility requirements, responsibilities, and application steps helps make the journey smoother.
Sponsors must be ready for a long-term commitment, meeting legal and financial obligations to support their loved ones. Following this guide carefully, submitting complete and honest applications, and responding promptly to requests significantly increase your chances of success.
Whether you’re sponsoring a spouse, child, or parents, Canada offers a clear path to reunite your family and build a brighter future together.