Family Sponsorship Canada: Complete Guide to Reuniting with Your Loved Ones in 2026

Family sponsorship is Canada's commitment to keeping families together. As a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you have the legal right to sponsor certain family members for Canadian permanent residence, allowing them to live, work, and study in Canada. The Family Class immigration program prioritizes family reunification, recognizing that strong family connections contribute to successful immigrant integration and Canadian society as a whole.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about sponsoring family members to Canada in 2026, including eligibility requirements for sponsors and sponsored persons, the application process for spouses, partners, children, parents, and grandparents, required documentation, processing times, and financial obligations. Whether you're looking to sponsor your spouse, bring your parents to Canada, or reunite with dependent children, this guide provides the detailed information you need.

Ready to sponsor your family members? Get a free assessment to determine your eligibility and learn about the sponsorship process for your specific situation.

What is Family Sponsorship in Canada?

Family sponsorship allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor certain family members for Canadian permanent residence. As a sponsor, you make a legally binding commitment to provide financial support for your sponsored family member, ensuring they do not require social assistance from the Canadian government during the sponsorship period.

The Family Class immigration program recognizes the importance of family reunification in building strong communities. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processes Family Class applications with priority, understanding that being separated from close family members creates significant hardship for both sponsors and their relatives abroad.

Who Can You Sponsor?

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor the following family members:

Spouse or Common-Law Partner: Your legally married spouse or common-law partner (including same-sex relationships)
Conjugal Partner: A partner in a conjugal relationship with whom you cannot live due to barriers beyond your control
Dependent Children: Your biological or adopted children under age 22 (or older if dependent due to disability)
Parents and Grandparents: Your mother, father, grandmother, or grandfather
Orphaned Siblings, Nieces, Nephews, or Grandchildren: Under age 18 and not married or in a common-law relationship
Other Relatives: In exceptional cases where you have no other eligible family members to sponsor

Each category has specific requirements and processes. We'll explore each sponsorship type in detail throughout this guide.

Sponsor Eligibility Requirements

To sponsor a family member for Canadian permanent residence, you must meet specific eligibility criteria. These requirements ensure sponsors can financially support their family members and fulfill their legal obligations.

Basic Sponsor Requirements

All sponsors must meet these fundamental requirements:

Canadian Status: You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act
Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old
Residence: If you're a Canadian citizen living outside Canada, you must show you will return to Canada when your sponsored family member becomes a permanent resident. Permanent residents must live in Canada during the sponsorship period
Financial Ability: You must demonstrate you can meet the financial obligations of sponsorship (requirements vary by relationship)
Undertaking Agreement: You must sign an undertaking promising to financially support your family member for a specific period

Who Cannot Sponsor?

You are ineligible to sponsor if you:

Are in prison, jail, penitentiary, or reformatory
Did not pay alimony, child support, or a previous sponsorship debt
Declared bankruptcy and have not been discharged
Received social assistance for reasons other than disability
Were convicted of a violent criminal offense, sexual offense, or offense against a relative
Previously sponsored a spouse or partner and the sponsorship period has not ended
Are under a removal order (for permanent residents)
Were sponsored as a spouse or partner and became a permanent resident less than 5 years ago

Income Requirements for Sponsorship

Income requirements depend on who you're sponsoring. For spouse or partner sponsorship, there is no minimum income requirement (unless your spouse has dependent children from a previous relationship). For parents and grandparents, you must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the three consecutive taxation years immediately before applying.

Spousal and Partner Sponsorship

Sponsoring your spouse or partner is the most common type of family sponsorship in Canada. The process allows you to bring your legally married spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to Canada as a permanent resident.

Who Qualifies as a Spouse or Partner?

You can sponsor someone as your spouse or partner if they fall into one of these categories:

Spouse: A person you are legally married to, regardless of where the marriage took place (must be legally valid in the country where it occurred and in Canada)
Common-Law Partner: A person you have lived with in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 consecutive months
Conjugal Partner: A person with whom you have been in a conjugal relationship for at least one year but could not live together due to significant barriers (such as immigration restrictions, religious reasons, or sexual orientation)

Inland vs. Outland Spousal Sponsorship

There are two application processes for spouse and partner sponsorship:

Inland (In-Canada) Sponsorship: For couples where both the sponsor and sponsored person are living together in Canada. The sponsored person can apply for an open work permit while the application is processed. Processing time is approximately 12 months
Outland (Outside Canada) Sponsorship: For couples where the sponsored person lives outside Canada or temporarily in Canada. Can be processed while the sponsored person is in Canada as a visitor. Processing times vary by visa office but average 12 months

Required Documentation for Spouse/Partner Sponsorship

Spousal sponsorship applications require extensive documentation to prove the genuineness of your relationship:

Relationship Proof: Marriage certificate (for spouses), statutory declaration of common-law union (for common-law partners), or relationship evidence (for conjugal partners)
Cohabitation Evidence: Joint lease agreements, utility bills in both names, joint bank account statements, insurance policies listing both partners
Relationship History: Photos together spanning the relationship, travel itineraries showing trips together, communication records (emails, messages, call logs)
Social Recognition: Letters from friends and family confirming your relationship, joint event invitations, social media evidence
Financial Interdependence: Joint ownership documents, shared expenses, beneficiary designations

The strength and authenticity of your relationship documentation directly impacts application success. VisaVio helps couples compile comprehensive relationship evidence that demonstrates the genuine nature of their relationship.

Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship

The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence. Due to high demand, this program has specific application procedures and strict financial requirements.

Parents and Grandparents Program Process

The PGP typically operates through an invitation-only system:

Step 1: IRCC opens a limited interest to sponsor form submission period (usually a few weeks)
Step 2: Sponsors submit interest to sponsor forms online during the open period
Step 3: IRCC randomly selects sponsors from the pool and sends invitations to apply
Step 4: Invited sponsors have 60 days to submit complete applications
Step 5: IRCC processes applications (current processing time approximately 20-24 months)

Financial Requirements for Parents and Grandparents

Sponsors must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for three consecutive taxation years before applying. The MNI is calculated based on your family size (including yourself, sponsored persons, and any other persons you're responsible for) and is set at approximately 130% of the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO).

For 2026, the approximate minimum necessary income thresholds are:

For a family of 2 persons: CAD $46,362
For a family of 3 persons: CAD $56,970
For a family of 4 persons: CAD $69,177
For each additional person: Add approximately CAD $7,805

These amounts are updated annually. Income can come from employment, self-employment, rental income, pension income, and certain other sources. Social assistance payments do not count toward MNI.

Sponsorship Undertaking Period

When you sponsor parents or grandparents, you sign an undertaking promising to financially support them for 20 years from the date they become permanent residents. During this period, you are responsible for repaying any provincial social assistance they receive.

Super Visa Alternative

If you cannot meet PGP requirements or want to bring parents to Canada while waiting for permanent residence processing, consider the Super Visa program. This allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for up to 5 years at a time without renewing their status, valid for up to 10 years.

Dependent Children Sponsorship

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their dependent children for permanent residence. The definition of dependent child has specific age and dependency criteria.

Who Qualifies as a Dependent Child?

A dependent child is your biological or adopted child who meets one of these criteria:

Under Age 22: Your child is under 22 years old and not married or in a common-law relationship
Age 22 or Older with Disability: Your child is age 22 or older and has depended on your financial support since before age 22 due to a physical or mental condition that prevents them from supporting themselves

Adoption Requirements

If you're sponsoring an adopted child, the adoption must meet these requirements:

The adoption must have occurred before the child turned 18
The adoption must be legally recognized in the country where it took place and in Canada
The adoption was not entered into primarily for immigration purposes
You did not receive or give payment or compensation of any kind in exchange for the child (except for processing fees and legal costs)

Children Accompanying a Sponsored Parent

When you sponsor a spouse or parent, their dependent children can often be included in the same application. This streamlines the process and ensures the whole family can immigrate together.

The Family Sponsorship Application Process

The family sponsorship application process involves multiple forms, extensive documentation, and careful attention to detail. Understanding each step helps ensure application success.

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

Confirm that both you (the sponsor) and your family member (the sponsored person) meet all eligibility requirements. Review financial obligations and ensure you understand the undertaking commitment you're making.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Collect all necessary documents for both sponsor and sponsored person:

Sponsor Documents: Proof of Canadian status, income documents (NOAs, tax returns, employment letters), identity documents
Sponsored Person Documents: Passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, police certificates, medical exams, photographs
Relationship Evidence: Documentation proving your relationship to the sponsored person
Financial Documents: Proof you meet income requirements (if applicable)

Step 3: Complete Application Forms

Family sponsorship applications include multiple forms:

IMM 1344 - Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking
IMM 0008 - Generic Application Form for Canada (for sponsored person)
IMM 5406 - Additional Family Information
IMM 5669 - Schedule A - Background/Declaration
IMM 5476 - Use of a Representative (if applicable)
Relationship-specific forms (e.g., IMM 5532 for spouses/partners)

Step 4: Pay Fees and Submit Application

Pay all required fees including:

Sponsorship fee: CAD $75
Principal applicant processing fee: CAD $490
Right of Permanent Residence Fee: CAD $515
Biometrics fee: CAD $85 per person (if required)

Submit your complete application package to the appropriate IRCC office. For most family sponsorship applications, you'll mail the package to the Case Processing Centre in Mississauga, Ontario.

Step 5: Application Processing

After submission, IRCC will:

Send you an acknowledgment of receipt (typically within 2-4 weeks)
Assess the sponsor's eligibility
If sponsor is approved, transfer the application to process the sponsored person
Request medical exams and police certificates (if not already provided)
Conduct background checks and security screening
Make a final decision on the application

Processing Times

Current processing times vary by relationship and application type:

Spouse/Partner (Inland): Approximately 12 months
Spouse/Partner (Outland): Approximately 12 months (varies by visa office)
Dependent Children: Approximately 8-12 months
Parents and Grandparents: Approximately 20-24 months

Financial Obligations and Sponsorship Undertaking

When you sponsor a family member, you sign a legally binding undertaking agreement committing to financially support them. Understanding these obligations is crucial before beginning the sponsorship process.

What is a Sponsorship Undertaking?

A sponsorship undertaking is a promise you make to:

Provide financial support for your sponsored family member's basic needs
Ensure they do not need to apply for social assistance
Repay any provincial social assistance they receive during the undertaking period

Undertaking Periods by Relationship

Spouse or Partner: 3 years from the date they become a permanent resident
Dependent Child Under 22: 10 years from the date they become a permanent resident, or until they turn 25, whichever comes first
Dependent Child 22 or Older: 3 years from the date they become a permanent resident
Parent or Grandparent: 20 years from the date they become a permanent resident
Other Relatives: 10 years from the date they become a permanent resident, or until they turn 25, whichever comes first

Default on Sponsorship Obligations

If you default on your sponsorship obligations by not repaying social assistance received by your sponsored family member, you:

Cannot sponsor another family member until the debt is fully repaid
May face legal action from the provincial or federal government to recover the debt
Could impact your credit rating

These obligations remain in effect even if your circumstances change (divorce, separation, financial hardship, or changes in the sponsored person's situation).

Common Family Sponsorship Challenges and Solutions

Family sponsorship applications can face various challenges. Understanding common issues and how to address them improves application success rates.

1. Insufficient Relationship Evidence

For spousal sponsorship, weak relationship evidence is the primary cause of refusal. Ensure you provide comprehensive documentation spanning the entire relationship period, including photos, travel records, communication history, financial interdependence, and statements from friends and family who know you as a couple.

2. Previous Marriage Not Properly Dissolved

If either the sponsor or sponsored person was previously married, you must provide divorce certificates, death certificates, or annulment papers proving the previous marriage was legally ended. Failure to properly document previous marriage dissolution can result in application refusal.

3. Misrepresentation Concerns

Providing false information or omitting relevant facts constitutes misrepresentation, which can result in a five-year ban from Canada and permanent application refusal. Always provide complete, accurate information, including details about previous relationships, criminal history, refused applications, or dependent children not accompanying you.

4. Medical Inadmissibility

Sponsored family members must pass medical examinations. Medical inadmissibility can occur if the person has a health condition that might reasonably be expected to cause excessive demand on Canadian health or social services, or poses a danger to public health or safety. Some exceptions apply for dependent children and certain family members.

5. Criminal Inadmissibility

Criminal convictions can make a person inadmissible to Canada. Depending on the offense and time elapsed, you may be able to apply for criminal rehabilitation or a temporary resident permit. Consult with an immigration professional to explore options if your family member has a criminal record.

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Sponsorship

How long does family sponsorship take in Canada?

Processing times vary significantly by relationship type. Spousal and partner sponsorship typically takes approximately 12 months for both inland and outland applications. Dependent children sponsorship averages 8-12 months. Parents and grandparents sponsorship takes longer, currently averaging 20-24 months after invitation. These are approximate timelines and can vary based on application complexity, completeness, and the specific visa office processing your application.

Can I sponsor my spouse if I am on welfare or social assistance?

If you are receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability, you cannot sponsor a family member. However, if you are receiving disability benefits, you may still be eligible to sponsor. For spouse and partner sponsorship specifically, there is no minimum income requirement unless your spouse has dependent children from a previous relationship.

What happens if my sponsorship application is refused?

If your sponsorship application is refused, IRCC will provide reasons for the refusal in writing. Depending on the reason, you may be able to address the issues and reapply, or you may have the right to appeal the decision to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD). Time limits apply to filing appeals, typically 30 days from receiving the refusal decision. Contact VisaVio immediately if your application is refused to explore your options.

Can I sponsor my common-law partner if we never lived together in the same country?

To sponsor a common-law partner, you must have lived together continuously for at least 12 months in a conjugal relationship. If you have not lived together for 12 consecutive months due to barriers beyond your control (such as immigration restrictions), you may qualify to sponsor them as a conjugal partner instead. Conjugal partner sponsorship requires proving you've been in a conjugal relationship for at least one year and demonstrating the significant barriers that prevented cohabitation.

Can I include my sponsored spouse's children in the application?

Yes, when you sponsor your spouse or partner, their dependent children can be included in the same application even if the children are not your biological or adopted children. You will need to sign an undertaking for each dependent child, committing to support them financially. The children must meet the definition of dependent child (under 22 and not married or in common-law relationship, or 22+ and dependent due to disability).

Do I need to live in Canada to sponsor my family member?

If you are a permanent resident, you must live in Canada during the entire sponsorship period. If you are a Canadian citizen living outside Canada, you can still sponsor your family member, but you must demonstrate that you will return to Canada when they become a permanent resident. Evidence of intent to return includes job offers, property ownership, family ties, or other concrete plans to re-establish residence in Canada.

What is the difference between inland and outland spousal sponsorship?

Inland (in-Canada) sponsorship is for couples where both partners are currently living together in Canada. The sponsored person can apply for an open work permit while the application processes, allowing them to work in Canada during processing. Outland (outside Canada) sponsorship can be used when the sponsored person lives outside Canada or is temporarily in Canada as a visitor. Outland applications generally process at a similar speed to inland applications (approximately 12 months) and allow the sponsored person to travel more freely during processing.

Can I sponsor my parents if I don't meet the income requirement?

To sponsor parents or grandparents, you must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for three consecutive taxation years. If you don't currently meet this requirement, you can wait until you have three years of qualifying income before applying. Alternatively, your spouse or common-law partner can co-sign the sponsorship, and their income can be combined with yours to meet the threshold. Another option is the Super Visa, which allows parents to visit Canada for up to 5 years at a time without the same income requirements.

What evidence do I need to prove my relationship is genuine?

For spousal and partner sponsorship, you should provide evidence in several categories: proof of your legal relationship (marriage certificate, statutory declaration of common-law union), cohabitation evidence (joint lease, utility bills, joint bank accounts), photos together throughout your relationship, communication records (emails, messages, call logs), travel records showing trips together, joint financial commitments (insurance policies, loans, investments), and letters from friends and family confirming they know you as a couple. The key is providing comprehensive evidence spanning the duration of your relationship.

Should I hire an immigration consultant for family sponsorship?

While family sponsorship applications can be completed independently, many applicants benefit from professional assistance, especially for complex situations involving previous marriages, criminal history, medical issues, or previous refused applications. A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) like Azadeh Haidari-Garmash can help ensure your application is complete, identify potential issues before submission, compile strong relationship evidence, and represent you if complications arise. Contact us for a consultation about your specific situation.

Ready to Begin Your Family Sponsorship Journey?

Family sponsorship reunites loved ones in Canada, strengthening families and communities. With proper preparation, complete documentation, and accurate application submission, you can successfully sponsor your family members for Canadian permanent residence.

Get Expert Family Sponsorship Assistance from VisaVio

VisaVio Immigration Consultants specializes in all types of family sponsorship applications. As a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC R710392), Azadeh Haidari-Garmash has helped hundreds of Canadian citizens and permanent residents successfully reunite with their families in Canada.

Free Sponsorship Assessment

Determine your eligibility to sponsor family members and learn about the process

Start Assessment

Spouse Sponsorship Guide

Complete information on spousal and partner sponsorship requirements

Learn More

Book Consultation

Speak with an RCIC about your family sponsorship situation and strategy

Additional Family Immigration Resources

Explore more family immigration information on our website:

Spousal and Common-Law Sponsorship - Detailed guide for spouse and partner sponsorship
Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship - Complete PGP program information
Super Visa for Parents - Alternative option for extended visits
Spousal Work Permits - Work permit options for sponsored spouses
Immigration Blog - Latest family sponsorship updates and success stories
Immigration News - Breaking updates on family immigration programs
Service Fees - Transparent pricing for our professional services

About the Author: This guide was prepared by VisaVio Immigration Consultants, led by Azadeh Haidari-Garmash, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC R710392) registered with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. All information is current as of January 2026 and based on official IRCC guidelines.

Navigating Immigration with Expertise and Empathy