A Guide to Family Sponsorship
Family sponsorship allows eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor certain family members for permanent residence in Canada. Sponsors must meet the requirements established under Canada’s immigration legislation, and the person being sponsored must qualify as an eligible member of the Family Class or another applicable immigration category.
Who Can You Sponsor?
Canadian citizens and permanent residents may be able to sponsor:
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A spouse
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A common-law partner
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A conjugal partner (in limited circumstances)
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Dependent children
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Parents and grandparents (when the program is open)
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Certain orphaned relatives
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In limited circumstances, another eligible relative
Not every family relationship qualifies under Canada’s immigration legislation, and eligibility depends on the specific requirements of each sponsorship category.
Sponsorship Requirements
To sponsor a family member, you must generally:
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Be at least 18 years of age.
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Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
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Meet the eligibility requirements to sponsor.
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Sign an undertaking to financially support the sponsored person.
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Not be prohibited from sponsoring under Canadian immigration legislation.
Some sponsorship categories, such as parents and grandparents, also require sponsors to meet minimum income requirements.
Sponsoring a Spouse or Partner
Spousal and common-law sponsorship applications require applicants to demonstrate that the relationship is genuine and was not entered into primarily for immigration purposes. Providing clear, credible and well-organized supporting documentation is one of the most important aspects of a successful application.
Sponsoring Parents and Grandparents
Parents and grandparents may be sponsored when the program is accepting applications, provided the sponsor meets the required income thresholds and signs the required undertaking. When sponsorship is unavailable, some families may wish to consider the Super Visa as an alternative temporary option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sponsor my spouse if we were married outside Canada?
Yes, provided the marriage is legally valid and recognized under Canadian immigration law.
Can I sponsor my common-law partner?
Yes, if you can demonstrate that you have lived together in a marriage-like relationship for at least 12 consecutive months.
Can I sponsor my parents?
Only when the Parents and Grandparents Program is accepting applications and you meet the income requirements.
Can my spouse work while waiting for permanent residence?
In many cases, spouses being sponsored from within Canada may be eligible to apply for an open work permit if they meet the applicable requirements.
How long does family sponsorship take?
Processing times vary depending on the sponsorship category, where the application is processed and current IRCC processing volumes.
GLG Insight
Family sponsorship applications are about more than proving a family relationship—they require applicants to demonstrate that they meet all legislative and regulatory requirements while providing credible evidence to support every aspect of the application. Whether sponsoring a spouse, common-law partner, parent or another eligible family member, submitting complete and well-organized documentation can help reduce delays, procedural fairness concerns and the risk of refusal.
Our practice includes straightforward sponsorship applications as well as complex matters involving common-law relationships, previous sponsorship refusals, excluded family members, procedural fairness concerns and other situations requiring detailed legal analysis.