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Family Sponsorship in Canada

Family Sponsorship allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence. Applications are assessed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), based on Canadian residence, financial obligations, and compliance with Canadian immigration law.

Each application is unique, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances and the evidence provided. We guide clients through each stage of the Family Sponsorship process, offering experienced legal advice to help present applications clearly and accurately.

Official resources:

Learn about who can sponsor family members and the eligibility criteria. Visit the IRCC Family Sponsorship Eligibility Guide.

Learn how to prepare and submit a Family Sponsorship application. Visit the IRCC Family Sponsorship Application Guide.

What is Family Sponsorship in Canada?

Family Sponsorship is for Canadian citizens and permanent residents aged 18 or older who wish to bring eligible family members to Canada as permanent residents.

Eligible family members may include:

  1. Spouse or common-law partner
  2. Dependent children
  3. Parents and grandparents
  4. Other eligible relatives under specific circumstances

Sponsorship allows IRCC to determine eligibility for both the sponsor and the family member. Legal guidance can help complete your application and verify compliance with IRCC procedures.

Who Can Submit a Family Sponsorship Application

To sponsor a family member, you must:

  1. Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
  2. Be at least 18 years of age
  3. Reside in Canada (or intend to return to Canada if sponsoring from abroad as a Canadian citizen)
  4. Meet income requirements (such as for sponsoring parents and grandparents)
  5. Not be receiving social assistance (except for disability)
  6. Sign a binding undertaking to financially support the sponsored person

You may not be eligible to sponsor if you:

  1. Were sponsored by a spouse or partner and became a permanent resident less than five years ago
  2. Sponsored a previous spouse or partner who became a permanent resident less than three years ago
  3. Are in default of a previous sponsorship
  4. Are undergoing bankruptcy
  5. Receive social assistance for reasons other than disability
  6. Have a criminal record or are under a removal order

Legal guidance may help clarify whether your circumstances meet IRCC criteria and help you navigate eligibility nuances.

Who Can Be Sponsored?

Spouses, Common-Law Partners, and Conjugal Partners

  1. Legally married spouses
  2. Common-law partners (living together continuously for at least 12 months)
  3. Conjugal partners (in a committed relationship for at least one year but unable to live together)

Dependent Children

  1. Biological or adopted children under 22 years of age who are not married or in a common-law relationship
  2. Children over 22 years of age who have depended on parental financial support since before the age of 22 due to a physical or mental condition

Parents and Grandparents

  1. Parents and grandparents, related by blood or adoption (except for one’s in-laws)
  2. Dependent children of parents and grandparents (one’s siblings, half-siblings, or step-siblings) and their dependent children
  3. Current spouses or partners of divorced parents or grandparents.

Relatives

  1. Orphaned brother, sister, nephew, niece, or grandchild under 18 who is not married or in a common-law relationship
  2. One relative of any age if the sponsor has no other eligible family to sponsor and no close relatives in Canada

How to Submit a Family Sponsorship

Family Sponsorship generally involves two applications:

  1. Sponsorship application (submitted by the sponsor)
  2. Permanent residence application (submitted by the sponsored person)

The principal applicant (the sponsored person) will submit both applications through the Permanent Residence (PR) Portal. The sponsorship process generally involves:

  1. Completing all forms required by IRCC
  2. Providing proof of relationship (marriage certificates, photographs, financial records)
  3. Collecting identity documents, police certificates, and medical exams
  4. Paying government processing fees

Legal guidance may assist in organizing your application in accordance with IRCC requirements and deadlines.

The Sponsorship Undertaking and Financial Obligations

Sponsors must sign a legally binding undertaking agreeing to financially support the sponsored person for a specified period. The length of the undertaking varies depending on the relationship category.

During this period, sponsors are responsible for basic needs, including:

  1. Food and shelter
  2. Clothing
  3. Health needs not covered by public insurance

Failure to meet sponsorship obligations may affect future eligibility to sponsor.

The legal implications of the undertaking is an important part of the sponsorship process.

How Legal Guidance May Assist

Applying for Family Sponsorship generally involves detailed documentation, credibility assessments, and financial undertakings. Both the sponsor and the sponsored person are assessed under specific legal criteria.

Legal guidance may assist by:

  1. Reviewing sponsor eligibility and identifying potential ineligibility concerns
  2. Assessing admissibility issues affecting the sponsored person
  3. Organizing relationship evidence to address credibility requirements
  4. Explaining financial eligibility and obligations under the sponsorship undertaking
  5. Preparing written submissions where clarification may be beneficial
  6. Responding to procedural fairness concerns or interview requests

Our role is to help clients understand the process, make informed decisions, and guide them in preparing Family Sponsorship applications that comply with Canadian immigration law.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are considering applying for permanent residence in Canada or have questions about Family Sponsorship, a consultation can help clarify your options.

During a consultation at our office, our lawyer will review your circumstances, explain relevant eligibility and procedural considerations, and discuss potential next steps.

Schedule an In-Person Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can be sponsored under Family Sponsorship?

Eligibility depends on the relationship category, sponsor eligibility, and whether the sponsored person meets admissibility requirements under Canadian immigration law.

What happens if my Family Sponsorship application is refused?

If a sponsorship application is refused, there may be options such as reconsideration, reapplication, or applying through an alternative pathway, depending on the reasons for refusal and applicable law.

Do I need a lawyer to submit a permanent residence application as a Protected Person?

There is no legal requirement to retain a lawyer. However, legal guidance can help clarify eligibility, organize documentation, and navigate the process.

How long does the Family Sponsorship process take?

Processing times vary depending on factors such as the completeness of the application, inclusion of family members, and IRCC workload. Some applications may take several months to process. For up-to-date information, visit IRCC processing times.