Canada Family Sponsorship Complete Guide
Reunite with your loved ones in Canada through spouse, parent, and dependent children sponsorship programs with step-by-step guidance and current requirements.
Family Sponsorship Programs
Canada offers several family sponsorship categories to help Canadian citizens and permanent residents reunite with their loved ones.
Spouse/Partner Sponsorship
Most popular family reunification program
- Spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner
- No minimum income requirement
- Sponsor must be 18+ years old
- 3-year undertaking period
- Dependent children included
Parent & Grandparent Program
Bring parents and grandparents to Canada
- Parents and grandparents eligible
- Minimum income requirements apply
- 20-year undertaking period
- Invitation-only system
- Medical insurance required initially
Dependent Children Sponsorship
Sponsor your dependent children
- Children under 22 years old
- Must be unmarried and not in common-law
- Children 22+ if financially dependent due to disability
- No minimum income requirement
- Can be included in spouse application
Processing times and fees updated July 2025. Source: IRCC Family Sponsorship
Sponsor Eligibility Requirements
To sponsor a family member, you must meet these requirements as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Sponsor Requirements
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Be at least 18 years old
- Live in Canada (citizens can sponsor from abroad)
- Meet minimum income requirements (if applicable)
- Sign undertaking to provide financial support
- Not be in prison, bankruptcy, or on social assistance
- Not have sponsored someone who received social assistance
Person Being Sponsored
- Be eligible relationship (spouse, child, parent)
- Pass medical examinations
- Pass background and security checks
- Not be criminally inadmissible to Canada
- Provide required documentation
- Meet relationship requirements and prove genuineness
- Intend to live in Canada (except Quebec residents)
Minimum Income Requirements
Parent and grandparent sponsors must meet minimum income thresholds for the 3 tax years before application.
2024 Minimum Necessary Income (LICO + 30%)
Note: Spouse/partner and dependent children sponsorship has no minimum income requirement.
Income requirements updated for 2024 tax year. Applies only to parent/grandparent sponsorship. Source: IRCC Income Requirements
Family Sponsorship Application Process
Follow the specific process for your sponsorship type to ensure a successful application.
Prepare Application Package
Download forms, gather required documents, and ensure all information is accurate and complete.
Pay Government Fees
Pay $1,080 CAD in fees including sponsorship fee, principal applicant fee, and right of permanent residence fee.
Submit Application
Submit complete application package to Case Processing Centre in Mississauga, Ontario.
Sponsor Approval
IRCC reviews sponsor eligibility and approves or refuses the sponsorship application.
Principal Applicant Processing
Application forwarded to appropriate visa office for principal applicant assessment.
Interview & Decision
Attend interview if required, provide additional documents, and receive final decision.
Interest to Sponsor Form
Submit interest to sponsor form during annual intake period (usually fall).
Wait for Invitation
Wait to be randomly selected and receive invitation to apply (limited spots available).
Prepare Complete Application
Gather 3 years of tax documents, income verification, and all required forms within 60 days.
Submit Application & Fees
Submit complete package with $1,080 CAD fees before invitation deadline.
Medical & Background Checks
Parents complete medical exams and provide police clearance certificates.
Processing & Decision
IRCC processes application and makes final decision (36-48 months total).
Confirm Eligibility
Ensure child is under 22, unmarried, and financially dependent (or over 22 with disability).
Gather Documents
Collect birth certificates, adoption papers, custody documents, and proof of dependency.
Complete Application Forms
Fill out sponsorship and principal applicant forms with accurate information.
Pay Fees & Submit
Pay $150 CAD per child plus processing fees and submit complete application.
Medical Examinations
Child completes medical exams with IRCC panel physician if required.
Final Processing
IRCC reviews application and issues permanent resident visa if approved.
Required Documents Checklist
Comprehensive list of documents needed for family sponsorship applications by category.
Sponsor Documents
- Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residence
- Government-issued photo identification
- Option C printout or Notice of Assessment (3 years)
- Employment letter and pay stubs
- Bank statements and financial documents
- Marriage certificate (if married)
- Birth certificates of dependent children
- Divorce decree (if previously married)
Principal Applicant Documents
- Passport biographical pages
- Birth certificate with English/French translation
- Marriage certificate (for spouse sponsorship)
- Divorce/death certificates (if applicable)
- Police clearance certificates (all countries lived 6+ months)
- Medical examination results
- Photos meeting IRCC specifications
- Evidence of relationship with sponsor
Relationship Evidence
- Joint bank account statements
- Joint lease or mortgage documents
- Joint utility bills and insurance policies
- Photos together spanning relationship period
- Communication records (emails, messages, calls)
- Travel documents showing visits
- Statements from family and friends
- Evidence of shared social activities
Additional for Parent/Grandparent
- Birth certificate showing parent-child relationship
- Adoption documents (if applicable)
- Notice of Assessment for 3 consecutive years
- Employment insurance statements
- T4 slips for 3 years
- Private health insurance confirmation
- Invitation letter from IRCC
- Completed financial evaluation form
Quebec vs Other Provinces
Quebec has a separate immigration agreement and different requirements for family sponsorship applications.
Quebec Family Sponsorship
- Much longer processing times (38-48 months)
- Two-stage process: Quebec + Federal
- Must first apply to Quebec (MIDI)
- French language requirements may apply
- Different financial requirements
- Quebec-specific forms and procedures
- Integration requirements for newcomers
- Different undertaking periods and amounts
Other Provinces
- Faster processing times (11-36 months)
- Single federal application process
- Apply directly to IRCC
- English or French language accepted
- Standard LICO income requirements
- Standard IRCC forms and procedures
- General settlement expectations
- Standard undertaking terms
Quebec has its own selection criteria under the Canada-Quebec Accord. Applicants to Quebec must meet both Quebec and federal requirements. Source: Quebec Immigration
Family Sponsorship Success Tips
Expert advice and proven strategies to strengthen your family sponsorship application and avoid common pitfalls.
Prove Genuine Relationship
Provide extensive evidence spanning your entire relationship period. Include photos, communication records, and third-party statements.
Meet Income Requirements Early
For parent sponsorship, ensure you meet income thresholds for 3 consecutive years before applying.
Complete Applications Thoroughly
Double-check all forms, provide all requested documents, and avoid leaving any fields blank or incomplete.
Translate Documents Properly
Use certified translators for non-English/French documents. Include originals and certified translations.
Maintain Communication Records
Keep detailed records of calls, messages, emails, and visits throughout the application process.
Respond Quickly to IRCC
Respond promptly to any IRCC requests for additional information or documentation to avoid delays.
Consider Medical Insurance
Arrange private health insurance for sponsored family members until they’re eligible for provincial coverage.
Plan Settlement Support
Prepare for your family member’s arrival with housing, orientation, and integration support resources.
Ready to Reunite with Your Family?
Take the first step toward bringing your loved ones to Canada with our comprehensive guidance and support.
💡 Important: Family sponsorship is a significant commitment. Ensure you understand the financial undertaking responsibilities before applying.