Family Sponsorship to Canada

Who you can sponsor

The main categories are a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner, dependent children, and parents and grandparents. Other relatives can only be sponsored in narrow circumstances, such as an orphaned close relative or when the sponsor has no other family in Canada.

The sponsor must be at least 18, live in Canada (citizens sponsoring a spouse may apply from abroad if they plan to return), and not be ineligible because of bankruptcy, certain convictions or a previous sponsorship default.

The undertaking — your legal promise

Sponsorship is a binding financial commitment. The sponsor signs an undertaking to support the sponsored person for a set period — three years for a spouse or partner, longer for dependent children, and twenty years for parents and grandparents.

The undertaking stays in force even if the relationship breaks down or your financial situation changes. If the sponsored person receives social assistance during that period, the government can recover the money from you.

Income requirements

For spouses, partners and dependent children there is usually no minimum income test, but you must show you are not receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability.

Parents and grandparents sponsorship is different: the sponsor must meet a minimum necessary income for the three tax years before applying, proven with Canada Revenue Agency notices of assessment.

Inland vs outland applications

Couples already living together in Canada can apply inland, which may allow the sponsored partner to get an open work permit while waiting. Outland applications are processed through the visa office responsible for the applicant's country and are often the better choice when the couple lives apart or travels frequently.

Both streams now use the same online application portal, and the document checklist is tailored to the applicant's country of residence.

Proving the relationship is genuine

Officers look for a consistent story across forms, photos, communication records, joint finances and statements from people who know the couple. A marriage certificate alone is not enough.

Large gaps in the timeline, contradictory answers between the two partners, or a relationship that seems to exist only on paper are the most common refusal triggers.

Processing and after arrival

Spousal applications are typically processed within about twelve months, though times vary by visa office. The sponsored person becomes a permanent resident on approval and can later apply for citizenship after meeting the residence requirement.

Keep the sponsorship undertaking in mind for the whole period — it is the sponsor's responsibility even after the family member becomes a permanent resident.

Frequently asked questions

Can I sponsor my spouse if I live abroad?

Canadian citizens can sponsor from abroad if they show they will return to Canada when the spouse becomes a permanent resident. Permanent residents must generally live in Canada to sponsor.

How long does spousal sponsorship take?

Most complete spousal applications are processed within about twelve months, but times vary. Check IRCC's current processing-time tool for your visa office.

Can I sponsor a brother or sister?

Only in very limited cases — for example an orphaned sibling under 18, or when you have no spouse, partner, child, parent or grandparent you could sponsor instead. Most siblings qualify through Express Entry or a provincial program instead.