One of the most meaningful things about becoming a Canadian permanent resident or citizen is the ability to bring your family to join you. The Family Class immigration stream allows eligible Canadians to sponsor their spouses, partners, children, parents, and grandparents for permanent residence in Canada. The sections below explain who you can sponsor, the requirements, and the step-by-step process.
Who Can Be Sponsored?
Spouses and Common-Law Partners
Canadian citizens and PRs can sponsor their spouse (legally married) or common-law partner (lived together for at least 12 consecutive months). Conjugal partners who cannot live together due to exceptional circumstances may also be sponsored. This is the fastest family sponsorship category.
Dependent Children
Dependent children under 22 years old who are not married or in a common-law relationship can be sponsored. Children 22 or older may still qualify if they depend on their parents due to a physical or mental condition.
Parents and Grandparents
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) allows sponsorship of parents and grandparents for permanent residence. IRCC runs a limited intake process each year with a lottery for invitations to apply. Processing can take 2 to 4 years.
Other Relatives
In rare cases you may sponsor an orphaned brother, sister, nephew, niece, or grandchild if they are under 18 and not married. You may also sponsor one relative of any age if you have no other sponsorable relatives and no family members in Canada.
Who Can Sponsor?
To sponsor a family member you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, at least 18 years old, living in Canada (exceptions for citizens living abroad), and able to financially support the sponsored person. You must not be under a removal order, in prison, convicted of certain offences, in default of a previous sponsorship, or receiving social assistance (except for disability).
Financial Requirements for Sponsorship
You must meet a Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) threshold to sponsor parents and grandparents. For spousal and child sponsorship there is no minimum income requirement, but you must sign an undertaking agreeing to financially support the sponsored person for a period of 3 years for spouses and partners, or until the child turns 25.
How to Apply: Step by Step
Confirm Eligibility
Confirm that both you (the sponsor) and your family member (the applicant) meet all eligibility requirements. Check the IRCC website for the most current requirements as they change periodically.
Gather Documents
You will need proof of status in Canada, proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates, photos together, communication records), proof of income, police certificates from all countries lived in, and completed IRCC application forms.
Pay Application Fees
Sponsorship fees include a sponsorship fee of $75, a principal applicant processing fee of $490, a right of permanent residence fee of $500, and biometrics fees. Total fees typically range from $1,050 to $2,500 depending on how many people are included.
Submit Your Application
Spousal sponsorship applications are submitted online through IRCC. Paper-based applications are accepted for some categories. Ensure your application is complete as missing documents cause delays.
Attend Interviews if Required
IRCC may request an interview for your family member at a Canadian visa office. Not all applications require interviews. The visa office will contact your family member directly if an interview is needed.
Receive Decision and Land
If approved, your family member receives a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a permanent resident visa (if from a visa-required country). They must land in Canada before the visa expires.
Current Processing Times (2026)
Spouse or Partner Inside Canada
Approximately 12 months. While waiting, your spouse may be eligible for an open work permit allowing them to work in Canada.
Spouse or Partner Outside Canada
Approximately 12 months depending on the visa office processing the application.
Parents and Grandparents
Currently 24 to 48 months depending on the intake year. The Super Visa is a faster alternative allowing parents to visit for up to 5 years at a time.
If your parents or grandparents want to visit while waiting for permanent residence, apply for the Super Visa. It allows stays of up to 5 years per visit and can be issued within weeks.
Written and reviewed by the GuideCAN Editorial Team
Editorially reviewed against IRCC guidance. This article is general information, not immigration or legal advice.
Official sources
Official rules, fees, deadlines and program availability can change. Confirm the current details before acting.