Family · Canada

Family Sponsorship

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouse, common-law or conjugal partner, dependent children, parents and grandparents, or other eligible relatives to become permanent residents of Canada.

Processing

1–2 years

Where

Canada

Official fee

CA$490

Updated

May 2026

Overview

Best for: Sponsor your spouse, partner, children, parents or grandparents for PR

Program Overview

The Family Sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor eligible family members to become permanent residents of Canada. This includes sponsoring your spouse, common-law or conjugal partner, dependent children, parents, and grandparents. As a sponsor, you agree to support the sponsored person financially for a specific period.

Key Benefits

Reunite with your family in Canada
Sponsored persons receive full permanent residency
Spousal sponsorship can be done from within or outside Canada
Spouse open work permit available during processing
No language or education requirements for the sponsored person (for spouse/dependent children)
Super Visa option for parents/grandparents to visit for up to 5 years while awaiting sponsorship

Eligibility

You must meet every required item below. A licensed consultant can confirm your fit in minutes.

family tie

Genuine RelationshipGenuine relationship proof required
You must prove the relationship is genuine and not entered into primarily for immigration purposes. IRCC may interview you and your family member.

Funds

Minimum Necessary Income (MNI)MNI for 3 years (parents/grandparents)
For parents/grandparents sponsorship, you must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for 3 consecutive tax years. For spouse/partner sponsorship, there is no minimum income requirement but you must sign an undertaking.

Other requirements

Sponsor EligibilityCanadian citizen or PR, 18+
You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, at least 18 years old, and living in Canada (or planning to return when the sponsored person arrives).
Undertaking Period3-20 years depending on category
Sponsors must sign an undertaking to financially support the sponsored person: 3 years for spouse/partner, 10 years for dependent children, 20 years for parents/grandparents.

Process

Typical processing time: 1–2 years.

Determine Eligibility
Ensure you meet the sponsor requirements and that your family member is an eligible sponsored person.
1–7 days
Gather Documents
Collect all required documents including identity, relationship proof, financial documents, and photos.
2–9 weeks
Submit Joint Application
Submit the sponsorship application (sponsor) and the PR application (sponsored person) together as a combined package.
1–7 days
Processing
IRCC processes the sponsorship and PR applications. Spousal applications: ~12 months. Parents/grandparents: ~20-24 months.
1–2 years
Decision & Landing
If approved, the sponsored person receives COPR and enters/remains in Canada as a permanent resident.
1–3 months

Fees & costs

Paid to the government and third parties. Our professional fee is separate and fixed upfront.

Fee	Per	Amount
Sponsorship Application Fee	applicant	CA$75
PR Processing Fee (Principal)	applicant	CA$490
Right of Permanent Residence Fee	applicant	CA$515
Biometrics Fee	applicant	CA$85
Dependent Child FeeIf applicable	applicant	CA$75

Government fees change from time to time — we confirm the current amounts before you pay anything.

Family Sponsorship FAQs

Yes. You can apply for inland spousal sponsorship if your spouse is already living with you in Canada. They may also be eligible for an open work permit while the application is being processed.

IRCC targets processing spousal and common-law partner sponsorship applications within 12 months. However, processing times can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the volume of applications.

Yes, through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). The program opens for new applications at specific times each year (usually by lottery/intake). You must meet the Minimum Necessary Income for 3 consecutive tax years.