Canada’s Family Class remains the second largest category in its immigration system, playing a key role in family reunification. Canada aims to welcome tens of thousands of newcomers each year through family sponsorship. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is committed to reuniting families.
This overview outlines who can sponsor, who can be sponsored, the conditions, and how Quebec differs from the rest of Canada.
On This Page You Will Find:
- Who Can Sponsor a Family Member
- Who You Can Sponsor
- Definitions of Relationships
- Spousal Open Work Permit Rules
- Sponsorship Obligations
- Sponsorship from Outside Canada
- Quebec Sponsorship Process
- Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for Family Sponsorship
- Frequently Asked Questions
Who Can Sponsor a Family Member?
To sponsor a family member, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a person registered as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act
- Reside in Canada (or plan to return if sponsoring a spouse, partner, or dependent child)
- Sign an agreement to financially support the sponsored person and ensure they do not rely on social assistance
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Who You Can Sponsor
- Your spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner
- Your dependent children
- Your parents or grandparents
- One other relative of any age, but only in specific circumstances
- Certain accompanying relatives of those listed above
Definitions of Relationships
- Spouse: Legally married partner
- Common-law partner: Lived together in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 continuous months
- Conjugal partner: In a committed relationship for at least one year, but unable to live together due to circumstances beyond your control (such as immigration barriers)
- Dependent child: Under 22 and unmarried, or over 22 and financially dependent due to a physical or mental condition
Spousal Open Work Permit
Spouses or common-law partners being sponsored from inside Canada may be eligible for an open work permit if they:
- Are in a genuine relationship with their sponsor
- Live with the sponsor in Canada
- Have submitted a permanent residence application and received an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR)
- Maintain temporary resident status while waiting for approval
Sponsorship Obligations
Sponsors must sign a legal undertaking to financially support their family member and repay any social assistance received by the sponsored person. Duration varies by relationship:
- Spouse or partner: 3 years
- Dependent child under 22: 10 years or until age 25, whichever comes first
- Dependent child over 22: 3 years
- Parents or grandparents: 20 years
- Other relatives: 10 years
The obligation continues even if the sponsor’s circumstances change, such as separation, divorce, or loss of income.
Sponsorship from Outside Canada
Canadian citizens living abroad can sponsor their spouse, partner, or dependent child as long as they plan to return to Canada when their sponsored family member becomes a permanent resident.
Permanent residents must live in Canada during the sponsorship process and cannot sponsor family members while living abroad.
Sponsorship in Quebec
If you live in Quebec, you must meet additional provincial requirements. These include:
- Signing an undertaking with the provincial government
- Completing a “welcome and integration plan” for sponsored persons aged 18 to 55
- Helping the sponsored person access services in French and integrate into Quebec society
Quebec also sets its own durations for sponsorship obligations, which may differ from federal timelines.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for Family Sponsorship
- Check your eligibility: Make sure you meet the requirements to sponsor a relative under Canadian law.
- Choose the correct application package: Use IRCC’s online tools to download the correct forms for your situation (e.g. spousal sponsorship, parent sponsorship).
- Gather supporting documents: This includes proof of relationship, financial documents, identification, and any required translations.
- Pay the required fees: Pay your application fees online and keep the receipt.
- Submit your application: Send your application package to the address listed in the instruction guide. For Quebec, submit both federal and provincial forms.
- Wait for confirmation: IRCC will send an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) once your application has been received.
- Respond to any requests: IRCC may request biometrics, medical exams, or further information.
- Track your application: Use IRCC’s online system to track the progress of your sponsorship case.
- Receive a decision: Once approved, your family member will receive permanent residence documents and, if outside Canada, instructions to travel.
FAQ: Family Sponsorship Immigration
Who is eligible to sponsor a family member to Canada?
You must be at least 18 years old and a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered under the Indian Act. You must commit to supporting the family member financially.
Can I sponsor my spouse if I live outside Canada?
Yes, if you are a Canadian citizen and can prove you will return to Canada once your spouse becomes a permanent resident. Permanent residents must apply from inside Canada.
What is the Spousal Open Work Permit?
It allows sponsored spouses or partners living in Canada to work while their permanent residence application is being processed. They must maintain temporary resident status.
How long does the sponsorship obligation last?
It varies: 3 years for spouses, 10 years for children under 22, 20 years for parents, and 10 years for other relatives. Quebec may have different timelines.
Can I sponsor any relative if I have no other family?
Yes, in exceptional cases where you have no spouse, partner, child, or parent to sponsor, you may sponsor one relative of any age or relationship.