Family class sponsorship in Canada enables permanent residents or citizens to sponsor their loved ones for Canadian permanent residence, facilitating family reunification. This program allows certain family members to become permanent residents, prioritizing the importance of family unity.
Who can be sponsored to come to Canada?
Spouse, Common-law Partner, or Conjugal Partner
Spouse
A spouse, regardless of gender, must fulfill the following criteria:
Be legally married to the sponsor. Be at least 18 years old.
Common-Law Partner
A common-law partner, regardless of gender, must meet these requirements:
Not be legally married to the sponsor. Be at least 18 years old. Have cohabited with the sponsor for a continuous period of at least 12 months in a conjugal relationship, without significant interruptions. Evidence of a common-law relationship may include:
Shared ownership of residential property. Joint rental or lease agreements. Utility bills in both names. Official documents reflecting the same address, such as driver’s licenses or insurance policies. Identification documents. Conjugal Partner
A conjugal partner, regardless of gender, must meet the following criteria:
Not be legally married or in a common-law relationship with the sponsor. Be at least 18 years old. Have been in a relationship with the sponsor for a minimum of one year. Reside outside Canada. Be unable to live with the sponsor in their country of residence or marry the sponsor due to substantial legal and immigration barriers, such as marital status, sexual orientation, or persecution. Choosing the Application Class
To sponsor a conjugal partner, submit an application under the Family Class, which is processed outside Canada. For sponsoring a spouse or common-law partner, the application can be filed under either the Family Class or the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class.
Parent or Grandparent Sponsorship
Canada extends its commitment to family reunification to parents and grandparents of citizens and permanent residents through this sponsorship program. Sponsors must demonstrate financial ability by meeting the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for their family size and agree to support their sponsored family members financially if necessary. Sponsors unable to provide permanent support may apply for a Super Visa, allowing parents and grandparents multiple entries into Canada over an extended period.
Child or Other Dependent Sponsorship
When immigrating to Canada, applicants can include their children as accompanying dependents on their permanent residence application. Alternatively, children not included initially or unable to be included can still join later through the child sponsorship program. Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their biological or adopted children under 22 years old for permanent residence, provided they are unmarried and childless. Children over 22 may be considered dependents if they have a physical or mental condition preventing self-support.
Eligibility Requirements of a Sponsor
To qualify as a sponsor for a family member, certain minimum eligibility criteria must be met. Eligible sponsors must:
Hold Canadian citizenship or permanent residency status.
Be at least 18 years old.
Reside in Canada or intend to return to Canada once the sponsored family member becomes a permanent resident.
Demonstrate the capability and willingness to provide for the basic financial requirements of the family member for a period of three years.