Eligibility

To be eligible as a sponsor, you must meet the following criteria

Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
Be at least 18 years old.
Be able to financially support the family member you are sponsoring and ensure they do not rely on social assistance.
Not be in default of previous sponsorship agreements (e.g., failed to meet obligations for past sponsorship).
Not have been convicted of a serious criminal offense or been incarcerated for an extended period.

For the sponsored individual, they must

Be the spouse, common-law partner, dependent child, parent, or grandparent of the sponsor.
Meet health and security requirements, including medical exams and background checks

How to Apply

To apply for Canada Family Sponsorship, the sponsor-the Canadian citizen or permanent resident-must submit the online application form along with required application forms to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The application must be supported by a set of documents to prove the sponsor's eligibility and the relationship with the applicant. The sponsor must also prove that he can financially support the sponsored family member so that they will not become a burden to the government. After submitting the application, the family member will undergo background checks, medical exams, and other security screenings before a decision is made.

Documents

Both the sponsor and the sponsored individual must submit various documents as part of the application. Commonly required documents include

Proof of Identity: Valid passports, birth certificates, or government-issued IDs.
Relationship Documents: Marriage certificates, proof of common-law status, birth certificates for children, etc.
Proof of Financial Support: Pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and other documents to show you can support the sponsored individual.
Medical Exam: A medical exam conducted by an approved panel physician.
Criminal Background Check: Police certificates from all countries where the sponsored individual has lived for six months or more since turning 18.
Immigration Forms: Specific forms required for Family Sponsorship, which can be found on the IRCC website.

It's important to ensure that all required documents are submitted accurately to avoid delays in processing.

Application Fee

As of 2025, the application fees for Canada's Family Sponsorship program are as follows
Spouse, Common-law Partner, or Dependent Child

Sponsorship Fee: CAD $85
Principal Applicant Processing Fee: CAD $545
Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): CAD $575
Total Application Fee: CAD $1,205
Including a Dependent Child CAD $175 per child

Parent or Grandparent

Total Application Fee: CAD $1,205
Sponsorship Fee: CAD $85
Principal Applicant Processing Fee: CAD $545
Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): CAD $575

Additional Fees

Biometrics Fee: CAD $85 per person

Processing Time

The processing time varies depending on the type of family member being sponsored and where the application is processed. For example, a spouse or common-law partner's processing time usually falls between 12 to 24 months. The processing time for parent and grandparent sponsorships can extend up to 20 to 36 months or more. Processing time might be affected due to various factors, such as the completeness of the application, additional documentation, or security checks. All submitted documents should be correctly done in order not to delay the process.

Advantages

The major advantage of Family Sponsorship is that it allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring in family members in order to restore unity among their loved ones in Canada.
Permanent Residency

Sponsored family members are granted permanent residency status and can live, work, and study in Canada without time restrictions.

Social Benefits

Sponsored persons can access the healthcare system, education system, and other social services in Canada, enhancing their quality of life.

Path to Citizenship

The sponsored family member can apply for Canadian citizenship after holding permanent residency for a specific period, which is usually 3 years, and this citizenship provides full rights and responsibilities.

No Job Offer Needed

The sponsored person is not required to have a job offer, making Family Sponsorship a perfect immigration program for family reunification.

Family Sponsorship

Program Features

Eligibility

How to Apply

Documents

Application Fee

Processing Time

Advantages

Application Process

Initial Assessment

Document Preparation

Application Submission

Processing & Follow-up

Quick Overview

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PNP

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Frequently Asked Questions

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