If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and want to bring certain family members to Canada, family sponsorship may be one of the most important immigration options available to you.
Canada’s family sponsorship program allows eligible Canadians to sponsor qualifying relatives for permanent residence. Depending on your family situation, you may be able to sponsor a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, dependent child, parent or grandparent, and in limited circumstances, another eligible relative.
However, Canadian family sponsorship is not one single application. Each sponsorship category has its own eligibility requirements, documents, financial responsibilities and application process.
This Canada Family Sponsorship guide explains the main pathways, including who you can sponsor, who can sponsor a family member, how the application works, financial obligations, common mistakes and important 2026 updates.
Important: Canadian immigration rules can change. Always confirm the latest requirements, forms, fees and program status with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) before submitting an application.
What Is Canada Family Sponsorship?
Canada family sponsorship is an immigration pathway that allows eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor certain family members for Canadian permanent residence.
The basic idea is straightforward: an eligible sponsor agrees to support the sponsored family member financially and help them settle in Canada.
Once approved for permanent residence, the sponsored family member can generally live, work and study in Canada, subject to the conditions of their status.
IRCC currently identifies several family sponsorship pathways, including sponsorship for:
- Spouses and partners
- Dependent children
- Parents and grandparents
- Certain other relatives
- Adopted children and eligible orphaned relatives through specific programs
The exact requirements depend on the relationship between the sponsor and the person being sponsored.
Who Can Sponsor a Family Member in Canada?
Generally, a person sponsoring a family member must meet specific requirements.
For the major spouse, partner and dependent-child sponsorship stream, the sponsor generally must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or a person registered under the Canadian Indian Act
- Live in Canada, although Canadian citizens living outside Canada may qualify if they demonstrate an intention to live in Canada when the sponsored family member becomes a permanent resident
- Sign the required sponsorship undertaking
- Meet applicable immigration requirements
Permanent residents living outside Canada generally cannot sponsor a spouse, partner or dependent child.
Additional requirements may apply depending on the person being sponsored and the sponsor’s circumstances.
For example, sponsoring parents or grandparents has additional requirements, including an invitation to apply and specific income requirements.
Who Can You Sponsor in Canada?
One of the first questions people ask is: “Who can I sponsor to Canada?”
The answer depends on your relationship with the person.
1. Spouse
A spouse is someone you are legally married to. The relationship must be genuine and not entered into primarily for Canadian immigration purposes.
The sponsored spouse must also meet Canada’s admissibility requirements.
2. Common-Law Partner
A common-law partner is generally a person with whom you have lived in a conjugal relationship continuously for at least 12 months.
You may need to provide evidence showing that the relationship is genuine and that you have lived together as required by IRCC.
3. Conjugal Partner
A conjugal partner category can apply in limited circumstances where a couple has had an exclusive and mutually interdependent relationship for at least one year but cannot marry or live together because of significant legal, immigration, social, cultural or other barriers.
This category has specific requirements and should not be treated as an alternative simply because a couple prefers not to marry or live together.
4. Dependent Children
A child may qualify as a dependent if they meet Canada’s definition of a dependent child.
Generally, a child must be under 22 and not have a spouse or common-law partner. There is an exception for certain older children who have depended substantially on their parents for financial support because of a physical or mental condition.
5. Parents and Grandparents
Canadian citizens and permanent residents may be able to sponsor their parents or grandparents through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP).
However, this program is important to check carefully before planning an application.
As of August 2026, the Parents and Grandparents Program is paused. IRCC states that it is not currently accepting new applications or new interest-to-sponsor forms, although existing applications continue to be processed.
This means you should not assume that you can submit a new parent or grandparent sponsorship application simply because you meet the general eligibility requirements.
For people who are not currently able to use the PGP, IRCC also points to the Super Visa as a possible temporary option for eligible parents and grandparents.
6. Other Relatives
Canada also has limited provisions for sponsoring certain other relatives in specific circumstances.
These situations can be more complicated because the relationship, sponsor’s family circumstances and availability of other relatives may affect eligibility.
If your intended family member is not a spouse, partner, child, parent or grandparent, carefully review the applicable IRCC category before assuming sponsorship is possible.
How Does the Canada Family Sponsorship Process Work?
Although the exact procedure varies by category, the process generally involves several major steps.
Step 1: Check Sponsor Eligibility
Before completing forms, determine whether you qualify as a sponsor.
Review your immigration status, age, residence, family relationship and any financial or legal obligations that could affect your eligibility.
This step is important because submitting an application before confirming eligibility can result in wasted time and fees.
Step 2: Confirm That Your Family Member Qualifies
The person you want to sponsor must also meet the requirements for their category.
For example, a spouse must satisfy the rules for a genuine marital relationship, while a common-law partner generally needs to demonstrate at least 12 months of qualifying cohabitation. Dependent children must satisfy the applicable definition.
Step 3: Gather Supporting Documents
Family sponsorship applications can require substantial documentation.
Depending on the case, documents may include:
- Passports and identity documents
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Divorce documents where applicable
- Proof of relationship
- Proof of common-law cohabitation
- Photographs
- Police certificates
- Medical examination information
- Immigration forms
- Financial documents
- Documents relating to previous relationships
- Evidence supporting the genuineness of the relationship
The exact document checklist depends on the sponsorship category.
Step 4: Complete the Sponsorship and Permanent Residence Applications
Family sponsorship generally involves two connected parts: the sponsor’s sponsorship application and the sponsored person’s permanent residence application.
For spouse, partner and child sponsorship, IRCC says both applications are submitted together online through the Permanent Residence Portal.
Step 5: Pay the Required Fees
Applicants generally need to pay the applicable government processing fees.
The amount depends on the type of application and may change over time. Because immigration fees are subject to change, applicants should check IRCC’s current fee information before paying.
Step 6: Biometrics, Medical and Background Checks
Depending on the application, the sponsored person and accompanying family members may need to complete biometrics, medical examinations and background or security checks.
IRCC may also request additional documents or information during processing.
Step 7: Application Processing
IRCC reviews the sponsorship application and the permanent residence application.
Processing time can vary depending on the category, application volume, completeness of the application and individual circumstances.
For that reason, applicants should check IRCC’s current processing-time information rather than relying on an old blog post or social media estimate.
What Is the Financial Responsibility of a Sponsor?
Sponsoring a family member is more than completing immigration paperwork.
A sponsor signs an undertaking, which is a legal commitment to provide financial support to the sponsored person for a specified period.
For spouse, common-law partner and conjugal partner sponsorship outside Quebec, the undertaking period is generally three years after the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident.
For dependent children, the period can vary depending on the child’s age.
The sponsor may be responsible for helping provide basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter, as well as certain health-related needs not covered by public health services.
The sponsored person is also expected to make reasonable efforts to support themselves.
A major point many new sponsors overlook is that the undertaking does not automatically disappear because circumstances change. For example, a sponsor’s job loss, financial difficulties or relationship breakdown does not necessarily end the undertaking.
Is There an Income Requirement for Family Sponsorship?
There is not one universal income requirement for every family sponsorship application.
For example, IRCC states that in most cases there is no income requirement to sponsor a spouse, partner or dependent child.
There are exceptions, including certain situations involving dependent children who themselves have dependent children. Quebec also has additional requirements.
Parents and grandparents are different.
For the Parents and Grandparents Program, sponsors must meet specific income requirements and generally demonstrate that they had sufficient income for the required tax years. A spouse or common-law partner may be able to co-sign in qualifying circumstances.
Therefore, searching for a single phrase such as “Canada family sponsorship income requirement” can be misleading. The correct income rules depend on the sponsorship category.
What Happens If You Live in Quebec?
Quebec has additional procedures for family sponsorship.
Sponsors living in Quebec may need to satisfy provincial requirements in addition to federal immigration requirements.
For spouse, partner and dependent-child sponsorship, IRCC specifically notes that Quebec has its own eligibility and undertaking requirements.
If you live in Quebec, check both the federal and provincial requirements before submitting your sponsorship application.
Common Canada Family Sponsorship Mistakes to Avoid
A family sponsorship application can be refused or delayed for many reasons. Some common problems are avoidable.
1. Assuming Every Relative Can Be Sponsored
Canadian family sponsorship is not a general program for bringing any relative to Canada.
Eligibility depends on the relationship and the specific immigration category.
2. Providing Weak Relationship Evidence
For spouse, common-law and conjugal applications, applicants need to demonstrate that the relationship meets the applicable requirements.
A marriage certificate by itself may not always tell the complete story. Depending on the circumstances, applicants may need additional evidence showing the history and genuineness of the relationship.
3. Leaving Out Family Members
This is a particularly important issue.
When applying for permanent residence, applicants generally need to declare their family members, even when those family members are not accompanying them to Canada. IRCC warns that failing to declare family members can create serious problems later.
4. Using Outdated Forms
Canadian immigration forms and procedures can change.
Always obtain the current forms and document checklist from IRCC rather than relying on a form downloaded years ago.
5. Confusing Sponsorship With a Visitor Visa
Family sponsorship is intended to lead to permanent residence for eligible applicants.
A visitor visa or Super Visa is a different immigration pathway and does not automatically provide permanent residence.
How Long Does Canada Family Sponsorship Take?
There is no single processing time for every family sponsorship application.
Processing times can vary based on the type of sponsorship, application completeness, background checks, medical requirements, document requests and IRCC workload.
Instead of relying on a fixed number of months advertised on unofficial websites, applicants should use IRCC’s current processing-time information when planning.
It is also wise to avoid making major travel, employment or financial decisions based solely on an estimated processing date.
Can a Sponsored Family Member Work in Canada?
A person who becomes a permanent resident through family sponsorship generally has the right to live, work and study in Canada as a permanent resident.
In some circumstances, a spouse or partner who is being sponsored from within Canada may also have an option to apply for an open work permit while their permanent residence application is being processed.
Eligibility and procedures can change, so applicants should verify the current rules with IRCC before applying.
Canada Family Sponsorship and Undeclared Family Members
Another important issue concerns family members who were not declared during a previous permanent residence application.
Canadian immigration law generally requires applicants to declare their family members, even when those relatives are not accompanying them.
IRCC currently has a public policy that may allow certain people to sponsor previously undeclared family members in qualifying circumstances. The current policy applies to applications received between May 31, 2019 and September 10, 2026.
Because this is a specialized situation, anyone affected should carefully review the current IRCC rules before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions About Canada Family Sponsorship
Can a permanent resident sponsor a spouse?
Yes. An eligible Canadian permanent resident may generally sponsor a spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner if the applicable requirements are met. A permanent resident must generally be living in Canada to sponsor.
Can a Canadian citizen sponsor a spouse living outside Canada?
Yes. Canadian citizens can generally sponsor an eligible spouse or partner living outside Canada, provided the sponsorship requirements are satisfied.
Can I sponsor my parents to Canada in 2026?
The Parents and Grandparents Program is currently paused as of August 2026. IRCC is not accepting new applications or interest-to-sponsor forms at this time. Existing applications continue to be processed.
Can I sponsor my brother or sister?
Not simply because they are your sibling. Other-relative sponsorship is limited and depends on specific circumstances. A sibling may sometimes be included as a dependent child in an eligible parent’s or grandparent’s application if they meet the dependent-child requirements.
Does sponsoring a family member make them a Canadian citizen?
No. Family sponsorship is generally a pathway to permanent residence, not automatic citizenship.
A permanent resident must later satisfy the requirements for Canadian citizenship if they want to apply for citizenship.