Who Can You Sponsor?
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor eligible family members to come to Canada as permanent residents. The main categories include:
- Spouses and common-law partners
- Dependent children (under 22 and unmarried)
- Parents and grandparents
- Orphaned relatives (brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, grandchildren) in limited circumstances
Sponsorship Requirements
To sponsor a family member, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian under the Indian Act
- Be able to provide for the basic needs of the sponsored person(s) for the duration of the undertaking
- Not be in default of a previous sponsorship undertaking, bankrupt, or convicted of certain offences
Spousal Sponsorship Timelines
Spousal sponsorship processing times vary depending on whether your partner is inside or outside Canada. Inland applications (partner already in Canada) typically take 10–12 months, while overseas applications can take 12–24 months depending on the visa office.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Insufficient proof of genuine relationship: IRCC scrutinizes spousal applications for genuineness. Provide comprehensive evidence — photos, communications, shared financial documents, and affidavits.
- Incomplete forms: Missing information or documents causes delays and can lead to refusal.
- Income miscalculation for parents/grandparents: The Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) requirement for parents and grandparents sponsorship is strict. Calculate carefully for the 20-year undertaking.
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
The PGP operates on an invitation-based system. IRCC opens the interest-to-sponsor form periodically and invites potential sponsors to apply. The 2026 intake continues to use the 2020 pool of interested sponsors. If you submitted an interest form in 2020, monitor for an invitation.
How We Can Help
Family sponsorship is deeply personal, and mistakes can mean months of separation. Our team has guided thousands of families through this process. We'll help you build a complete, compelling application and avoid the common errors that cause delays.