Family Sponsorship
As a nation committed to family reunification and keeping loved ones together, Canada offers a range of immigration programs that allow Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor permanent residence and bring their family members to Canada.
One of Canada’s most popular immigration pathways, family sponsorship programs make it easier for citizens and permanent residents to bring their spouses and close relatives to Canada with reduced processing times, because family is important to Canadians and cannot be overlooked.
Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship
Take advantage of an accelerated 12-month processing period by sponsoring your spouse or partner for permanent residence in Canada, whether they are living in Canada with a valid temporary visa or abroad. Candidates residing in Canada may also qualify for an open work permit, providing couples with a way to manage day-to-day financial costs.
An open work permit allows the spouse or partner to work in Canada for any employer while their sponsorship application is being processed. Since Canada recognizes common-law partnerships, you may qualify to sponsor your partner if you have lived together for at least one year.
Child or Other Dependent Sponsorship
If you are immigrating to Canada, you can choose to include your children as accompanying dependents in your permanent residence application. However, if you decide not to include them, or are otherwise unable to do so, they can still join you in Canada later. Canada’s child sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their biological or adopted children under 22 years old for permanent residence, provided they are single and do not have children.
Parent or Grandparent Sponsorship
Canada’s commitment to family reunification extends to the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents through the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship program. To sponsor a parent or grandparent, citizens and permanent residents must demonstrate that they can financially support their family by meeting the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for their household size. They must also agree to provide financial support to their sponsored family members if needed. Sponsors who are unable to permanently support their parents or grandparents may be eligible for a Super Visa, a long-term multiple-entry visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
