The Canadian Government is committed to keeping families together whenever possible. Canadian Family Class Sponsorship programs are some of the most generous family reunification programs in the developed world. Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents are eligible to sponsor family class members who wish to immigrate to Canada through the following programs:
Spousal and Common-Law Partner Sponsorship
A Canadian Citizen and/or Permanent Resident may sponsor a spouse, common-law partner, or Conjugal Partner for Canadian permanent residence under this program.
Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship
Canadian Citizens and/or Permanent Residents may sponsor their parents and grandparents to Canada as a Permanent Resident through this program.
Dependent Child Sponsorship
Under this program Canadian Citizens and/or Permanent Residents can sponsor their dependent and adopted children to join them in Canada. The Canadian Government has a strong commitment to keeping families together whenever possible.
Other Close Relative Sponsorship
Other close relatives who can be sponsored to Canada are orphaned brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, grandchildren. In extremely specific situations, any other relative by blood or adoption can be sponsored by Canadians.
Parent and Grandparent Super Visa
The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa allows the parents and grandparents of Canadian Citizens and/or Permanent Residents to come to Canada as visitors. The super visa is a multiple-entry visa valid for 10 years.
Family Sponsorship FAQ
Who can be included in the sponsorship application?
Under the family class sponsorship category, the following individuals can be included in the sponsored person’s application:
What does essential needs mean?
The sponsor must undertake to provide the sponsored family members with:
As a sponsor, do I/we have obligations toward the Canadian Government?
The sponsor and the sponsor’s co-signer (if applicable), are obliged to sign an undertaking with the Canadian Government promising to provide for the essential needs of the sponsored person(s) for a period of time following the arrival of the sponsored person(s) in Canada. The purpose of this agreement is to ensure that the sponsored family members do not become dependent on Canadian public welfare assistance. The undertaking, once made, cannot be cancelled, or modified by the sponsor at any time after the sponsored family members have arrived in Canada.
What If my sponsorship application is refused?
You can appeal the case to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) within 30 days of the refusal. IAD appeals are lengthy, costly and by no means guaranteed.
What is the application processing times for sponsorship applications?
It depends on which Canadian Immigration Visa Office is processing your application and the type of family member sponsored.
Will I get a refund if I withdraw my sponsorship application?
It depends on where the application is in the process
How do I withdraw my application for family sponsorship?
You can put a withdrawal request through IRCC web form. Please mention your name, your date of birth, your complete address, the date the application was sent, your client ID number (if available), the type of application (for example, sponsorship of my spouse), the reason for the withdrawal. If your sponsored relative becomes a permanent resident before IRCC get your cancellation request, the application can not be cancelled. You will have to respect your sponsorship obligations.