Visa Sponsorship for Family Immigration to Canada
Canada’s immigration system strongly supports family reunification, making it possible for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor close family members for immigration. Through the Family Class Sponsorship Program, eligible sponsors can help their spouses, children, parents, or other qualifying relatives obtain permanent residency in Canada. The process involves meeting specific eligibility criteria, financial responsibilities, and legal commitments to support the sponsored individual. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the key requirements for visa sponsorship for family immigration to Canada, the application process, and what to expect once your sponsorship is approved.
Benefits of Family Sponsorship for Immigrants
- Permanent Residency: Sponsored family members can become permanent residents, granting access to work, study, and healthcare.
- Open Work Permit: In some cases—like inland spousal sponsorship—the applicant can work in Canada while their application is processed.
- Long-term Stay via Super Visa: For parents and grandparents, the Super Visa offers visits up to 10 years, with each stay lasting up to 24 months.Canadavisa.Canadian Visa Expert
Income Requirements for Sponsors
Financial stability is a must. Sponsors must prove sufficient income for the past three tax years based on household size. For example, in 2025:
| Family Size | 2024 Income | 2022 Income |
| 2 people | CA$47,549 | CA$43,082 |
| 4 people | CA$70,972 | CA$64,306 |
(Source: IRCC official thresholds)Government of Canada
In some simpler cases—like sponsoring a spouse or dependent child—income proof may not be required unless you’re also sponsoring a spouse who has dependent children.
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors
To sponsor a family to Canada, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.canadaforimmigration.comGovernment of Canada
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (or recognized under the Indian Act). Government of Canada for immigration.com
- Live in Canada, or plan to return once the sponsored person arrives (if you’re a citizen living abroad).
- Sign an undertaking—a legal promise to support your sponsored family.
- Be financially responsible and not receive social assistance (unless for a disability), ineligible due to past sponsorships, bankruptcies, or legal obligations.
Who is Eligible to Sponsor a Family Member?
- At least 18 years old.
- A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or Registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
- Must live in Canada. Citizens living abroad must intend to return when the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident. Permanent residents must reside in Canada to sponsor.
- Should not be on social assistance (unless for disability), behind on immigration loans, or convicted of disqualifying offences.
- Must enter a binding undertaking—a legal promise to support the sponsored individual financially.
What is Family Sponsorship in Canada?
Family sponsorship is a formal IRCC‐managed program that allows eligible Canadian residents to bring close relatives to Canada as permanent residents. Government of Canada, Elar Immigration. It strengthens families and supports integration into Canadian life.
Who Can Be Sponsored Under Family Class?
You can sponsor, provided the eligibility criteria are met:
| Category | Description |
| Spouse / Common-law / Conjugal Partner | Includes legally married partners, those in a continuous 12-month cohabitation in a conjugal relationship, or partners in exceptional circumstances.Government of Canada |
| Dependent Children | Biological, adopted, or step-children under age 22 without a spouse or common-law partner. |
| Parents and Grandparents | Only via the invitation-to-apply system (2025 intake is open through Oct 9). |
| Other Relatives | In specific situations—e.g., orphaned nieces, nephews, siblings—when no other family in Canada qualifies.Canadian Visa Expert, Government of Canada |
Residency and Citizenship Requirements for Sponsors
- Must reside in Canada, or if living abroad as a citizen, must intend to return. Government of Canada
- Permanent residents cannot sponsor if residing outside Canada.
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsored Family Members
Sponsored individuals must generally:
- Be admissible to Canada (health, security, criminal checks).
- Be in a genuine relationship (in cases of spouse/common-law/conjugal).
- For dependent children, meet the age and dependency rules.
- Parents and grandparents must respond to invitations and apply by the deadlines.
Medical and Criminal Record Requirements
You or your sponsored family member must pass:
- A medical examination conducted by an IRCC-approved physician to ensure no public health risk or excessive demand on Canada’s health system.
- A criminal and security check; those with serious convictions may be deemed inadmissible.
These checks are fundamental—not optional—and avoid processing delays.
Also Read More:
Types of Family Sponsorship in Canada
You may sponsor, as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (18+ and qualifying financially):
- Spouses, common-law or conjugal partners
- Dependent children
- Parents and grandparents (via PGP or Super Visa)
- In limited special cases, such as orphaned nieces/nephews, Canadian Visa Expert, Canadavisa, VisaVerge
Your obligation includes signing a binding undertaking to financially support them, including basic needs and health costs not covered publicly.
| Type | Needs Proof of | Processing Note |
| Spouse/Partner | Genuine relationship docs | May include inland/outland options |
| Dependent Child | Age (<22 or dependent due to disability) | Must clearly demonstrate dependency |
| Parents/Grandparents (PGP) | Invitation to apply, income thresholds | Lottery-based; application window/time-sensitive The Economic Times |
Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship
Canada reopened the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2025—IRCC began issuing Invitations to Apply (ITAs) starting July 28, with a deadline to submit by October 9, 2025.
To qualify, sponsors must:
- Receive an ITA.
- Meet the minimum income requirements (based on Low-Income Cut-Offs over the past 3 tax years).
- Submit complete applications before the cutoff date. Government of The Times of India
If you’re not selected in a draw, the Super Visa remains an alternative—offering extended temporary visits but not PR status.
Dependent Child Sponsorship
Dependent children under 22 qualify if they:
- Are single, and
- Depend on the sponsor (financially, physically, or because of a disability).
Even children 22+ may qualify if they’ve been financially dependent since before age 22 due to a medical condition.
There’s generally no minimum income requirement unless the child has their own dependent, which then requires meeting LICO-based thresholds.
Age and Relationship Proof for Sponsored Members
Proof must be solid and credible:
- Age: Birth certificate or passport for children. For older dependents, evidence of ongoing dependency (e.g., medical records).
- Relationship: Marriage license, joint finances, communication logs, photos, and affidavits—for spouses.
For conjugal partners, extra explanations are required to demonstrate a genuine relationship where cohabitation wasn’t possible.
Duration of Sponsorship Obligation
In Canada’s family sponsorship program, sponsors must sign a binding undertaking—an agreement to financially support their relative. The duration of this obligation differs by relationship:
| Relationship | Undertaking Duration |
| Spouse, common-law, conjugal | 3 years from the day they become permanent residents, Government of Canada |
| Dependent child under 22 | 10 years or until age 25 (whichever is earlier), Government of Canada |
| Dependent child over 22 | 3 years Government of Canada |
This responsibility persists even if the relationship ends or circumstances change. And remember: if your sponsored relative receives social assistance, you’ll be required to repay those amounts. Government of Canada
Financial Support Commitment
Being a sponsor means more than paperwork. You must confirm that your family won’t rely on government assistance.
Key financial conditions:
- Be at least 18 years old and be one of:
- A Canadian citizen
- A permanent resident living in Canada
- A person registered under the Indian Act
- A Canadian citizen
- Not receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability, Government of Canada
- For parents/grandparents: meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) threshold, based on your family size and previous tax years—e.g., in 2025, income requirements for a family of 4 ranged between $64,306 (2022) to $70,972 (2024).
If your income doesn’t meet the MNI, a co-sponsor (like your partner) can help combine incomes.
Required Documents for Family Sponsorship
Submit two main package sets: one establishing your sponsorship commitment, and another for permanent residency by the applicant.
Financial Proofs Required for Sponsorship
Documents you’ll likely need include:
- Notices of Assessment (NOA) or tax returns for the past three years (for parent/grandparent sponsorship)
- Proof of income (e.g., pay stubs, employment letters)
- Bank statements or financial asset summaries
- Undersigned Undertaking Agreement promising financial support Government of Canada
Immigration Application and Supporting Documents
- Completed and signed sponsorship forms
- Permanent residence forms for the sponsored person
- Identity documents (passport, birth certificate)
- Relationship evidence (marriage certificate, photos, communication logs)
- Police certificates and medical exams (if required)
- Fee payment confirmations, Canada Immigration Services, immigrationdirect.ca
Application Process for Family Sponsorship
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Prepare both applications:
- Sponsorship application (your eligibility & undertaking)
- Permanent residence application (for your relative) immigrationdirect.
- Sponsorship application (your eligibility & undertaking)
- Send both packages—inside or outside Canada—depending on the applicant’s location.
- A Case Processing Centre (CPC)—Mississauga (outside Canada) or Vegreville (inside)—reviews your application for completeness. Incomplete forms may be returned for correction. Canada Immigration Services immigrationdirect.ca
- If eligible, CPC forwards the completed application to a visa office via the immigration system; if not, they may issue a “not met” decision or allow you to discontinue.
- Processing times vary. Spouses, partners, and dependent children applications are prioritized—with IRCC aiming to process 80% within 12 months. More complex cases (security, criminal histories, relationship authenticity concerns) may take longer.
- Once approved, your sponsored family member becomes a permanent resident in Canada—ready to live, study, and work.
FAQ
Who can sponsor a family member to Canada?
Canadian citizens, permanent residents living in Canada, or individuals registered under the Indian Act who are at least 18 and not receiving non-disability social assistance.
What family members can I sponsor?
- Spouse, common-law, or conjugal partners
- Dependent children (under 22, or over 22 with a disability)
- Parents and grandparents (special program)
- In specific cases, adopted children or relatives are under the “Lonely Canadians” provisions of Canada for immigration.comElar Immigration Government of Canada
What are the financial requirements for sponsorship?
- Provide for basic needs, avoid government social assistance
- For parent/grandparent sponsorship: meet Minimum Necessary Income (based on size and past 3 years of tax returns), Government of Canada
What documents are required for family sponsorship?
- Signed sponsorship and permanent residence forms
- Undertaking agreement
- Identity and relationship proof
- Financial documents (tax returns, pay stubs)
- Police checks, medical exam, fees paid, Canada Immigration Services, immigrationdirect. Government of Canada
How long does the sponsorship process take?
IRCC targets 80% of spouse/partner/child sponsorships processed within 12 months. However, processing time extends significantly for complex or non-routine cases.