Family Sponsorship Canada 2025
Bring your loved ones to Canada through family class immigration. Complete guide to sponsoring spouses, children, parents, and grandparents with expert RCIC guidance.
Family Sponsorship Categories
Different family members have different requirements and processing times
Spouse/Partner Sponsorship
Sponsor your legally married spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to become a permanent resident of Canada.
Eligible Persons:
- Legally married spouse
- Common-law partner (1+ year cohabitation)
- Conjugal partner (exceptional circumstances)
Income Requirement:
No minimum income (except Quebec)
Dependent Child Sponsorship
Sponsor your biological or adopted children under 22 years old, or older if dependent due to physical or mental condition.
Eligible Persons:
- Biological child under 22
- Adopted child under 22
- Child 22+ dependent on parent
Income Requirement:
No minimum income
Parent & Grandparent Sponsorship
Sponsor your parents and grandparents through the annual lottery system with strict income requirements and long processing times.
Eligible Persons:
- Biological or adoptive parents
- Grandparents
- Must be selected in annual lottery
Income Requirement:
Meet LICO + 30% for 3 years
Other Eligible Relatives
In rare circumstances, sponsor other relatives if you have no other family members you could sponsor and meet specific conditions.
Eligible Persons:
- Orphaned relatives under 18
- Relatives if sponsor has no other family
- Must meet strict eligibility criteria
Income Requirement:
Meet LICO requirements
Sponsor Requirements
What you need to qualify as a sponsor for family class immigration
Canadian Citizen or PR
Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada (or returning to Canada if citizen living abroad).
Age Requirement
Must be at least 18 years old to sponsor a family member.
Financial Ability
Must meet income requirements (varies by category) and sign undertaking to provide financial support.
No Criminal Record
Must not have been convicted of certain offenses, especially those involving violence against family members.
Income Requirements 2024
Minimum income thresholds based on Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) for different family sizes
| Family Size | Spouse/Child (LICO) | Parent/Grandparent (LICO+30%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $29,674 | $38,576 |
| 2 persons | $36,939 | $48,021 |
| 3 persons | $45,414 | $59,038 |
| 4 persons | $55,147 | $71,691 |
| 5 persons | $62,558 | $81,325 |
| 6 persons | $70,562 | $91,731 |
| 7 persons | $78,565 | $102,135 |
Important Income Notes
- • Income must be proven for the 3 most recent tax years
- • For Parent/Grandparent Program: must meet LICO + 30% for 3 consecutive years
- • Quebec residents have different income requirements
- • Income includes sponsor and co-signer (if applicable)
Family Sponsorship Process
Step-by-step guide to sponsoring your family members
Determine Eligibility
1-2 weeksVerify that both sponsor and sponsored person meet all eligibility requirements for the specific family class category.
Gather Documents
2-6 weeksCollect all required documents including identity documents, relationship proof, financial documents, and police certificates.
Submit Application
1-2 weeksSubmit sponsorship application and permanent residence application simultaneously with all supporting documents and fees.
Application Processing
8-24 monthsIRCC processes both applications, may request additional documents, and conducts background checks and medical exams.
Decision & Landing
1-3 monthsIf approved, sponsored person receives Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and can land in Canada.
Family Sponsorship FAQ
How long is the undertaking period for family sponsorship?
The undertaking period varies by relationship: 3 years for spouse/partner and dependent children under 22; 10 years for parents and grandparents; 10 years for other eligible relatives. During this period, you're responsible for the basic needs of the sponsored person and they cannot receive social assistance.
Can I sponsor my parents if I'm not selected in the lottery?
No, you must be selected in the annual Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP) lottery to submit a sponsorship application. However, you can apply for a Super Visa for your parents, which allows them to visit Canada for up to 2 years at a time and is valid for 10 years. The Super Visa has different requirements and doesn't lead to permanent residence.
What happens if my income drops during the sponsorship process?
For spouse and dependent child sponsorship, there's no minimum income requirement, so temporary income drops usually don't affect the application. For parent/grandparent sponsorship, you must maintain the required income level throughout processing. If your income drops significantly, IRCC may refuse the application. You should notify IRCC of any major changes and consider adding a co-signer if eligible.
Can I sponsor my spouse if we got married recently?
Yes, there's no minimum marriage duration requirement. However, IRCC will assess the genuineness of your relationship more carefully for recent marriages. You'll need to provide strong evidence of your relationship including photos, communication records, joint finances, and detailed relationship history. Be prepared to explain how you met, your relationship development, and future plans together.
What if my sponsored family member is refused entry to Canada?
If your family member is refused entry at the border despite having valid immigration documents, they can request a review of the decision. Common reasons for refusal include health issues, criminal inadmissibility, or concerns about the genuineness of documents. You should contact an immigration lawyer immediately and gather all relevant documentation. The sponsored person may need to address the specific concerns before attempting re-entry.
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