Canada offers several immigration programs that allow family members to reunite with their loved ones. Whether you are looking to bring a spouse, children, parents, or other relatives, here are the best ways to do so.
Family Sponsorship Program
Canada’s Family Sponsorship Program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor close family members for permanent residency.
Who Can Be Sponsored?
- Spouse or Common-Law Partner (Inside or outside Canada)
- Dependent Children (Under 22 years old and financially dependent)
- Parents and Grandparents (Through the Parents and Grandparents Program – PGP or Super Visa)
- In some cases, other relatives (e.g., orphaned siblings, nieces, or nephews under 18)
Requirements for the Sponsor:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Must sign a financial agreement to support the sponsored person for a specific period
- For parents and grandparents, must meet the minimum income requirement (LICO)
Processing Time:
- Spousal Sponsorship: 12 months on average
- Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP): Can take 2+ years due to high demand
Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents
The Super Visa is a long-term multiple-entry visa designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or PR holders. It allows them to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit, with a validity of up to 10 years.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or PR holder
- Must pass a medical exam and purchase private health insurance (covering at least $100,000 CAD for one year)
- The sponsor must meet the LICO financial requirement
Processing Time: Around 8 weeks, depending on the country of application.
Express Entry – Family Members as Dependents
If you are applying for permanent residence through Express Entry, you can include your spouse and dependent children in your application.
- Spouse/Common-Law Partner: Can be included in your PR application
- Dependent Children: Must be under 22 years old and unmarried
Refugee Sponsorship (Group of Five Program)
If your family members are refugees, they may be eligible for sponsorship under Canada’s Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program.
Who Can Apply?
- People facing persecution in their home country due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group
- The sponsor (a group of five or a community organization) must provide financial and settlement support for one year
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for Family Members
Some Canadian provinces allow family sponsorship through their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).
For example, in provinces like:
- Manitoba – You can sponsor close relatives for nomination under the Manitoba PNP
- Saskatchewan – Offers a Family Member Category under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) for Family Visits
If your family members are not eligible for permanent residence, they can apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) (also called a Visitor Visa) to visit Canada for up to 6 months.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must prove strong ties to their home country (e.g., job, assets, family)
- Must show sufficient funds for their stay
- May require an invitation letter from their relative in Canada
Processing Time: Around 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the country.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Option
| Method | Best for | Processing Time | Residency Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spousal Sponsorship | Spouse/Common-law partner | ~12 months | Permanent Resident |
| Parents & Grandparents Sponsorship (PGP) | Parents & grandparents | ~2+ years | Permanent Resident |
| Super Visa | Parents & grandparents | ~8 weeks | Long-term Visit (5 years per stay) |
| Express Entry (as dependents) | Spouse & children | 6 months | Permanent Resident |
| PNP Family Streams | Close relatives | Varies by province | Permanent Resident |
| Visitor Visa (TRV) | Short-term visits | 4-8 weeks | Temporary Stay (6 months) |
If you are looking for permanent family reunification, then Family Sponsorship or Express Entry with dependents are the best options. However, if you need a faster solution, then the Super Visa or a Temporary Resident Visa might be ideal.