Canada’s family sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor eligible family members to become permanent residents. The processing time and requirements vary depending on the type of family sponsorship.
Processing Time for Family Sponsorship
Processing times depend on factors such as application completeness, background checks, and country of residence.
- Spousal or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship (Inside or outside Canada): 12–18 months
- Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship: 24–36 months
- Dependent Child Sponsorship: 6–12 months
Processing times can change based on application volume and additional security checks.
Eligibility Requirements for the Sponsor
To sponsor a family member, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Be living in Canada (unless sponsoring a spouse as a Canadian citizen abroad)
- Demonstrate financial ability to support the sponsored person
- Not be receiving social assistance (except for disability benefits)
- Not have been convicted of certain crimes, including domestic violence or fraud
- Not have defaulted on previous sponsorship undertakings
Eligibility Requirements for the Sponsored Person
- Must be a spouse, common-law partner, dependent child, parent, or grandparent
- Must not be inadmissible to Canada due to criminal records or health issues
- Must provide required supporting documents to prove the relationship with the sponsor
Financial Requirements
- Spouses and Dependent Children: No minimum income requirement, but sponsors must show financial stability.
- Parents and Grandparents: Sponsors must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the last three years, based on family size.
- Proof of Financial Support: Tax documents, pay stubs, and bank statements.
Required Documents for Family Sponsorship
- Completed application forms
- Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, adoption papers)
- Identity documents (passports, national ID cards)
- Police clearance certificate (for the sponsored person)
- Medical exam results (for the sponsored person)
- Proof of financial support (if applicable)
Steps to Apply for Family Sponsorship
- Check eligibility for both sponsor and applicant.
- Gather required documents and complete the sponsorship and permanent residence forms.
- Pay the application fees online, including processing fees, biometric fees, and the right of permanent residence fee.
- Submit the application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Wait for IRCC processing and respond to any additional document requests.
- Complete medical and background checks for the sponsored person.
- Receive the final decision and, if approved, obtain permanent residence status.