Canada strongly believes in keeping families together. Through its Family Sponsorship Program, Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor eligible family members to live permanently in Canada.
Family sponsorship is one of the most popular immigration pathways, but it also has strict eligibility requirements. Many applications are refused due to misunderstandings about who can sponsor, who can be sponsored, and what responsibilities the sponsor must accept.
This guide explains family sponsorship eligibility in Canada, who qualifies, and how to apply successfully in 2026.
What Is Family Sponsorship?
Family sponsorship allows eligible Canadians to sponsor close relatives for permanent residence. The sponsor agrees to financially support the sponsored family member for a specific period.
The program ensures sponsored individuals do not rely on social assistance after arriving in Canada.
Who Can Be a Sponsor?
To sponsor a family member, you must:
Be at least 18 years old
Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Live in Canada (or plan to return)
Not be receiving social assistance (except disability)
Be financially capable of supporting the sponsored person
Sign a sponsorship undertaking
Sponsors must meet legal and financial responsibilities.
Who Can You Sponsor Under Family Sponsorship?
- Sponsoring a Spouse or Partner
You can sponsor:
A legally married spouse
A common-law partner (12 months of cohabitation)
A conjugal partner (exceptional circumstances)
Key requirements:
Genuine relationship
Proof of communication and shared life
Marriage or relationship documents
Relationship fraud is strictly assessed.
- Sponsoring Dependent Children
Eligible children must:
Be under 22 years old
Not be married or in a common-law relationship
Children over 22 may qualify if:
They have depended on parents due to disability
Both biological and adopted children are eligible with proof.
- Sponsoring Parents and Grandparents
Parents and grandparents can be sponsored through:
Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
Super Visa (temporary option)
PGP requirements include:
Meeting minimum income levels
Invitation to apply through lottery system
Longer processing times
Super Visa allows long-term visits but not PR.
- Sponsoring Other Relatives
In limited cases, you may sponsor:
Orphaned siblings, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren
One relative of any age if you have no other eligible family
These cases are rare and strictly reviewed.
Financial Requirements for Sponsors
Some sponsorship categories require proof of income.
Income depends on:
Family size
Sponsorship category
Sponsors must provide:
Notice of Assessment (NOA)
Employment letters
Tax documents
Failure to meet income requirements leads to refusal.
Sponsor Responsibilities and Undertaking
When you sponsor someone, you agree to:
Provide basic needs (food, housing, clothing)
Cover healthcare not provided by public insurance
Repay social assistance if used
Undertaking duration varies:
Spouse: 3 years
Dependent child: up to 10 years
Parents/grandparents: 20 years
This responsibility continues even if relationships change.
Common Family Sponsorship Refusal Reasons
Insufficient relationship proof
Incomplete documents
Sponsor ineligibility
Income below requirement
Misrepresentation
Previous sponsorship default
Understanding risks helps prevent refusal.
Documents Required for Family Sponsorship
Common documents include:
Proof of status in Canada
Relationship certificates
Financial documents
Police certificates
Medical exams
Application forms
Accuracy and consistency are critical.
Processing Time for Family Sponsorship
Processing time varies by category:
Spouse/partner: 10–14 months (average)
Dependent children: varies
Parents & grandparents: longer timelines
Delays occur if documents are missing or unclear.
Can You Appeal a Refusal?
Some family sponsorship refusals can be appealed to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD). However, appeals take time and require strong legal arguments.
Reapplying with corrected issues is often faster.
How Skylam Helps with Family Sponsorship
Skylam Immigration Services assists families by:
Assessing sponsor eligibility
Reviewing relationship evidence
Preparing complete applications
Advising on income requirements
Managing reapplications and refusals
Ensuring IRCC compliance
Professional guidance reduces stress and errors.
Who Should Use Professional Support?
✔ First-time sponsors
✔ Long-distance couples
✔ Parents & grandparents sponsorship
✔ Previous refusals
✔ Complex family situations
Expert review significantly increases success.
Final Thoughts
Family sponsorship is one of the most meaningful immigration pathways in Canada. While the process is rewarding, it requires careful preparation and strict compliance with IRCC rules.
Understanding eligibility ensures smoother processing and family reunification.
