Introduction

For many people planning to immigrate to Canada, the goal is not only to build a new life for themselves but also to reunite with close family members.

Canada’s Family Sponsorship programs allow eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor certain family members for permanent residence. Depending on the relationship and circumstances, this can include a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, dependent child, parent, grandparent, or certain relatives in very specific situations.

Family sponsorship is an important part of Canada’s immigration system. However, sponsorship does not mean that every family member can automatically immigrate to Canada. Both the sponsor and the sponsored person must meet applicable requirements.

The process can also differ significantly depending on the relationship.

For example, sponsoring a spouse or dependent child follows a different process from sponsoring parents or grandparents. In addition, some programs have specific intake limits or may be paused.

As of September 2026, the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is paused for new applications and new interest-to-sponsor forms until further notice, while existing applications continue to be processed. IRCC has also indicated that parents and grandparents may still have the option of applying for a Super Visa if they meet its requirements.

This guide explains how Canadian family sponsorship works, who can sponsor family members, which relatives may qualify, the general application process, financial responsibilities, important documents, common mistakes, and what families should know before starting an application.

What Is Family Sponsorship in Canada?

Family sponsorship is a group of Canadian immigration programs that allows eligible Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and certain registered Indians to sponsor eligible family members for Canadian permanent residence.

The purpose is family reunification.

If approved, the sponsored family member may become a Canadian permanent resident and, subject to the rights and obligations associated with that status, live, work, and study in Canada.

IRCC currently lists family sponsorship options that include:

• Spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner
• Dependent children
• Adopted children
• Parents and grandparents
• Certain other relatives in very specific situations

The exact eligibility requirements depend on the category.

Canada’s official family sponsorship page currently identifies spouse, partner and dependent-child sponsorship as an open program, while the Parents and Grandparents Program is currently paused for new applications.

Who Can Sponsor a Family Member in Canada?

The sponsor generally needs to meet specific eligibility requirements.

For spouse, partner and dependent-child sponsorship, a sponsor generally must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a person registered in Canada under the Indian Act
• Live in Canada, subject to specific rules for Canadian citizens living abroad
• Meet applicable sponsorship requirements

A Canadian citizen living outside Canada may be able to sponsor a spouse, partner or dependent child if they can demonstrate that they plan to live in Canada when the sponsored family member becomes a permanent resident.

A permanent resident living outside Canada cannot sponsor under this category.

Additional restrictions may apply depending on the sponsor’s circumstances.

Who Can Be Sponsored?

Family sponsorship is not available for every type of relative.

Depending on the program, an eligible sponsor may be able to sponsor:

Spouse

A legally married spouse may qualify if the relationship meets Canada’s requirements and the applicant is not inadmissible.

Common-Law Partner

A common-law partner generally needs to have lived with the sponsor in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 consecutive months.

Conjugal Partner

A conjugal partner category exists for specific circumstances where the couple has been in an exclusive and mutually interdependent relationship for at least one year and cannot reasonably live together or marry because of significant legal, immigration, social, cultural or similar barriers.

The sponsored partner must generally live outside Canada for this category.

Dependent Child

A sponsor may be able to sponsor a biological or adopted child, or a child of their spouse or partner, if the child meets Canada’s definition of a dependent child.

Parents and Grandparents

The Parents and Grandparents Program allows eligible sponsors to sponsor their own parents and grandparents, subject to program requirements and intake availability.

However, the PGP is currently paused for new applications.

Certain Other Relatives

Canada also has very specific provisions allowing some people to sponsor certain relatives.

For example, under specific circumstances, a sponsor may be able to sponsor an orphaned brother, sister, nephew, niece or grandchild.

There is also a limited “other relative” provision under very specific family circumstances.

Sponsoring a Spouse to Canada

Spousal sponsorship is one of the most common family sponsorship pathways.

A spouse must generally:

• Be legally married to the sponsor
• Be at least 18 years old
• Be in a genuine relationship with the sponsor
• Not be inadmissible to Canada

The relationship must be genuine and cannot exist primarily for the purpose of obtaining Canadian permanent residence.

This is important because Canadian immigration authorities may examine evidence demonstrating that the relationship is genuine.

Depending on the circumstances, evidence may include:

• Marriage certificate
• Communication records
• Photographs
• Travel records
• Joint financial documents
• Evidence of shared residence
• Evidence of family involvement
• Other relationship evidence

Applicants should follow the official document checklist for their specific application.

Common-Law Partner Sponsorship

Canada recognizes common-law relationships for immigration purposes.

To qualify as a common-law partner, the couple generally must have lived together continuously for at least 12 consecutive months in a conjugal relationship.

Short and temporary periods apart, such as travel or family obligations, may not necessarily break the period of cohabitation.

Applicants should provide appropriate evidence showing that they have actually lived together and maintained a genuine relationship.

Examples of evidence may include:

• Joint lease
• Utility bills
• Shared financial records
• Government correspondence showing the same address
• Insurance documents
• Photographs
• Travel records
• Other evidence of shared life

The specific documents required depend on the case.

Conjugal Partner Sponsorship

The conjugal partner category is more specific than spouse or common-law sponsorship.

A conjugal partner is generally someone who:

• Is not legally married to the sponsor
• Is not in a common-law relationship with the sponsor
• Has been in an exclusive and mutually interdependent relationship with the sponsor for at least one year
• Lives outside Canada
• Faces significant barriers to living together or marrying

The existence of a long-distance relationship alone does not automatically qualify someone for this category.

Applicants need to demonstrate why marriage or living together has not been reasonably possible under the circumstances.

Sponsoring a Dependent Child

Canadian family sponsorship can also allow eligible sponsors to sponsor dependent children.

The child must meet Canada’s applicable definition of a dependent child.

A dependent child can generally be:

• A biological child
• An adopted child
• The biological or adopted child of the sponsor’s spouse or partner

Age and dependency requirements apply, so applicants should check the current IRCC definition rather than assuming that any child qualifies.

If the child has a spouse or common-law partner, they may not qualify as a dependent child under the applicable rules.

Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship in 2026

Parents and grandparents are an important part of Canada’s family reunification system, but the current situation needs special attention.

As of September 2026, IRCC states that the Parents and Grandparents Program is paused.

IRCC is currently not accepting new interest-to-sponsor forms or inviting new potential sponsors to apply until further notice. Existing applications continue to be processed.

The Government of Canada announced the pause in July 2026 as part of efforts to manage the program and immigration levels. IRCC stated that it planned to approve up to 15,000 people for permanent residence through the PGP in 2026 while continuing to process existing applications.

Therefore, people planning to sponsor parents or grandparents should not assume that a new PGP application can currently be submitted.

Who Can Sponsor Parents and Grandparents?

When the Parents and Grandparents Program is open and an applicant is invited to apply, sponsors generally need to meet requirements such as:

• Being at least 18 years old
• Living in Canada
• Being a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person registered under the Indian Act
• Receiving an invitation to apply
• Meeting the applicable financial requirements
• Meeting other sponsorship conditions

IRCC also lists circumstances that can make someone ineligible, including certain outstanding financial obligations, undischarged bankruptcy, receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability, and certain criminal convictions.

Because the program is currently paused, applicants should check the latest IRCC announcement before making plans around a future intake.

Super Visa: An Alternative for Parents and Grandparents

When the Parents and Grandparents Program is not accepting new applications, eligible parents and grandparents may consider whether a Super Visa could be appropriate.

A Super Visa is not permanent residence.

It is a temporary resident visa that can allow eligible parents and grandparents to visit their children or grandchildren in Canada for extended periods, subject to the applicable rules.

IRCC currently states that parents and grandparents visiting on a Super Visa can stay in Canada for 5 years at a time, with the possibility of applying for a 2-year extension while in Canada.

The Super Visa has its own eligibility requirements, including requirements related to the host in Canada, financial support, medical insurance, and other conditions.

Therefore, families should distinguish clearly between:

Family sponsorship → Permanent residence

and

Super Visa → Temporary visit

They are not the same immigration pathway.

What Is the Family Sponsorship Application Process?

Although the exact process differs by category, family sponsorship generally involves two connected parts:

1. The sponsor’s sponsorship application
2. The family member’s permanent residence application

For spouse, partner and child sponsorship, IRCC currently instructs applicants to submit the sponsorship and permanent residence applications together through the appropriate online process.

A simplified process can look like this.

Step 1: Check Sponsor Eligibility

The first step is determining whether the person in Canada can legally sponsor the family member.

This involves checking:

• Age
• Citizenship or PR status
• Residence
• Financial requirements where applicable
• Previous sponsorship history
• Criminal or immigration history
• Other restrictions

Step 2: Confirm the Family Member Qualifies

The sponsored person must meet the definition of the applicable family relationship.

For example:

• Spouse
• Common-law partner
• Conjugal partner
• Dependent child
• Parent
• Grandparent
• Qualifying relative

The relationship should be supported by appropriate documentation.

Step 3: Gather Documents

The required documents vary by program.

Possible documents can include:

• Passport
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate
• Divorce certificate, if applicable
• Children’s birth certificates
• Proof of relationship
• Proof of status in Canada
• Financial documents
• Police certificates
• Medical examination results
• Photographs
• Application forms
• Other supporting evidence

Applicants should use the current official checklist applicable to their category.

Step 4: Complete the Applications

Family sponsorship applications contain detailed forms and declarations.

Applicants should ensure that:

• Names are spelled consistently
• Dates are accurate
• Addresses are complete
• Relationship history is consistent
• Previous immigration history is disclosed
• Family members are properly declared
• Required forms are signed correctly

Small errors can create delays or requests for additional information.

Step 5: Pay the Required Fees

Family sponsorship applications normally involve government processing fees and, depending on the application, other fees such as biometrics or the Right of Permanent Residence Fee.

The exact fee can depend on the category and application circumstances.

Applicants should verify the current fee schedule before submitting.

Step 6: Biometrics and Medical Examination

Depending on the applicant and program, IRCC may require:

• Biometrics
• Medical examination
• Police certificates
• Additional background information

Applicants should respond to requests within the specified time.

Step 7: Application Processing

IRCC reviews the application and may request additional documents or information.

Processing times vary.

They can be affected by factors such as:

• Application type
• Completeness
• Verification requirements
• Number of applications received
• Applicant circumstances
• How quickly requested information is provided

IRCC specifically notes that processing times for spouse, partner and child applications can vary based on several factors.

Financial Responsibilities of a Sponsor

Sponsoring a family member is more than simply submitting immigration forms.

A sponsor generally signs an undertaking agreeing to provide financial support for the sponsored person for a specific period.

The exact undertaking period depends on the relationship and applicable program.

The purpose is to help ensure that the sponsored family member can meet their basic needs without relying on certain forms of social assistance.

Sponsors should understand these responsibilities before signing a sponsorship undertaking.

The financial responsibility can continue even if the sponsor’s personal circumstances change.

This is one reason why applicants should carefully understand the sponsorship agreement before submitting an application.

Do Spousal Sponsorship Applicants Need an Income Requirement?

The answer can depend on the specific family sponsorship category and circumstances.

For sponsoring a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner or dependent child, there is generally not the same minimum necessary income requirement that applies to some other family sponsorship categories.

However, sponsors still need to meet the applicable eligibility requirements and sign the required undertaking.

There can be exceptions and additional financial requirements in particular situations, including certain dependent-child cases and Quebec sponsorship procedures.

Applicants should therefore review the current rules for their exact circumstances.

Family Sponsorship and Quebec

Quebec has additional immigration procedures.

For certain family sponsorship applications involving Quebec, the sponsor may need to complete an undertaking with the Government of Quebec in addition to the federal process.

IRCC currently notes that applicants should wait for the appropriate instruction before submitting the undertaking to Quebec.

This means that families living in Quebec should not simply follow the same process as applicants living in other Canadian provinces.

The federal and Quebec requirements should be reviewed separately.

What Happens After Family Sponsorship Is Approved?

If the application is approved, the sponsored family member can complete the necessary steps to become a permanent resident.

Depending on the situation, this may include:

• Confirmation of Permanent Residence
• Passport or travel-document procedures
• Landing or becoming a permanent resident
• Receiving a PR card
• Preparing for settlement in Canada

Once the family member becomes a permanent resident, they have the rights and responsibilities associated with Canadian permanent residence.

Can a Sponsored Spouse Work in Canada?

In certain circumstances, a spouse or partner being sponsored from inside Canada may be eligible to apply for an open work permit.

IRCC currently provides an open-work-permit option for eligible spouses, common-law partners or conjugal partners living in Canada who are being sponsored for permanent residence. Certain accompanying dependent children may also qualify.

Eligibility conditions apply.

For example, the principal applicant generally needs to be included in a permanent residence application and meet the applicable requirements.

This means family sponsorship and work authorization can sometimes work together, but an open work permit is not automatically available to every sponsored family member.

What If a Family Member Was Not Declared Earlier?

Declaring family members accurately in immigration applications is extremely important.

When someone applies for permanent residence, they generally must declare all family members, even if those family members are not accompanying them to Canada.

These can include:

• Spouse
• Common-law partner
• Dependent children
• Other applicable family members

Failing to declare a family member can create serious future sponsorship issues.

IRCC currently has a public policy concerning certain previously undeclared family members, but that policy has a defined application-receipt period and should not be treated as a general solution to non-disclosure.

The safest approach is to provide complete and truthful family information from the beginning.

Common Family Sponsorship Mistakes to Avoid

1. Assuming Every Relative Can Be Sponsored

Canada does not provide a general sponsorship program for every type of relative.

Eligibility depends on the specific family relationship.

2. Confusing a Super Visa With Permanent Residence

A Super Visa is a temporary visitor pathway.

It is not the same as family sponsorship for permanent residence.

3. Using Outdated Information

Immigration programs and intake rules can change.

The current 2026 pause of the Parents and Grandparents Program is a good example of why applicants should check official updates before preparing an application.

4. Providing Weak Relationship Evidence

For spouse, partner and conjugal sponsorship, applicants should provide appropriate evidence demonstrating the genuine nature of the relationship.

5. Missing Family Members From Previous Applications

Failure to declare family members can create serious immigration complications.

6. Inconsistent Information

Dates, addresses, relationship history and family information should be consistent throughout the application.

7. Assuming Sponsorship Guarantees Approval

Sponsorship does not automatically guarantee permanent residence.

Both the sponsor and applicant must meet the applicable requirements, and the sponsored person must be admissible to Canada.

Family Sponsorship Document Checklist

The exact checklist depends on the sponsorship category, but families can start organizing documents such as:

Sponsor documents

• Canadian passport or citizenship evidence
• Permanent resident card, where applicable
• Proof of residence
• Proof of relationship
• Financial documents where required
• Previous sponsorship information
• Other required forms

Sponsored person’s documents

• Passport
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate, if applicable
• Divorce documents, if applicable
• Police certificates, where required
• Medical examination, where required
• Photographs
• Relationship evidence
• Children’s documents
• Other supporting documents

The official IRCC checklist should always take priority over a general checklist.

How to Prepare a Strong Family Sponsorship Application

A strong application begins with accuracy.

Before submitting, review:

Relationship

Is the relationship clearly established and properly documented?

Eligibility

Does the sponsor meet the requirements?

Documents

Are all required forms and supporting documents included?

Consistency

Do dates, addresses and family information match across the application?

Financial responsibility

Does the sponsor understand the undertaking and any applicable financial requirements?

Immigration history

Have previous applications, refusals and relevant immigration history been disclosed accurately?

Family information

Have all required family members been declared?

Careful preparation can help reduce avoidable problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Canadian permanent resident sponsor a spouse?

Yes. Eligible permanent residents living in Canada may sponsor a spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner if they meet the applicable requirements.

Can a Canadian citizen sponsor a spouse who lives outside Canada?

Yes. An eligible Canadian citizen can generally sponsor a spouse living outside Canada, subject to the applicable requirements.

A Canadian citizen living outside Canada must demonstrate that they plan to live in Canada when the sponsored family member becomes a permanent resident.

Can a permanent resident living outside Canada sponsor a spouse?

Generally, no. A permanent resident sponsor must be living in Canada for this family sponsorship category.

Can I sponsor my parents in 2026?

The Parents and Grandparents Program is currently paused for new applications and new interest-to-sponsor forms. Existing applications continue to be processed.

Can my parents visit Canada while the PGP is paused?

They may be able to apply for a Super Visa if they meet the applicable requirements. A Super Visa is a temporary visitor option, not permanent residence.

Can I sponsor my brother or sister?

Not generally simply because they are your sibling. Canada has very specific provisions for certain relatives, including some orphaned siblings and a limited “other relative” category.

Can I sponsor my spouse if we are common-law partners?

Yes, if you meet Canada’s definition of a common-law partnership, including the applicable cohabitation requirement.

Can my sponsored spouse work in Canada?

An eligible spouse or partner being sponsored from inside Canada may qualify for an open work permit under the applicable rules.

Does family sponsorship guarantee Canadian PR?

No. Sponsorship means that an eligible sponsor is applying to sponsor a family member, but the sponsored applicant must still meet the applicable immigration and admissibility requirements.

How long does family sponsorship take?

Processing times vary by application category and individual circumstances. Applicants should check IRCC’s current processing-time information rather than relying on old timelines.

Final Takeaway

Canada family sponsorship provides an important pathway for eligible families to reunite in Canada.

For many families, the most relevant programs involve:

• Spouses
• Common-law partners
• Conjugal partners
• Dependent children
• Parents and grandparents
• Certain relatives in very specific circumstances

However, family sponsorship is not an automatic process.

The sponsor must meet eligibility requirements, the relationship must qualify under the relevant category, the sponsored family member must meet applicable requirements, and the application must be properly prepared.

The current situation for parents and grandparents is particularly important in 2026. The Parents and Grandparents Program is presently paused for new applications, so families should not assume that they can submit a new PGP application immediately. IRCC states that existing applications continue to be processed and that eligible parents and grandparents may consider the Super Visa as a temporary alternative.

For spouse, partner and dependent-child sponsorship, the program remains open, but applicants still need to satisfy the applicable requirements and provide appropriate documentation.

How Skylam Immigration Services Can Help

Family immigration can involve important documentation, relationship evidence, sponsorship obligations and program-specific requirements.

Skylam Immigration Services can provide personalized guidance to individuals and families who are exploring Canadian family sponsorship options.

Support can include helping applicants understand:

• Which family sponsorship category may apply
• Sponsor eligibility
• Sponsored-family-member requirements
• Document preparation
• Relationship evidence
• Application procedures
• Potential issues that may need attention

Every family has different circumstances, so immigration options should be assessed individually.

Skylam Immigration Services does not guarantee approval. Applicants should make decisions based on the current official Canadian immigration requirements and their own circumstances.

If your goal is to reunite with your family in Canada, careful preparation and accurate information are essential. Start by identifying the correct sponsorship category, checking the current requirements, and preparing your application with complete and truthful information.