This program allows qualified sponsors (18 years of age and older) to assist specific family members in settling in Canada, hence granting them the right to reside, work, and study in Canada as permanent residents.
What is Canada's Family Sponsorship Program?
Canada strongly supports family reunification, allowing qualified sponsors to apply for permanent residence for a spouse, partner, children, parents, or grandparents under the Family Class category. By sponsoring, you are obliged to support your family member financially and to ensure they integrate well into Canadian society.
Who Can Sponsor and Who Can be Sponsored?
Sponsors in Canada must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or persons registered under the Canadian Indian Act. They must also be at least 18 years of age. They must then complete a legal undertaking and cannot be bankrupt, incarcerated, or on welfare (except for those with a disability).
Eligible family members for sponsorship include:
Sponsorship Options by Family Type
Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship
Financial and Other Requirements
In the case of sponsorship of parents and grandparents, a sponsor must demonstrate a minimum necessary income for the past three years. No such minimum exists in many cases for spousal and dependent child sponsorship, but there is an undertaking to support the sponsored person for three years if necessary.
Sponsors must provide official tax assessments, proof that they are resident in Canada, and commit to the legal obligations of sponsorship.
Application Process
Recent Updates for 2025
