How long does the family sponsorship process take in Canada?

The processing time for family sponsorship applications can vary, but it typically ranges from 12 to 24 months, depending on the complexity of the case and the family member's country of residence.

Can I sponsor my brother or sister to come to Canada?

Generally, siblings are not eligible for sponsorship under the Family Class. However, there are limited circumstances under which you may be eligible to sponsor them, such as if you have no other immediate family members in Canada.

What happens if my sponsorship application is denied?

If your application is denied, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the refusal. You may appeal the decision within 30 days through the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada.

Do I need to be living in Canada to sponsor my family member?

If you are a Canadian citizen living abroad, you can sponsor a relative as long as you plan to return to Canada when the sponsored individual obtains permanent residence. Permanent residents must be residing in Canada to sponsor a family member.

Is there a minimum income requirement to sponsor a family member?

There is no minimum income requirement to sponsor a spouse or dependent child, but you must demonstrate your ability to financially support them without social assistance. For parents and grandparents, there are specific income thresholds you must meet for the three consecutive years prior to applying.

Can I sponsor my fiancé or fiancée to come to Canada?

Canada does not have a fiancé visa. However, you can either sponsor your partner as a spouse after getting married or as a common-law partner if you have lived together for at least 12 consecutive months.

How much does it cost to apply for family sponsorship?

The total cost can vary, but typically includes a sponsorship fee of CAD $75, a processing fee of CAD $475, and a right of permanent residence fee of CAD $500. Additional fees may apply for medical exams, police certificates, and biometrics.

Can I cancel my sponsorship application after it has been submitted?

Yes, you can withdraw your application at any time before the sponsored individual becomes a permanent resident. You will be refunded the right of permanent residence fee, provided the permanent residence has not yet been granted.

Do I need to be employed to sponsor a family member?

Although having a stable income helps demonstrate your financial ability to support the sponsored family member, it is not strictly necessary to be employed at the time of sponsorship. You must, however, show how you can meet financial needs.

Can my sponsored family member work in Canada while the application is being processed?

Sponsored spouses and common-law partners in Canada may be eligible for an open work permit, allowing them to work while awaiting the outcome of their application. Dependent children, parents, and grandparents are typically not eligible for work permits during the process.

Canada Family Sponsorship Guide: Application Process, Requirements & Tips

What Is the Canada Family Sponsorship?

The Family Sponsorship visa for Canada aims to reunite Canadian citizens and permanent residents with their loved ones. This visa allows sponsors to bring their spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents to Canada, providing them with the opportunity to live, work, and study in the country. To be eligible, the sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident over the age of 18. This visa stream emphasizes maintaining family unity and offers numerous benefits, such as the ability to strengthen family bonds, ensure mutual support, and integrate into Canadian society together.

Family Sponsorship Requirements for Canada

Explore the key requirements for obtaining your Family Sponsorship for Canada. This section covers the necessary documentation, eligibility criteria, and any specific conditions you must meet to successfully apply for and secure your visa.

Proof of Relationship
Evidence to prove your genuine relationship, such as marriage certificates, photos, communication records, and affidavits from individuals who know your relationship.
Financial Documents
Proof that the sponsor can financially support the sponsored family member(s), such as tax returns, bank statements, employment letters, or pay stubs.
Identity and Civil Status Documents
Copies of passports, birth certificates, national identity cards, or any other document that proves your identity and civil status.
Medical and Police Clearances
Medical examination results and police clearance certificates from any country where the sponsored family member has lived for six months or more since the age of 18.
Application Forms
Properly filled and signed application forms such as IMM 1344 for the sponsorship application and IMM 0008 for the permanent residence application (if applicable).

How to Apply for Canada Family Sponsorship

Understand the process of applying for an Canada Family Sponsorship, including key steps, document submission, and what to expect throughout the application.

Determine Eligibility
Ensure both the sponsor and the family member being sponsored meet the eligibility criteria set by the Canadian government. The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, at least 18 years old, and able to support the family member financially.
Gather All Required Documents
Collect all necessary documents to prove your relationship, financial ability, and other criteria specified in the application package. This includes proof of relationship, identity documents, financial statements, and more.
Submit an Application to Sponsor
Complete the application to sponsor (IMM 1344) and the application for permanent residence (if applicable), along with all supporting documents, and submit them to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Pay the Required Fees
Pay the sponsorship fee, processing fee, and the right of permanent residence fee if applicable. Ensure you keep a receipt of payment as proof for your records.
Wait for Application Processing
Check your application status through your online account. IRCC may request additional information or documents as they process your application. Be prepared to respond promptly to any requests.
Prepare for Interviews and Medical Exams
The sponsored family member may need to attend an interview and undergo a medical examination as part of the application process. Ensure they are ready and able to complete these steps if required.

Useful Canada Family Sponsorship Resources

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

IRCC Partner Portal

Canada Visa Application Centre

Government of Canada Homepage

Canada Family Sponsorship Advice

Make sure to keep thorough records of your relationship and have all necessary documents in order before starting the sponsorship process. Regularly check the Government of Canada's immigration website for updates on immigration laws and procedures, as these can change. Ensure that all forms are fully completed and signed to avoid any delays in processing. Lastly, patience and careful attention to detail are key throughout the process.

Canada Family Sponsorship Guide

What Is the Canada Family Sponsorship?

Family Sponsorship Requirements for Canada

Proof of Relationship

Financial Documents

Identity and Civil Status Documents

Medical and Police Clearances

Application Forms

How to Apply for Canada Family Sponsorship

Determine Eligibility

Gather All Required Documents

Submit an Application to Sponsor

Pay the Required Fees

Wait for Application Processing

Prepare for Interviews and Medical Exams

Useful Canada Family Sponsorship Resources

Canada Family Sponsorship Advice

Frequently Asked Questions

Canada Passport Details and Ranking 2024