Through sponsorship from a resident of Canada, foreign nationals can become permanent residents of the nation. Spouses, common-law partners, dependent children (including adopted children), same-sex partners, and specific family members like parents or grandparents are all eligible for sponsorship.
It is noteworthy that sponsors must provide post-arrival financial support to their sponsored partner or relative in Canada. Sponsors also need to make sure that the people they are supporting don't get any funding from the Canadian government. In the event that such support is granted, the sponsor is required to reimburse it.
There is an annual cap on the number of applications that are accepted for sponsorship of parents and grandparents to seek permanent residency in Canada. The Super Visa Program offers an additional choice after this cap is reached. Through this program, grandparents and parents can travel to Canada on multi-entry visas that have a maximum 10-year validity.
Must be Canadian PR or citizen aged 18 years
Must have minimum income to support visiting members
Must take an undertaking to repay social assistance benefits received
Must show written commitment of financial support from sponsor
Must show purchase of Canadian health insurance for a minimum year
Show proof of immigration medical examination
There are two main types of federal spousal sponsorship programs available in Canada.
Inland sponsorship is specifically designed for couples residing together in Canada. In this program, the foreign spouse who holds temporary status in Canada can obtain an open work permit, allowing them to work for any Canadian employer while their inland sponsorship application is being processed.
The Outland sponsorship process is intended for spouses or partners who are living outside of Canada. The application is handled under this scheme by the applicant's home country's visa office. It's important to remember, though, that candidates may apply through the Outland program even if they are already present in Canada.
Must be Canadian PR or citizen aged 18 years
Must have minimum income to support spouse for 3 years from the moment he/she becomes PR
Committed to provide financial support to dependent child for 10 years
Must show marriage certificate as per marriage in Canada or province
If marriage outside Canada then valid certificate in accordance with law of respective country must be shown
Sponsors have the opportunity to bring their children, whether biological or adopted, who are living in another country to Canada through the Dependent Child Sponsorship Program.
Dependent child must be under 22 years of age. Unlike the case of mental or physical disability that make dependents unable to support them.
Must be unmarried & fully dependent on support from sponsor
Sponsorship may still be available to partners who cannot live together for a full year at the same address because of unforeseen situations like immigration, marital status, or sexual orientation.
Same-sex partners are eligible for sponsorship to Canada through an application from their respective partner. If they were married in Canada, partners need to provide a marriage certificate issued by the provinces, covering the dates specified below.
British Columbia (on / after July 8th, 2003)
Manitoba (on / after September 16th, 2004)
New Brunswick (on / after July 4th, 2005)
Newfoundland and Labrador (on / after December 21st, 2004)
Nova Scotia (on / after September 24th, 2004)
Ontario (on / after July 10th, 2003)
Quebec (on / after March 19th, 2004)
Saskatchewan (on / after November 5th, 2004)
Yukon (on / after July 14th, 2004)
Other provinces or territories (on / after July 20th, 2005)
Family sponsorship in Canada encompasses various relationships, including those of unmarried friends, relatives, siblings, nephews, nieces, grandchildren, and individuals in common-law relationships who are under 18 years old.
