Family Class Sponsorship

The Government of Canada knows how important it is to reunite families who come from other countries. A Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada, can sponsor a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, dependent child (including adopted child) or other eligible relative (such as a parent or grandparent) to become a permanent resident.

The sponsor is responsible for supporting the relative financially when he or she arrives. As a sponsor, you must make sure your spouse or relative does not need to seek financial assistance from the Government.

There are two types of family sponsorship.

Spouse And Dependent Children Sponsorship

A Canadian citizen or permanent resident may sponsor his or her spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner, or dependent children, to come to Canada as permanent residents. Applicants for permanent residence must go through medical, criminal and background screening. An applicant with a criminal record may not be allowed to enter Canada. People who pose a risk to Canada´s security are also not allowed to enter Canada. Applicants may have to provide a certificate from police authorities in their home country.

To be a sponsor:

• You and the sponsored relative must sign a sponsorship agreement that commits you to provide financial support for your relative, if necessary. This agreement also says the person becoming a permanent resident will make every effort to support her or himself.
• You must provide financial support for a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner for three years from the date they become a permanent resident.
• You must provide financial support for a dependent child for 10 years, or until the child turns 25, whichever comes first.

Eligible Relatives For Sponsorship

Your relative may be able to come to Canada as a permanent resident. If you are a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, you can sponsor your relative under the Family Class program however you must meet certain income requirements.

You can sponsor:

Parents

Grandparents

Brothers or sisters, nephews or nieces, granddaughters or grandsons who are orphaned, under 18 years of age and not married or in a common-law relationship

Another relative of any age or relationship but only under specific conditions

Accompanying relatives of the above (for example, spouse, partner and dependent children).