Family Sponsorship to Canada: Spouses, Children and Parents
You can sponsor your spouse, partner, dependent children and a few other relatives to become permanent residents, if you are a citizen or permanent resident living in Canada. Sponsorship for parents and grandparents is paused for new applications. A Super Visa can still bring them for long visits.
since 1991
Which family route fits you?
Spouse or partner: you can sponsor a spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner, from inside or outside Canada. Dependent children: you can sponsor your child alone or include them in your spouse application. Parents and grandparents: IRCC has paused this program. Other relatives: only a few cases qualify, such as an orphaned relative under 18.
Who can sponsor a family member?
You must be at least 18 and be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident or a person registered under the Indian Act. You must live in Canada and sign an undertaking to support the person you sponsor. A permanent resident living outside Canada cannot sponsor.
Why the route matters
- Spouse: the wait depends on whether your partner is inside or outside Canada
- Appeals: a refused outland application can go to the Immigration Appeal Division
- Income: most spouse cases have no income test, but parents do
- Parents: use a Super Visa while sponsorship is paused
Where do you want to start?
Pick the situation that matches yours, or check how long each route takes.
Start with a spouse route if you
- Are married, common-law or in a conjugal relationship
- Can prove the relationship is genuine
- Are a citizen or PR living in Canada
- Have no sponsorship bar
Start with a Super Visa if you
- Want your parents or grandparents here for long visits
- Cannot use parents sponsorship right now
- Can meet the income test for your family size
- Can buy Canadian medical insurance for them
Not sure? See how long each route takes on our family processing times page.
Your family routes, in five parts
Each route has its own rules, forms and fees. Source: IRCC.
Sponsor your spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner. Government fees are $1,260 plus $85 for biometrics.
For a partner living outside Canada, with appeal rights and freedom to travel. Partner living with you in Canada? See the inland route.
See IRCC wait times for spouses, parents and children. We update them every month.
IRCC has paused new applications. Existing files continue. See the status, the rules and what you can do now.
For parents and grandparents who want long visits. The host meets an income test and the visitor needs Canadian medical insurance.
Not sure which route fits?
We review your family situation and tell you your next step.
Rules every sponsor should know
Who can sponsor
You must be 18 or older, a citizen or PR living in Canada, and sign an undertaking. A PR living outside Canada cannot sponsor.
Income: usually none for a spouse
In most cases there is no income requirement for a spouse, partner or dependent child. It applies if a child you sponsor has children of their own.
Undertaking: spouse 3 years
You support your spouse or partner for 3 years after they become a PR. Nobody can cancel it early.
Undertaking: children
For a child under 22, it lasts 10 years or until age 25, whichever comes first. For a child 22 or older it lasts 3 years.
The 5-year bar
You may not sponsor a new spouse if you became a PR through a spouse sponsorship less than 5 years ago.
Quebec has extra steps
If you live in Quebec, you also meet Quebec rules and sign an undertaking with Quebec after IRCC asks you to.
Related pages
These pages cover each family route in detail.
How to avoid a refused application
Five habits keep your application safe.
Prove the relationship
Show consistent proof over time, such as photos, messages and visits.
Check you can sponsor
Check your age, status, residence and any bar before you pay fees.
Send a complete file
IRCC returns incomplete applications. Check every form, signature and document first.
Answer IRCC fast
Reply to every request on time, including medicals, biometrics and extra documents.
Get advice early
If you have past refusals, a short relationship or gaps in your proof, ask before you apply. If you were already refused, read our spousal sponsorship refusal and appeal guide.
Want your application reviewed?
We check your evidence and your forms, then tell you if you are ready.
Your family sponsorship path, step by step
Six steps from your route to landing.
Pick your route
Choose outland, inland or another family route, and check the processing times.
Check you can sponsor
Confirm your status, age, residence and any sponsorship bar.
Send a complete application
The sponsor and the sponsored person send forms, proof and fees together.
Get your receipt
IRCC confirms it received a complete file.
Biometrics, medical and police
The sponsored person completes these checks when IRCC asks for them.
Decision and landing
If approved, your family member becomes a permanent resident.
Five mistakes that delay family sponsorship
These mistakes cost time and sometimes a second fee.
Weak proof of the relationship
IRCC needs consistent evidence over time, not only wedding photos.
Choosing a route by speed alone
Inland and outland differ in travel, appeal rights and work permits.
Sponsoring while barred
You cannot sponsor a new spouse within 5 years of becoming a PR through a spouse.
Sending an incomplete file
IRCC returns incomplete applications, and you start again.
Waiting for parents sponsorship
IRCC has paused it. Plan with a Super Visa while you wait.
Want a second set of eyes?
We review your evidence and your forms before you apply.
Family sponsorship facts at a glance
Key facts from IRCC, checked 4 October 2026. Fee list updated 21 September 2026. Last updated: October 2026.
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A strategy built for your profile
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Documentation review that prevents costly errors and refusals.
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Family sponsorship FAQs
Who can sponsor a family member?
You must be at least 18, be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person registered under the Indian Act, and live in Canada. A citizen living abroad must show a plan to live in Canada. A PR living outside Canada cannot sponsor.
Who can I sponsor?
You can sponsor a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner and dependent children. Parents and grandparents are paused, and only a few other relatives qualify. IRCC defines a dependent child as under 22 and single, or older and unable to support themselves because of a condition. Read our guide to sponsoring a child or relative.
Is there an income requirement to sponsor a spouse?
In most cases, no. You only need to show income if the child you sponsor has children of their own, or your spouse has a dependent child who does. Parents sponsorship and the Super Visa do have income tests.
How long am I responsible for a sponsored spouse?
You support your spouse or partner for 3 years after they become a permanent resident. For a child under 22 it is 10 years or until age 25, whichever comes first. Nobody can cancel or shorten it.
Can I sponsor my parents right now?
No. IRCC has paused the parents and grandparents program and is not taking new interest to sponsor forms. Existing files continue. See our guide to what you can do now.
What can I do instead of parents sponsorship?
The Super Visa lets parents and grandparents visit for long periods. You must meet an income test for your family size, and your parent needs Canadian medical insurance. Read our Super Visa page. Check your numbers with our Super Visa income calculator. For short trips, see our visit Canada guide for visitor visas and visitor records.
What is a common-law partner?
A common-law partner is someone you have lived with in a marriage-like relationship for at least 12 consecutive months. Any gender qualifies. You need proof such as a joint lease, shared bills and mail. Read our common-law and conjugal partner guide.
What is a conjugal partner?
A conjugal partner is someone you have had a genuine relationship with for at least 12 months but could not marry or live with, for reasons beyond your control. IRCC looks for a strong, interdependent bond. It is a narrow category. Read our common-law and conjugal partner guide.
Can I sponsor a brother, sister or other relative?
Only in limited cases. You can sponsor an orphaned brother, sister, nephew, niece or grandchild who is under 18 and single. You can also sponsor one relative of any age if you have no living relative you could sponsor in the main categories. Read our guide to sponsoring a child or relative.
How much does it cost to sponsor a spouse?
IRCC fees are $1,260 for the sponsorship, processing and right of permanent residence fees, plus $85 for biometrics. Each dependent child is $180. See our full cost breakdown.
How long does family sponsorship take?
It depends on the route and on whether your partner is inside or outside Canada. IRCC publishes the current times and updates them monthly. See our family processing times page.