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Family Class Sponsorship Canada
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Family Sponsorship Canada 2026

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Canada’s Family Class immigration stream allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their close family members by sponsoring them for permanent residence. This compassionate Family Sponsorship program emphasizes family unity, social stability, and long-term integration.

Through this Family Sponsorship stream, Canadian citizens and permanent residents may bring their spouse, common-law or conjugal partner, dependent children, parents, and grandparents to Canada. In limited cases, other relatives—such as orphaned family members with no other support—may also be sponsored. Once approved, sponsored individuals obtain permanent resident status, granting them the right to live, work, and study in Canada.

To qualify, sponsors must be at least 18 years old, hold Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status, reside in Canada (or demonstrate intent to return), and meet eligibility requirements. Sponsors must also sign a legally binding financial undertaking, committing to support their family members and prevent reliance on social assistance.

Each sponsorship category has its own rules: under the Spouse/Partner stream, applicants must demonstrate that their relationship is genuine, with inland applicants eligible for an Spousal Open Work Permit while their application is processed. The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) operates through an invitation system with limited annual intake and includes additional financial thresholds. Biological or adopted children may be sponsored at any time if they meet age and dependency criteria, while other relatives may only be sponsored in rare, specific circumstances.

Because applications are assessed under strict legal and procedural standards, understanding documentation, timelines, and strategic options—such as inland versus outland processing—is critical.

If you are looking for professional advice, you can check out our Immigration Service fees and book a consultation with our Licensed immigration consultants.

General Eligibility Requirements

Family Class Sponsorship

Who Can Sponsor Family Members to Canada

 In Canada, family sponsorship for permanent residence (PR) is available only to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Canadian Citizens

Canadian citizens can sponsor eligible family members and may apply even if they are living outside Canada.

Canadian Permanent Residents (PRs)

Permanent residents can sponsor eligible family members but must usually be living in Canada (or show clear plans to live in Canada).

Study Permit & Work Permit Holders

Temporary residents cannot sponsor family members for PR, but they may still bring family members through temporary options like:

  • Visitor Visa (TRV)
  • Spousal Visitor Visa
  • Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)

Sponsor Eligibility Requirements

To sponsor a family member to Canada, you must meet IRCC’s sponsorship eligibility rules. Some of the most important requirements include:

5-Year Spousal Sponsorship Bar

If you were sponsored as a spouse or common-law partner, you cannot sponsor a new spouse or partner until 5 years have passed since the day you became a permanent resident.

Financial Undertaking

Sponsors are legally responsible for financially supporting the sponsored family member for the full length of the undertaking—even if the relationship changes (including divorce or separation).

Ineligibility 

Sponsors must not have a criminal record that makes them ineligible to sponsor. In some cases, criminal history or being in custody can prevent a person from sponsoring a family member.

Applicant's Eligibility Requirements

To be sponsored to Canada, an applicant must meet IRCC eligibility rules and must not be found inadmissible. The most common reasons an application may be refused include:

Criminal Inadmissibility

The applicant may be refused if they were convicted of an offence that is considered serious under Canadian law (for example DUI, assault, or fraud).

Security Risk

The applicant may be inadmissible if they are involved in activities such as espionage, terrorism, or organized crime.

Medical Inadmissibility

An applicant may be inadmissible if they pose a risk to public health (for example, due to a contagious disease).
 Spouses and dependent children are generally exempt from medical “excessive demand” rules.

Misrepresentation

Providing false or incomplete information—or withholding important facts—can lead to refusal and a ban from applying again for a period of time.

Excluded Family Members

Some family members cannot be sponsored if they were not declared during your own immigration process.

IRPR 117(9)(d): If a spouse or child was part of your family when you became a permanent resident but was not declared and examined, they may be permanently ineligible for sponsorship.

Who Can Be Sponsored

Spouse, Common-Law, or Conjugal Partner

Sponsors can bring their spouse or partner to Canada, but the relationship must be genuine and meet specific legal requirements. The following categories apply to both opposite-sex partners and LGBTQ+ Partners. 

  • Spouse: Legally married, with the marriage recognized under the laws of the jurisdiction where it occurred and under Canadian federal law.
  • Common-law partner: Two individuals who have cohabited in a marriage-like relationship for at least 12 consecutive months.
  • Conjugal partner: Couples who have maintained a mutually interdependent relationship for at least one year but cannot live together or marry due to exceptional circumstances (e.g., religious persecution, legal barriers, or laws preventing recognition of sexual orientation). (Only available for Outland applications.)
  • Key Requirements:
    • The relationship must be genuine and not primarily for immigration purposes (Section 4 of IRPR).
    • Sponsors must sign a financial undertaking committing to support their partner for 3 years.
    • Inland applicants may be eligible for an Spousal Open Work Permit during processing.

Dependent Children

Sponsors may bring biological or adopted children to Canada, provided they meet IRCC definition of a dependent child. 

  • Standard Dependent: Under 22 years old and not married or in a common-law relationship.
  • Over-Age Dependent: 22 years or older if financially dependent on parents since before age 22 and unable to support themselves due to a physical or mental condition.
  • Important Considerations:
    • Non-Accompanying children: All dependent children must be declared, even if they are not immigrating immediately. Failure to declare a child can permanently bar sponsorship.
    • Adopted children must meet Canadian adoption requirements.
    • Legal custody and notarized consent from a non-accompanying parent are required if applicable.
    • Sponsors must sign a financial undertaking for dependent children, generally 10 years or until the child turns 25.

We would also recommend to confirm the child’s status before actually sponsoring:

  • Born in Canada: the child is usually a Canadian citizen at birth, with a narrow exception for children of certain foreign diplomats / similar officials.

  • Born outside Canada and at least one parent is a Canadian citizen: the child may already be a Canadian citizen (rules differ depending on whether the child was born before vs on/after December 15, 2025). In that case, you typically apply for proof of citizenship, not PR sponsorship.

  • Born outside Canada and the parent is only a Permanent Resident (PR): PR status does not automatically give the child Canadian citizenship. In many cases, the child must immigrate as a permanent resident, and dependent-child sponsorship may be the right pathway if they meet the dependent-child definition.

Parents and Grandparents (PGP)

Canadian citizens and permanent residents may sponsor their parents and grandparents through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), which operates via an invitation system with limited annual intake.

  • Key Requirements:
    • Sponsors must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the three consecutive tax years prior to applying.
    • Sponsors sign a financial undertaking to support their parents or grandparents for 20 years.

       

  • Alternative Options: Many families have their parents visit Canada sooner with a Visitor Visa (TRV) for Parents for shorter stays. Also families consider the Super Visa for parents, a multi-entry temporary resident visa that allows parents or grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time. While it does not grant permanent residence, it is often used as a temporary solution when PGP sponsorship isn’t available or while you’re waiting – just note that applicants must have paid medical insurance valid for 1 year with at least $100,000 coverage, issued by a Canadian insurer or an OSFI-authorized foreign insurer.

Orphaned Relatives

Under IRCC’s “Sponsor your relatives” rules, there is a limited family sponsorship option for an orphaned brother, sister, nephew, niece, or grandchild to immigrate to Canada as a permanent resident.

To qualify, the sponsored person must generally meet all of these conditions:

  • Related by blood or adoption

  • Under 18

  • Single (not married and not in a common-law relationship)

  • Both parents have passed away

A key nuance is that IRCC interprets “orphaned” strictly. You cannot sponsor under this category if one or both parents are still alive, even if the parents are missing, have abandoned the child, someone else is caring for the child, or a parent is in jail/detained.

This category is meant for exceptional situations, not for general caregiving/guardianship cases where a parent is still living. Also, IRCC guidance notes additional safeguards can apply for orphaned relatives and adopted children (including medical-condition awareness requirements).

Lonely Canadian Rule

The “Lonely Canadian” rule isn’t a separate immigration program—it’s an informal name people use for IRCC’s “Other relative” option under family class sponsorship. In rare cases, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident may be able to sponsor one relative of any age (such as an aunt, uncle, or cousin) for permanent residence.

To qualify, the sponsor must meet all of these core conditions:

  • You’re related to the person by blood or adoption.

  • You don’t have a living relative you could sponsor instead, such as a spouse/common-law/conjugal partner, child, parent, grandparent, or an eligible orphaned sibling/niece/nephew/grandchild.

  • You also don’t have any relatives in Canada (including an aunt/uncle or any of the close relatives listed above) who are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered under the Indian Act.

One helpful nuance: if the relative you sponsor has a spouse/partner or dependent children who will immigrate with them, they must be included in the same sponsorship application.

Who Cannot Be Sponsored

Fiancé / Fiancée

Canada does not provide a sponsorship pathway for fiancé(e)s, since engagement alone does not meet the Family Class criteria. Sponsors must either marry or meet the requirements for a common-law partnership.

  • Rule: Canada does not have a fiancé(e) visa or sponsorship category.
  • Requirement: To sponsor a partner, you must either be legally married (Spouse) or live together in a common-law relationship for at least 12 consecutive months.
  • Risk: Applying as “fiancés” will result in immediate refusal.
  • Alternative: If a fiancé(e) wishes to come to Canada temporarily, the most feasible option is to apply for a Tourist Visa, provided they meet all eligibility requirements and demonstrate temporary intent.

Siblings (Brothers and Sisters)

Siblings are generally not eligible unless they meet very specific criteria. Exceptions exist for orphaned or extremely rare “Lonely Canadian” cases.

  • General Rule: Adult siblings cannot be sponsored.
  • Exceptions: Orphaned siblings under 18, or rare cases under the “Lonely Canadian” rule, may be eligible.
  • Express Entry Note: While siblings cannot usually be sponsored, applicants under Express Entry may receive additional CRS points if they have a brother or sister who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada. These points can improve an applicant’s ranking but do not guarantee permanent residence.

If your goal is a temporary visit instead of permanent sponsorship, a Tourist Visa (visitor visa/TRV) – sometimes referred to as a Family Visitor Visa – may be an option, especially when you can show strong family ties through an invitation letter and a clear return plan.

Friends and Distant Relatives

Only close family members may be sponsored; friendships or distant relationships are not eligible.

  • Rule: Friends, business partners, and distant relatives such as cousins, aunts, or uncles cannot be sponsored.
  • Alternative: These individuals must qualify through other immigration programs like Express Entry or Study Permit. If they do not qualify under these programs, the only feasible option is to apply for a Visitor Visa often called a Family Visa – supported by an invitation letter and proof of family ties.

IRCC Application Process

Document Checklist Requirements

IRCC provides official document checklists for spouse/partner sponsorship and for parents and grandparents sponsorship. Each checklist confirms exactly what the sponsor and the applicant must submit as part of the PR sponsorship application.

In general, you can expect to include:

  • Required forms (sponsorship, permanent residence, background checks, family information, relationship details, representative form)
  • ID/civil status documents (passports, birth/marriage certificates, divorce/death/name-change papers, certified translations)
  • Status documents for applicants in Canada (if applicable)
  • Relationship proof, based on your family relationship type.
  • Police certificates (valid certificates for the current country of residence and any country lived in for 6+ months since age 18)
  • Medical exam and biometrics
  • Financial documents (undertaking, taxes, employment, bank statements — if required)

You must always check the IRCC website for the most precise and up-to-date information regarding the Canada family sponsorship checklist before submitting your file.

IRCC Processing Time

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) publishes updated processing time estimates through its official online tool. These timelines are not guaranteed, but they help applicants understand what to expect after IRCC receives a complete application.

Family sponsorship processing times can differ significantly depending on the category. The exact speed depends on the following factors:

  • the sponsorship category (spouse/partner, dependent child, parents/grandparents, other eligible relatives)
  • where the application is processed (inside Canada or outside Canada, where applicable)
  • the overall complexity of the case (e.g., issues with biometrics or medical exams)
  • the volume of files IRCC is currently managing

Delays frequently occur due to incomplete forms, missing documents or translations, incorrect fee payments, or if IRCC needs to issue multiple clarification requests.

The overall timeline can also be affected by IRCC’s annual immigration levels and processing capacity.

IRCC Application Fees

Preparing for family sponsorship costs involves two categories of expenses: Government fees and third-party costs. This breakdown will help you plan ahead.

The government fees are paid online to IRCC and depend on the sponsorship category and the number of applicants included. This family sponsorship PR application fee amount may include:

  • Sponsorship fee
  • Principal applicant processing fee
  • Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)
  • Biometrics fee

You must always refer to the official IRCC fee list for the latest amounts, as these immigration fees can change.

Essential third-party expenses not paid to IRCC:

  • Required medical exam by a panel physician
  • Police certificates
  • Certified translations
  • Courier services

Application Status Tracker

After submitting your family sponsorship application, you can track your status through several IRCC tools. Most updates will appear in your secure IRCC online account/PR portal. Key updates include:

  • Document requests
  • Biometrics
  • Medical instructions
  • Decisions

Once IRCC accepts your application as complete and you receive your AOR, you can use the Application Status Tracker to see overall progress, stage updates (eligibility, medical, background), and required actions. This is the primary PR tracker. Some files still use Client Application Status (CAS) or IRCC webforms/phone to confirm their application status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have a question? Use the search bar to explore 15+ Spousal Visitor Visa FAQs.

In most cases, you cannot sponsor siblings (a brother or sister) to Canada under Family Sponsorship Canada. IRCC only allows sponsorship of siblings in very limited situations, such as an orphaned minor sibling who meets strict requirements. In rare cases, one “other relative” may be sponsored if no other eligible family members exist. Most adult siblings are not eligible for Family Class Sponsorship.

Can I sponsor brother or sister to Canada?

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Under Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) rules, the Family Class Sponsorship program does not generally allow Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor adult siblings for permanent residence. Family sponsorship is designed to prioritize immediate family relationships, and siblings are excluded except under narrow exceptions set out in IRCC policy.

IRCC allows sponsorship of a brother or sister only if they qualify as an orphaned sibling. This means the sibling must be under 18 years old, unmarried, and both parents must be deceased. IRCC also provides a rare “other relative” option, which applies only if the sponsor has no spouse or partner, no children, no parents or grandparents, and no other eligible relatives anywhere in the world. These cases are uncommon and carefully assessed.

If a sibling does not meet one of these limited definitions, permanent residence sponsorship is not possible under Family Class rules. In those situations, siblings must explore other immigration options such as temporary residence, study permits, work permits, or economic immigration programs.

If you’re unsure whether your brother or sister fits IRCC’s narrow definitions for sponsorship, speaking with top rated immigration consultants can help clarify eligibility before you apply. You can also review typical application costs on our fees page or book a consultation for guidance specific to your family situation.

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No, a Canadian citizen cannot sponsor a non-family member under Family Class Sponsorship. IRCC limits sponsorship to specific eligible family relationships. Friends, acquaintances, and unrelated individuals are not eligible. Non-family members must qualify through other immigration programs.

Can a Canadian Citizen Sponsor a Non-Family Member?

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IRCC’s Family Sponsorship Canada program is strictly regulated and limited to defined family relationships. Canadian citizens and permanent residents may sponsor only those relatives listed under the Family Class, subject to eligibility requirements and conditions set out in immigration regulations.

IRCC’s rules for “other relatives” still require a qualifying family relationship by blood or adoption and do not extend to non-family members. Even if a sponsor is financially stable and willing to support someone, sponsorship is not permitted without an eligible family connection under IRCC definitions.

Non-family members who wish to come to Canada must qualify under alternative immigration pathways, such as economic immigration programs, study permits, or work permits. For short-term visits, a visitor visa may be appropriate, but this is not sponsorship.

If your goal is to help someone who is not a family member, an immigration professional from top rated immigration consultants can help identify realistic and compliant options. You can also review expected costs on or fees page our book a consultation to discuss alternative pathways.

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No, a family friend cannot sponsor you to Canada for permanent residence. IRCC does not allow sponsorship based on friendship. However, a family friend may support a visitor (tourist) visa application for a temporary stay in Canada.

Can a Family Friend Sponsor me to Canada?

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Under Family Class Sponsorship, IRCC limits sponsorship to eligible family members only. A family friend does not meet IRCC’s definition of an eligible sponsor–applicant relationship, regardless of how close or long-standing the friendship may be.

While permanent residence sponsorship is not available, IRCC does allow individuals in Canada to support a visitor visa application by providing a letter of invitation. This option is commonly used for short-term visits such as holidays, family events, or special occasions. However, IRCC makes it clear that a letter of invitation does not guarantee approval, as the applicant must still meet all visitor visa requirements.

If you are considering visiting Canada with the support of a family friend, it is important to understand the visitor visa rules and documentation requirements before applying.

For help determining whether a visitor visa is appropriate or preparing a strong application, you may wish to consult top rated immigration consultants. Cost information is available on our fees page, or you can book a consultation for tailored advice.

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To sponsor a family member to Canada, you must apply under Family Sponsorship Canada and meet IRCC’s eligibility requirements. The process depends on the family relationship being sponsored. Applications must follow IRCC’s prescribed steps, forms, and documentation rules. Processing times vary by category.

How to Sponsor a Family Member to Canada?

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Sponsoring a family member to Canada is done through IRCC’s Family Class Sponsorship program. The first step is confirming that both the sponsor and the family member are eligible under IRCC rules. Eligibility depends on the specific relationship, such as spouse or partner, dependent child, parents or grandparents, or limited “other relative” categories.

Once eligibility is confirmed, the sponsor must submit a sponsorship application and the family member must apply for permanent residence. IRCC requires specific forms, supporting documents, and government fees, all of which must be submitted correctly to avoid delays or refusal. Some sponsorship categories also require the sponsor to meet financial obligations.

After submission, IRCC assesses sponsor eligibility, the relationship, admissibility of the sponsored person, and completeness of the application. Processing times vary and are published by IRCC as estimates only.

Because choosing the wrong category or missing a requirement can result in refusal, many families benefit from professional review before applying. Working with top rated immigration consultants can help ensure the application follows IRCC rules. You can check expected costs on our fees page or book a consultation to plan your application correctly.

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You generally cannot sponsor a family for Christmas under Family Class Sponsorship, as sponsorship is for permanent residence, not short visits. For holiday travel, the appropriate option is usually a visitor (tourist) visa. Visitor visas are commonly used for Christmas visits, visiting a newborn, or compassionate travel.

How do I sponsor a Family for Christmas?

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Family Class Sponsorship under IRCC is intended for permanent immigration and is not designed for short-term visits such as Christmas holidays. Even when a family relationship qualifies for sponsorship, processing timelines and requirements make it unsuitable for temporary or seasonal travel.

For Christmas visits, IRCC’s recommended pathway is a visitor visa, which allows family members to come to Canada temporarily. This option is also commonly used for situations such as visiting a newborn, attending family celebrations, or compassionate visits. A Canadian host may provide a letter of invitation, but approval is based on the visitor meeting IRCC’s temporary resident requirements.

Planning ahead is important, as visitor visa processing times vary by country and season. Applications should clearly explain the purpose of travel and demonstrate the visitor’s intent to leave Canada at the end of their stay.

If you are planning a holiday visit or family reunion and want to choose the correct option, top rated immigration consultants can help you assess timelines and documentation. You can also review expected costs on our fees page or book a consultation to plan properly.

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Family size for sponsorship is calculated based on everyone the sponsor is financially responsible for, not just who lives in the same household. This includes the sponsor, spouse or partner, dependent children, previously sponsored persons still under undertaking, and the family members being sponsored now. IRCC uses family size to determine income requirements where applicable. Calculating family size correctly is critical, as errors can lead to refusal.

How to calculate family size for Sponsorship?

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Under IRCC Family Sponsorship Canada rules, family size is used to assess whether a sponsor meets financial requirements, especially in programs like Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship and certain Family Class Sponsorship scenarios. IRCC defines family size as the total number of people for whom the sponsor is financially responsible, regardless of where they live.

When calculating family size, IRCC requires you to include:

  • Yourself (the sponsor)
  • Your spouse or common-law partner, if applicable
  • Your dependent children
  • Any dependent children of your spouse or partner
  • Anyone you previously sponsored and are still financially responsible for
  • All family members you are sponsoring now (and their dependents)

Examples:

Example 1:
You are single with no children and sponsoring both parents.
Family size = 3 (you + 2 parents)

Example 2:
You are married with one child and sponsoring one parent.
Family size = 4 (you + spouse + child + parent)

Example 3:
You previously sponsored a spouse and are now sponsoring both parents.
Family size = 4 (you + spouse + 2 parents)

IRCC assesses income based on this total number, not household size alone. Even a single miscount can result in failing the income requirement and refusal.

If you’re unsure how to calculate family size correctly for your specific sponsorship category, working with top rated immigration consultants can help avoid costly mistakes. You can also review expected costs on our fees  page or book a consultation for case-specific guidance.

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The Family Sponsorship Program allows eligible family members to obtain permanent resident (PR) status in Canada. Permanent residents can live, work, and study in Canada and access publicly funded healthcare (subject to provincial rules). Family sponsorship also provides a pathway to Canadian citizenship. It supports long-term family reunification and stability.

What are the benefits of the Family Sponsorship Program?

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The Family Sponsorship Canada program is designed to reunite families by allowing eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor certain family members for permanent residence under the Family Class Sponsorship framework.

One of the primary benefits is permanent resident (PR) status, which allows sponsored family members to live in Canada indefinitely. Permanent residents can work for most employers, study at Canadian institutions, and are protected under Canadian law. In most provinces, PRs are eligible for public healthcare coverage after any applicable waiting period.

Family sponsorship also creates a pathway to Canadian citizenship. After meeting physical presence and other IRCC requirements, sponsored family members may apply for citizenship, gaining the right to vote and hold a Canadian passport.

Unlike temporary visas, family sponsorship offers long-term security and eliminates the need for repeated extensions. It also allows families to plan their future together without uncertainty about immigration status.

If you’re deciding whether family sponsorship is the right pathway for your situation, top rated immigration consultants can help compare options. You can review application-related costs on our fees page or book a consultation to discuss long-term benefits and obligations.

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The Family Class includes specific eligible relatives such as spouses or partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents. Some other relatives may qualify only in very limited circumstances. Many relatives—such as cousins, adult siblings, or friends—are not included. Eligibility depends strictly on IRCC definitions.

Who is included in the Family Class, and who is not included?

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Under IRCC regulations, the Family Class Sponsorship program includes only specific family relationships. Eligible relatives generally include:

  • Spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner
  • Dependent children
  • Parents and grandparents
  • Orphaned siblings, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren under 18 (limited cases)
  • One other relative of any age, only if the sponsor has no other eligible family members anywhere in the world

Not included in the Family Class are:

  • Adult siblings who are not orphaned minors
  • Aunts, uncles (except under the rare “other relative” rule)
  • Cousins
  • Friends or family friends
  • Fiancés (unless qualifying as conjugal partners)

IRCC applies these definitions strictly, and family relationships alone do not guarantee eligibility.

If you’re unsure whether a relative qualifies under Family Class rules, top rated immigration consultants can help assess eligibility. You can also check expected costs on our fees page or book a consultation for clarification.

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In most cases, you cannot sponsor a niece or nephew to Canada. IRCC allows this only in limited situations, such as when the child is orphaned, under 18, and unmarried. There are no Express Entry points for nieces or nephews. Most do not qualify under Family Class Sponsorship.

Can I sponsor my niece or nephew to Canada?

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IRCC treats nieces and nephews similarly to siblings under Family Sponsorship Canada, but with even narrower eligibility. Sponsorship is possible only if the niece or nephew qualifies as an orphaned minor, meaning both parents are deceased, the child is under 18, and not married or in a common-law relationship.

Outside of this scenario, nieces and nephews are not eligible for Family Class Sponsorship. Unlike siblings, nieces and nephews do not benefit from Express Entry sibling points, as those points apply only to brothers or sisters who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

IRCC also allows a rare “other relative” sponsorship if the sponsor has absolutely no other eligible family members worldwide. These cases are uncommon and reviewed very strictly.

If your niece or nephew does not meet IRCC’s definition, alternative pathways such as study permits or other temporary options may need to be considered.

To confirm whether your situation meets IRCC’s narrow criteria, top rated immigration consultants can review your family structure. You can also review costs on our fees page or book a consultation.

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Canada offers special immigration protections for victims of family violence. These may include exemptions from fees, temporary resident permits, and open work permits. These measures help victims remain in Canada safely and independently. Eligibility depends on individual circumstances.

What are the immigration options for victims of family violence?

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IRCC recognizes that individuals experiencing family violence may face barriers to maintaining their immigration status. To address this, Canada provides special measures for victims under the family sponsorship and temporary residence frameworks.

Victims of family violence may be eligible for:

  • Fee exemptions for certain immigration applications
  • Temporary Resident Permits (TRPs)
  • Open work permits, allowing them to work without employer restrictions
  • Protection from sponsorship breakdown consequences in some cases

These options are designed to help victims remain in Canada safely, without depending on an abusive sponsor or partner. IRCC assesses applications confidentially and may request evidence of abuse, depending on the application type.

For official IRCC guidance, see this page.

If you or someone you know needs safe, confidential guidance, top rated immigration consultants can help explain available options. You can review related costs on our fees page or book a consultation to discuss next steps securely.

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There is no single fixed amount of money required to sponsor a family member in Canada. The financial requirement depends on which Family Sponsorship program you are applying under. Some programs have no minimum income requirement, while others require meeting IRCC’s Minimum Necessary Income (MNI). It is important to check the rules for the specific sponsorship category.

How much money is required to sponsor a family in Canada?

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Under Family Sponsorship Canada, the amount of money required to sponsor a family member depends entirely on the specific Family Class Sponsorship program being used. IRCC does not apply a universal income threshold across all family sponsorship categories.

For example, spousal, common-law partner, and dependent child sponsorship (where the child has no dependent children of their own) does not require meeting a minimum income level. However, sponsors must still show they can meet basic needs and must not be receiving social assistance (with limited exceptions).

In contrast, Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship requires the sponsor (and cosigner, if applicable) to meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for a specified number of consecutive tax years. The required income is based on family size, including the sponsor, their household, and the parents or grandparents being sponsored. Failing to meet the income requirement for even one year can result in refusal.

Other limited categories—such as sponsoring an “other relative”—may also involve financial requirements, depending on the circumstances. In all cases, sponsors must sign an undertaking agreeing to financially support the sponsored family member for the duration of the obligation period.

Because income requirements vary by program, it’s important to review the correct sponsorship category before applying. Speaking with top rated immigration consultants can help you identify the correct program and income threshold. You can also review estimated costs on our fees  page or book a consultation to assess your eligibility accurately.

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The length of the sponsorship obligation depends on the family relationship being sponsored. Each Family Sponsorship program has a different undertaking period. Sponsors remain financially responsible for the family member during this time, even if circumstances change. Quebec has different undertaking durations.

How long does the sponsorship obligation last?

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When you sponsor a family member under Family Sponsorship Canada, you must sign a sponsorship undertaking with IRCC. This is a legal commitment to provide financial support so the sponsored person does not rely on social assistance. The length of this obligation varies by program.

For example:

  • Spouse or partner sponsorship: obligation generally lasts 3 years
  • Dependent child sponsorship: duration depends on the child’s age at the time of sponsorship
  • Parents and grandparents sponsorship: obligation lasts 20 years under federal rules

During the undertaking period, the sponsor remains financially responsible even if the relationship breaks down, the sponsor’s financial situation changes, or the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident citizen later.

It’s important to note that Quebec applies different undertaking periods, particularly for parents and grandparents, which are shorter than the federal program. Sponsors living in Quebec must follow provincial rules in addition to IRCC requirements.

Before committing to sponsorship, understanding the length and legal impact of the undertaking is essential. If you want help comparing obligations across programs, top rated immigration consultants can guide you. You can also review cost considerations on our fees  page or book a consultation to discuss long-term responsibilities.

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The sponsor is the Canadian citizen or permanent resident applying to sponsor a family member. The principal applicant is the family member being sponsored for permanent residence. The principal applicant may include their own dependants. Each role has separate responsibilities under IRCC rules.

Who is the principal applicant and who is the sponsor in a family sponsorship application?

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In a Family Class Sponsorship application, IRCC clearly distinguishes between the sponsor and the principal applicant.

The sponsor is the person in Canada who holds Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status and submits the sponsorship application. The sponsor must meet eligibility requirements such as age, status in Canada, residence requirements, and (in some programs) income thresholds. The sponsor also signs the sponsorship undertaking.

The principal applicant is the family member being sponsored for permanent residence. Depending on the category, the principal applicant may include accompanying dependants, such as a spouse or dependent children.

Examples:

  • Spousal sponsorship: The Canadian spouse is the sponsor; the foreign spouse is the principal applicant.
  • Parents sponsorship: The child in Canada is the sponsor; one parent is the principal applicant, and the other parent may be included as an accompanying family member.
  • Dependent child sponsorship: The parent in Canada is the sponsor; the child is the principal applicant.

Understanding who holds which role is critical, as IRCC assesses sponsor eligibility separately from the admissibility of the principal applicant. For help structuring applications correctly, top rated immigration consultants can assist. You may also review typical costs on our fees  page or book a consultation.

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In most cases, the sponsor must reside in Canada when sponsoring a family member. Canadian citizens living abroad may sponsor a spouse or dependent child if they plan to return to Canada. Permanent residents must live in Canada to sponsor. IRCC assesses residence carefully.

Should a sponsor reside in Canada when sponsoring a family member?

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IRCC generally requires that a sponsor reside in Canada while sponsoring a family member. This ensures the sponsor can meet their legal and financial obligations under the sponsorship undertaking.

Permanent residents must live in Canada to sponsor a family member and are not allowed to sponsor while living abroad. Canadian citizens, however, may sponsor a spouse, partner, or dependent child while living outside Canada, only if they can demonstrate a clear plan to return to Canada once the sponsored family member becomes a permanent resident.

Examples:

  • A Canadian citizen temporarily working abroad may sponsor a spouse if they can show plans to return (job offer, housing plans, etc.).
  • A permanent resident living outside Canada cannot sponsor until they return and re-establish residence in Canada.

For parents, grandparents, and most other family sponsorship categories, residing in Canada is required. IRCC evaluates evidence of residence carefully.

If you’re unsure whether your living situation meets IRCC’s residence requirements, top rated immigration consultants can review your case. You can also consult cost details on our fees  page or book a consultation.

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An immigration letter of support is a written document explaining the relationship between the sponsor and the family member. It is mandatory in some applications and optional in others. The letter helps IRCC understand the purpose and genuineness of the application. It does not replace required forms or legal evidence.

What is an immigration letter of support for a family member?

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An immigration letter of support is commonly used in family-related immigration applications to explain the relationship between the sponsor and the applicant and to provide context for the application. The content and importance of the letter depend on the type of immigration application.

For visitor visas, a letter of invitation or support is often expected, especially for family visits. In Family Class Sponsorship, a formal letter is not always mandatory, as IRCC relies primarily on official forms and supporting documents. However, a letter may still be included to clarify circumstances, explain complex family situations, or provide additional context.

A letter of support usually includes:

  • The sponsor’s status in Canada
  • The relationship to the applicant
  • The purpose of the application
  • Any relevant background details

While helpful, the letter cannot replace required proof such as civil documents, financial evidence, or official IRCC forms. Applications are decided based on compliance with IRCC rules, not letters alone.

If you’re unsure whether a letter of support is required or beneficial for your application, top rated immigration consultants can advise. You can also review costs on our fees page or book a consultation.

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