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

Who Can Sponsor Family Members to Canada

In Canada, there are different pathways to reunite with family, and the right option depends on your situation and the option you qualify for.

Canadian Citizens

Canadian citizens can sponsor eligible family members and may apply even if they are living outside Canada. They must still show they plan to live in Canada when the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident.

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). In practice, PR sponsors generally need to reside in Canada and typically can’t sponsor while living abroad.

Study Permit & Work Permit Holders

Temporary residents cannot sponsor family members for PR, but they may still bring family members through temporary options like: These are temporary pathways and eligibility depends on factors like the principal applicant’s status and the family member’s admissibility.

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 can’t sponsor a new spouse or partner until 5 years have passed since the day you became a permanent resident.

Financial Undertaking and Financial Ability

Sponsors sign a legal undertaking to financially support the sponsored family member for the full length of the undertaking—even if the relationship changes (including divorce or separation). You must also be able to support them in Canada (for example, you generally can’t sponsor if you’re receiving social assistance other than for disability, and you must not be in default of previous sponsorship or support-related obligations).

No Criminality

Sponsors must not be ineligible due to certain criminal charges or convictions. In some cases, serious or violent offences—especially those involving a family member—or being in jail/prison can prevent a person from sponsoring a family member.

Other Common Reasons You May Be Ineligible

You may not be eligible to sponsor if you are in default of a previous undertaking, an immigration loan, or court-ordered support payments, if you are an undischarged bankrupt, under a removal order, or (for permanent residents) living outside Canada.

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:

Medical Inadmissibility

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

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), even if it happened outside Canada, depending on how it compares to a Canadian offence.

Security Risk

The applicant may be inadmissible if they are involved in activities such as espionage, terrorism, or organized crime, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe they are associated with such activities.

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, even if the mistake was unintentional.

Excluded Family Members

Some family members cannot be sponsored if they were not declared during your own immigration process, even if the relationship is genuine now.

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). This option is available for Outland applications.
Key Requirements:
- The relationship must be genuine and not primarily for immigration purposes.
- Sponsors must sign a financial undertaking committing to support their partner for 3 years.
- Inland applicants may be eligible for a Spousal Open Work Permit during the processing of their sponsorship application.

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 confirming the child’s status before applying, because in some cases the child may be eligible for Canadian citizenship directly rather than needing PR sponsorship.

Born in Canada: The child is usually a Canadian citizen at birth, with a narrow exception for children of certain foreign diplomats or similar officials.
Born outside Canada and at least one parent is a Canadian citizen: The child may already be a Canadian citizen, and in some situations a minor child may qualify under citizenship for minors born outside Canada instead of PR sponsorship.

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.
Many families consider the Super Visa for parents first. It’s a multi-entry temporary resident visa that can allow parents or grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time. While it does not grant permanent residence, it’s often used as a temporary solution when PGP sponsorship isn’t available or while you’re waiting—just note that applicants must have private medical insurance valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry, with at least $100,000 coverage, that covers health care, hospitalization, and repatriation. The policy must be paid in full or paid in instalments with a deposit (quotes aren’t accepted), and it must be issued by a Canadian insurance company or a foreign insurer authorized by OSFI (meeting IRCC’s conditions).
If they don’t qualify for the Super Visa (or only need a shorter visit), families often apply for a regular Visitor Visa for shorter stays.

Other relative program

IRCC’s “other relatives” category includes a few specific family sponsorship options with strict rules. Below are two common pathways and what they generally cover:

Lonely Canadian Rule: This option may apply if you don’t have eligible close family members to sponsor or rely on in Canada (for example, no spouse/partner, child, parent, grandparent, or certain close relatives in Canada), and you want to sponsor one extended relative of any age (such as a sibling, aunt/uncle, or niece/nephew), as long as all IRCC conditions are met. For details and next steps, see our Lonely Canadian Program page.
Orphaned Relative Sponsorship: This option is for sponsoring an orphaned close relative—typically a brother, sister, niece, nephew, or grandchild—who is under 18, unmarried/not in a common-law relationship, and whose parents have passed away. Learn what’s required and how to apply on our Orphaned Relative Sponsorship page.

Who Cannot Be Sponsored

Fiancé / Fiancée

Although Canada does not have a specific fiancé(e) sponsorship category, couples can still plan a clear path forward by understanding what relationship types Canada recognizes for sponsorship and what steps may be needed to qualify—see our Fiancé(e) Sponsorship page for guidance on options, eligibility, and next steps. As a temporary solution, a Visitor Visa may also be an option for a fiancé(e) to visit Canada while you prepare for the right long-term pathway, as long as they meet the requirements and can show they will leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay.

Siblings (Brothers and Sisters)

Although siblings are not typically eligible to be sponsored to Canada, there are a few limited exceptions, such as orphaned siblings under 18 or rare cases under the “Lonely Canadian” program.

If sponsorship is not available, some applicants may still benefit through Express Entry (where having a sibling in Canada can add CRS points), and as a temporary solution, a Tourist Visa may allow a sibling to visit Canada while you explore longer-term options, as long as they meet the requirements and can show they will leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay.

Friends

Rule: Canada’s Family Class sponsorship program is designed for close family relationships, so friends are not typically eligible to be sponsored for permanent residence.
Alternative: If a friend wants to come to Canada, the best approach is usually to look at immigration pathways they may qualify for on their own—such as Express Entry—or temporary options that may fit their situation, like a Work Permit, Study Permit, or a Visitor Visa.

Distant Relatives

Rule: Sponsorship options for extended or distant relatives are limited and only apply in specific, narrowly defined situations, so most relatives outside the immediate family don’t qualify under standard family sponsorship streams.
Alternative: Many applicants focus on other pathways instead, such as such as Express Entry—or temporary options that may fit their situation, like a Work Permit, Study Permit, or a Visitor Visa.

IRCC Application Process for Family Sponsorship

Document Checklist Requirements

IRCC provides an official application package and document checklist for each family sponsorship category. The exact forms and supporting documents vary by program and by your situation, but most family sponsorship applications include:

IRCC application forms for the sponsor and the person being sponsored (and a representative form if you use one)
Identity and civil status documents (passports, birth certificates, marriage/divorce/death documents if applicable, plus certified translations if needed)
Proof of the family relationship (the type of proof depends on the relationship being sponsored)
Police certificates (when required, based on where the applicant has lived and IRCC instructions)
Medical exam and biometrics (when required, based on IRCC instructions)
Financial/support documents (the sponsorship undertaking and any other financial evidence required for that specific program)

Always follow the checklist for your exact sponsorship stream and confirm the latest requirements on IRCC’s website before submitting, since forms and document requirements can change.

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 Family Sponsorship FAQs.

How do I sponsor a family member to Canada?

Sponsoring a family member to Canada usually involves confirming you’re eligible to sponsor, confirming your family member qualifies under the correct sponsorship category, submitting a complete IRCC application package with supporting documents, and completing required checks (biometrics/medical/police) until a final decision is made.

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Every family sponsorship application follows a structured process: you choose the correct stream, prepare the required forms and evidence, submit the application with fees, and then complete IRCC’s required checks and follow-ups until a final decision is issued. Here’s how it typically works:

Step 1: Confirm the right sponsorship category

Identify which family sponsorship program applies to your relationship (for example, spouse/partner, dependent child, parents/grandparents, or another eligible relative). The category you choose determines the forms, documents, and requirements.

Step 2: Check sponsor eligibility

Make sure you meet IRCC’s sponsor eligibility rules (such as status requirements, financial obligations/undertakings, and any restrictions that could make a sponsor ineligible).

Step 3: Confirm the applicant is eligible and not inadmissible

The person being sponsored must meet program requirements and must not be inadmissible (for example, due to medical, criminal, security, or misrepresentation issues).

Step 4: Gather documents and complete forms

Use the IRCC checklist for your specific sponsorship stream to prepare the correct forms and supporting documents (identity/civil status, proof of relationship, and any required supporting evidence).

Step 5: Submit the application and pay the fees

Submit the full application package through the method required for your stream (online or by mail, depending on the program) and pay the applicable government fees.

Step 6: Complete biometrics, medicals, and background checks

If required, IRCC will issue instructions for biometrics and a medical exam, and will assess background/security and police certificate requirements.

Step 7: Respond to IRCC requests and wait for a decision

IRCC may request additional documents or an interview. Once processing is complete, you’ll receive a final decision and next steps (such as landing or confirmation of permanent residence, if approved).

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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Who is Included In Family Class, and who is not included?

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.

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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 (lonely Canadian Program) 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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What are the Benefits of Family Sponsorship Program in Canada?

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.

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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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How Much Money (Income) is Required to Sponsor a Family in Canada?

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.

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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” (lonely Canadian)—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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How long does the sponsorship obligation (undertaking) last?

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.

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

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.

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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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Does the sponsor need to live in Canada while sponsoring a family member?

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.

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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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How do I calculate family size for a family sponsorship application?

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.

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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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Can I sponsor my siblings (brother or sister) to Canada?

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.

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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 “Lonely Canadian” 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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Can I sponsor my niece or nephew to Canada?

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.

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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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Can I sponsor a friend (non-family member) or distant relative to Canada?

No—IRCC does not allow you to sponsor a friend or distant relative (like cousins or uncles) for permanent residence under the family sponsorship program. However, you can invite them to visit Canada by providing a letter of invitation, and they may apply for a visitor visa if they qualify. Approval is not guaranteed and depends on IRCC’s assessment of their temporary resident intent.

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Canada’s immigration system does not permit family sponsorship for friends or distant relatives in most cases. The Family Class Sponsorship program only applies to:

Some narrow exceptions exist under the “lonely Canadian” rule (where you have no other relatives in Canada or abroad), but they do not apply to friends or non-immediate family.

If you want to bring a friend or distant relative (such as a cousin, aunt/uncle, niece/nephew) to visit you in Canada, you can support their visitor visa application by:

Writing a letter of invitation. A letter of invitation is a supporting document for a visitor visa application that explains the purpose of the visit and confirms the host’s relationship to the applicant, along with key trip details (dates, accommodation, and who will cover costs, if applicable). It may include a brief statement about how you know the person, but its main purpose is to provide clear, consistent information about the planned visit,
Providing proof of your legal status in Canada,
Optionally including proof of your ability to host them (if you’re covering costs).

However, IRCC will base their decision on whether the applicant:

Is a genuine temporary visitor,
Has strong ties to their home country (job, family, property, etc.),
Has sufficient funds for their stay,
Has a credible reason to visit and return after their stay.

There is no pathway to sponsor a friend for permanent residence unless they qualify under an independent immigration stream (e.g., Express Entry, student or work permit leading to PR).

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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Can I sponsor my family to visit Canada for Christmas, to visit a newborn, or to attend a graduation/convocation?

You can’t sponsor family members for temporary visits, but you can support their visitor visa application by writing a detailed invitation letter and helping show they’ll return home after their visit. Common events like holidays, births, and graduations are valid reasons to visit, but IRCC still checks ties to home country, financial situation, and travel history. Approval is never guaranteed, even for short family visits.

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While the term “sponsorship” is often used casually, IRCC only uses it for permanent residence programs (like sponsoring a spouse or parent). You cannot sponsor someone for a visit. However, you can invite them to Canada temporarily by supporting their visitor visa application with proper documents.

If your family members want to visit for a specific occasion—such as:

Celebrating Christmas or other holidays with you,
Meeting a newborn grandchild or relative,
Attending a graduation, convocation, or wedding

These are valid reasons to apply for a temporary visit.

To support their application:

Write a clear, personalized invitation letter explaining the event and reason for the visit,
Include your proof of status in Canada (PR card, citizenship certificate, etc.),
Show your ability to host or support them, if applicable.

Even with strong documentation, the visa officer will assess:

Whether the applicant is likely to leave Canada at the end of their stay,
Whether they have sufficient ties to their home country (family, job, property),
Their financial ability to cover the trip,
Any previous travel history or immigration violations.

So while you cannot guarantee they will be approved, presenting a complete, event-specific application can improve the chances—especially if the applicant has a good profile and no red flags.

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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What are the immigration options for victims of family violence in Canada?

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.

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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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What is a letter of support for a family member’s immigration application, and when is it required?

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.

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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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