Canada Family Sponsorship Program : Reunite with Your Loved Ones
The Canada family sponsorship program, offered by the Government of Canada, provides an opportunity for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their close family members to Canada and help them become permanent residents. This initiative is a key part of Canada’s immigration system, aimed at reuniting families and strengthening social bonds. Through this program, eligible sponsors can help their loved ones such as spouses, children, parents, or grandparents build a new life in Canada. Once approved, the sponsored family members gain permanent resident status, allowing them to live, work, and study in any part of the country.
It not only opens doors to better opportunities for newcomers but also creates a sense of security and stability for families starting a new chapter together in Canada. Whether you’re looking to sponsor your partner or wish to bring your parents closer in their retirement years, this program offers a structured yet compassionate pathway to family reunification under Canadian immigration law.
Sponsor your spouse, partner or dependent children
Bring you spouse or dependent children to Canada as permanent residents.
Eligibility Requirements for Sponsors in Canada Family Sponsorship Program
To sponsor a family member, you must:
Be at least 18 years old.
Be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a person registered in Canada government Act.
Reside in Canada. If you’re a Canadian citizen living outside Canada, you must show that you plan to live in Canada when the people you’re sponsoring become permanent residents.
Demonstrate the ability to provide financial support to the sponsored person, ensuring they do not need social assistance from the government.
How Does the Canada Family Sponsorship Process Work?
The sponsorship process involves two applications submitted together, Both applications are submitted online through the Permanent Residence Portal.
Sponsorship application: You apply to become a sponsor.
Permanent residence application: Your family member applies for permanent residence.
Once you’ve submitted your sponsorship application along with the permanent residence application for your family member, the next steps depend on whether the application is approved and where your family member is located.
Processing Fees is required for yourself and any dependents included in your application.
If your family member outside Canada, the process continues with a visit to a Canadian port of entry, such as an airport or land border. There, they must present the COPR and visa (if applicable) to a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer. The officer will verify their documents and may ask a few questions before granting them entry and confirming their status as a permanent resident.
For those already living in Canada, the process works a bit differently. Instead of traveling to a border, they may be invited to complete the landing process online through a secure portal, or in some cases, they might be asked to attend an in-person interview with an immigration officer to finalize their permanent resident status.
The Canada family sponsorship program processing time depends on application volume, completeness, applicant’s location, and nationality.
Spouse (Inside Canada) : Approximately 29 months. This timeframe may vary depending on the volume of applications and the number of newcomers.
Spouse (Outside Canada): Approximately 10 months.
Dependent Child: Processing time depends on the child’s nationality. For example, if the child is from India, it typically takes around 8 months.
Parents or Grandparents: Approximately 36 months.
Adopted Child or Other Relatives: The processing time also varies based on nationality and the specifics of the relationship.
What Is a Super Visa in Relation to Canada Family Sponsorship Program?
The Super Visa is a special long term, multiple entry visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit Canada for up to 5 years at a time, without having to renew their status.
Valid for up to 10 years
Stay up to 5 years per visit
Faster processing than permanent residence sponsorship
Ideal for extended family visits
Requirement for Canadian Super Visa ?
Must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Provide a letter of invitation from your child or grandchild in Canada
Show proof of minimum income (from the sponsor)
Purchase medical insurance from a Canadian provider
