Canada offers sponsorship programs for its permanent residents or citizens who wish to bring their loved ones to the country. These programs enable certain family members to become permanent residents of Canada. Family sponsorship programs are among the most sought-after streams of Canadian immigration, as they streamline the process for citizens and permanent residents to bring their spouses and immediate family members to Canada. These programs often feature reduced processing times, reflecting Canada’s commitment to ensuring that families are not kept waiting.

Spouse, Common-law Partner, or Conjugal Partner Sponsorship: You may qualify to sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for Canadian permanent residence, whether they currently reside in Canada with a valid temporary visa or live abroad. Those living in Canada may also be eligible for an open work permit, providing an opportunity to alleviate some financial pressures.

An open work permit for spouses allows sponsored individuals to work in Canada while their sponsorship application is processed. Recognizing common-law partnerships, Canada allows individuals who have lived together for at least one year (though not legally married) to apply for spousal sponsorship.

Parent or Grandparent Sponsorship: Canada’s commitment to family reunification extends to parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents through the parent and grandparent sponsorship program. Sponsors must demonstrate financial ability by meeting the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for their family size and agree to provide financial support if necessary. Those unable to provide permanent support may be eligible for a Super Visa, offering long-term, multiple-entry privileges for parents and grandparents.

Child or Other Dependent Sponsorship: When immigrating to Canada, you can include your children as accompanying dependents on your permanent residence application. If not included, or if unable to do so, they may still join you in Canada later. The child sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their biological or adopted children under 22 years old for permanent residence, provided they are unmarried and childless. Children over 22 may be considered dependents if they have a physical or mental condition preventing self-support.

Orphaned Sibling, Nephew, Niece, or Grandchild: In specific cases, Canadian citizens or permanent residents may sponsor their orphaned sibling, nephew, niece, or grandchild to come to Canada. To qualify, the relative must be under 18, unmarried, and related by blood or adoption.

Other Relatives (Under “Lonely Canadian” Exceptional Circumstances): In rare cases, Canadian citizens or permanent residents may sponsor one extended relative to come to Canada if they are considered a “Lonely Canadian,” meaning they have no spouse, common-law partner, child, parent, or grandparent.