Canada strongly values family reunification. Through the Family Sponsorship Program, Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor close family members to join them in Canada permanently.
But applying is not always simple. Immigration rules, documents, and eligibility requirements can confuse many applicants. That’s why following a detailed family sponsorship checklist and working with an experienced family sponsorship consultant can save time and stress.
This blog will cover everything you need to know about family sponsorship to Canada—from eligibility and documents to benefits and FAQs.
What is Family Sponsorship in Canada?
The Family Sponsorship Program is part of Canada’s Family Class Immigration. It allows sponsors to bring certain relatives to Canada as permanent residents.
Family Members You Can Sponsor:
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Spouse or common-law partner
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Dependent children
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Parents and grandparents
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In some cases: orphaned brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, or grandchildren
Note: You cannot sponsor relatives like cousins, uncles, or friends.
Eligibility for Family Sponsorship
Sponsor Eligibility
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Must be 18 years or older
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Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
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Should not be bankrupt, imprisoned, or under a removal order
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Must show proof of financial ability (especially for parents/grandparents)
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Must commit to supporting the sponsored family member financially for:
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3 years (spouse/partner)
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10 years or until child turns 25 (dependent children)
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20 years (parents/grandparents)
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Applicant (Family Member) Eligibility
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Must be a genuine relative as defined by IRCC
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Must provide identity and relationship documents
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Must pass medical exams, police certificates, and background checks
Family Sponsorship Checklist (Canada)
Here is a detailed checklist to prepare your family sponsorship to Canada application:
Identity and Civil Status Documents
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Passport (valid for all family members)
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Birth certificates
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Marriage/divorce certificates (if applicable)
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Adoption papers (for adopted children)
Immigration Forms (as per IRCC)
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IMM 1344 – Application to Sponsor
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IMM 0008 – Generic Application Form for Canada
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IMM 5669 – Schedule A Background/Declaration
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IMM 5406 – Additional Family Information
Proof of Relationship
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Family photos
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Legal certificates (marriage, birth, adoption)
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Communication records (if spouse/partner)
Financial Proof (for certain sponsorships)
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Income tax assessments (NOA)
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Employment letters
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Bank statements
Supporting Documents
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Police clearance certificate
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Medical exam confirmation
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Two passport-size photographs (as per IRCC specifications)
Step-by-Step Process for Family Sponsorship
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Check Eligibility | Confirm sponsor and applicant meet requirements |
| 2 | Gather Documents | Prepare all items from the family sponsorship checklist |
| 3 | Complete Forms | Fill all IRCC forms carefully |
| 4 | Pay Fees | Pay sponsorship, processing, and PR fees |
| 5 | Submit Application | Apply online via IRCC portal |
| 6 | Biometrics & Medical | Applicant provides fingerprints & medical results |
| 7 | Wait for Processing | IRCC reviews (12–24 months) depending on relation |
| 8 | Decision | Family member receives PR status if approved |
Why Work with a Family Sponsorship Consultant?
Many applications are rejected due to missing documents or errors. A family sponsorship consultant can:
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Review eligibility before applying
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Ensure correct documents are submitted
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Guide through complex forms
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Communicate with IRCC on your behalf
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Reduce risk of rejection or delay
Hiring a licensed immigration consultant increases your chances of approval and saves time.
Processing Time for Family Sponsorship
Processing time varies depending on the relation:
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Spouse/Partner: 12–18 months
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Dependent Child: 12 months
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Parents/Grandparents: 20–24 months (or longer)
Cost of Family Sponsorship to Canada
| Type of Sponsorship | Fees (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Sponsorship fee | $85 |
| Principal applicant | $490 |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) | $515 |
| Biometrics fee | $85 |
| Parent/Grandparent (extra per person) | $1,050 approx. |
Total: Between $1,175 – $2,500 CAD depending on family members.
Benefits of Family Sponsorship
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Reunite with loved ones in Canada
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Sponsored family members get permanent residency
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Access to healthcare and education
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Opportunity to apply for Canadian citizenship in future
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Strengthened family support and stability
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Submitting incomplete applications
❌ Not following the official family sponsorship checklist
❌ Forgetting to sign forms or pay correct fees
❌ Submitting outdated police or medical reports
❌ Not proving genuine relationship
FAQs on Family Sponsorship to Canada
1. Who can I sponsor under Family Sponsorship?
Ans. You can sponsor your spouse, children, parents, and grandparents. In rare cases, orphaned siblings or grandchildren.
2. Do I need a minimum income to sponsor?
Ans. Yes, for parents and grandparents, sponsors must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement.
3. Can I sponsor a family member if I am unemployed?
Ans. You can sponsor a spouse/child even if unemployed, but not parents/grandparents without sufficient income.
4. How long does it take to sponsor family members to Canada?
Ans. Spousal sponsorship takes 12 months, parents may take over 2 years.
5. Do I need a consultant for Family Sponsorship?
Ans. Not mandatory, but a family sponsorship consultant can improve your chances of approval.
Conclusion
The Family Sponsorship to Canada program is one of the best ways to reunite with your loved ones. By following the official family sponsorship checklist and getting support from a professional family sponsorship consultant, you can ensure a smooth application process.
Rebuild your family life in Canada today—don’t delay your dream of living together.