Sponsoring a Spouse, Common-Law Partner, or Conjugal Partner
You can sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to obtain permanent residency in Canada, whether they are already living in Canada with a valid temporary visa or residing in another country. Applicants residing in Canada may also be eligible for an open work permit, which helps alleviate some financial burdens during the processing of the application.
An open work permit granted to partners being sponsored allows them to work in Canada while their application is being processed. Canada also recognizes common-law unions, meaning you can sponsor your partner even if you are not married, as long as you have lived together for at least one year.
Sponsoring Parents or Grandparents
Canada’s commitment to family reunification extends to the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents through the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program. To sponsor a parent or grandparent, the citizen or permanent resident must demonstrate their ability to meet the financial needs of their family by achieving the minimum necessary income (MNI) for their family size. They must also agree to financially support the sponsored family members if needed. If some sponsors cannot permanently support their parent or grandparent, they may be eligible for a super visa, a long-term visa allowing multiple entries to Canada.
Sponsoring a Child or Other Dependent
If you are immigrating to Canada, you can include your children as dependents in your permanent residency application. If you choose not to include them or if it is not possible, they can join you in Canada later. The Canadian child sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their biological or adopted children under the age of 22 for permanent residency, provided they are unmarried and do not have children. A child over the age of 22 may be considered a dependent if they suffer from a physical or mental condition preventing them from supporting themselves.
Sponsoring an Orphaned Brother, Sister, Nephew, Niece, or Grandchild
In certain special cases, Canadian citizens or permanent residents can sponsor an orphaned brother, sister, nephew, niece, or grandchild to establish themselves in Canada. To be eligible for sponsorship, the orphaned relative must be single, under the age of 18, and related to the sponsor by blood or adoption.
Sponsoring Other Relatives (In Exceptional Circumstances as a “Single Canadian”)
In rare circumstances, Canadian citizens or permanent residents may sponsor a distant relative to establish themselves in Canada. To sponsor a relative who does not fit into the traditional family reunification categories, the sponsor must be considered a “single Canadian,” meaning they have no spouse, common-law partner, children, parents, or grandparents.
