Family Sponsorship

Overview

Family Reunification in Canada

Relatives of people with Canadian citizenship or permanent residence can live, study and work in Canada if they receive permanent residence. If you are a citizen or permanent resident of Canada and at least 18 years old, you can sponsor certain family members to come to Canada.

Category 1

Sponsor a Spouse, Common-Law Partner, Conjugal Partner or Child

Eligible individuals can sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner or dependent children to become permanent residents of Canada. Sponsors must support them financially and ensure they do not need social assistance from the government.

Dependent children qualify if they are under 22 years old and do not have a spouse or common-law partner. Children 22+ may qualify if they are unable to financially support themselves due to a mental or physical condition and have depended on parents since before age 22.

Category 2

Sponsorship of Parents and Grandparents

The applicant can sponsor their parents or grandparents who are related by blood or adoption. In the event of parental divorce, separate applications must be submitted. The applicant must be financially able to sponsor all the people and their dependents. You can't sponsor your spouse's parents and grandparents (in-laws); however, you can be a co-signer on your in-laws' application.

Category 3

Orphaned Relatives

You can sponsor an orphaned brother, sister, nephew, niece, or grandchild who meets all of these conditions: related by blood or adoption, both parents have died, under 18 years old, and single (not married).

Eligibility

Sponsor Eligibility

You may not be eligible to sponsor a relative if:

• You are in prison
• You have not paid family support expenses or declared bankruptcy without discharge
• You receive social assistance for reasons other than a disability
• You have not repaid an immigration loan or have made late payments
• You previously sponsored a relative and did not comply with the terms of the sponsorship
• You have been convicted of a violent crime, any crime against a relative, or a sexual offence

Fees

Application Fees

Application Type	Fee (CAD)
Spouse/Partner — Sponsorship ($85) + Processing ($545) + RPRF ($575)	$1,205
Dependent child (with spouse application)	$175
Independent dependent child sponsorship	$170
Parent/Grandparent — Sponsorship ($85) + Processing ($545) + RPRF ($575)	$1,205
Orphaned relative	$175
Biometrics — Per person	$85