Family sponsorship
Family sponsorship
Helping families navigate Canadian immigration processes to reunite with the people who matter most.
Our family sponsorship services
Official information: IRCC, family sponsorship.
What a sponsor commits to
Every sponsor signs an undertaking, a promise to support the family member financially for a set time. The length depends on the relationship.
Spouse or partner
3 years
Financial support from the day your partner becomes a permanent resident.
Dependent child
10 years
Or until the child turns 25, whichever comes first.
Parent or grandparent
20 years
10 years for sponsors living in Quebec.
Inland or outland
Your choice of route
For spouses and partners, where your partner lives during processing affects which route fits. Compare the two routes.
Other eligible family immigration matters
- Dependent children of a sponsored spouse or partner, included in the same application
- Adopted children, where the adoption meets Canadian requirements
- Other relatives in limited situations allowed by IRCC
- Open work permits for sponsored spouses and partners in Canada, where eligible
Common questions
Who can sponsor a family member?
Canadian citizens, permanent residents and people registered under the Indian Act who are 18 or older. Permanent residents must live in Canada. Canadian citizens living abroad can sponsor a spouse, partner or dependent child if they show they will live in Canada when their family member becomes a permanent resident.
What does it mean to sign an undertaking?
When you sponsor someone, you promise to support them financially for a set period. If they receive certain kinds of social assistance during that time, you may have to repay it. The length depends on the relationship.
Can I sponsor my brother or sister?
Usually not. Canada allows sponsorship of other relatives only in limited situations, such as an orphaned brother, sister, niece, nephew or grandchild under 18, or one relative if you have no close family in Canada or abroad who you could sponsor instead. We can check whether an exception applies.
Next step
Let's talk about your family.
Start with a 30-minute consultation. We will explain your options and what each one requires.
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