Permanent Residence

Family Sponsorship

Explore the various pathways available to sponsor family members for permanent residency in Canada.

Family Sponsorship: Reunite with Your Loved Ones in Canada

Canada’s Family Sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their eligible family members for permanent residency, bringing families closer and enabling them to build their future together in Canada. This pathway is available for sponsoring spouses, common-law partners, children, parents, grandparents, and in some cases, other relatives.

General Eligibility Requirements for Sponsors

To sponsor a family member, you must:

  • Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Meet minimum income requirements to support your family member financially.
  • Agree to provide financial support to the sponsored family member for a specific period (this period varies based on the relationship).

Who Can You Sponsor?

You may be eligible to sponsor:

  • Spouses or Common-Law Partners: Including same-sex partners, whether they are inside or outside of Canada.
  • Dependent Children: Unmarried children under the age of 22.
  • Parents and Grandparents: Through the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program.
  • Other Relatives: In certain circumstances, such as orphaned siblings, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren.

Eligibility Requirements for Sponsors

To sponsor a family member, you must:

  • Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Meet minimum income requirements to support your family member financially.
  • Agree to provide financial support to the sponsored family member for a specific period (this period varies based on the relationship).

‍

Sponsorship Categories

Sponsor your spouse or partner for Canadian permanent residency

Spouses & Common-Law Partners

The Family Sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for permanent residency. Whether your partner is currently living in Canada or abroad, this pathway offers a straightforward way to reunite and build your life together in Canada.

Who Is Eligible?

You may sponsor a spouse or common-law partner if:

  • They are legally married to you or have lived with you in a common-law relationship for at least 12 consecutive months.
  • They are at least 18 years old.
  • You can demonstrate the authenticity of your relationship through documentation (such as joint finances, shared residency, or communication).

Inland vs. Outland Sponsorship

  • Inland Sponsorship: If your spouse or partner is already in Canada on a valid visa, you can apply for Inland Sponsorship. This option allows them to remain in Canada while the application is processed, and they may also be eligible for an open work permit.
  • Outland Sponsorship: If your spouse or partner is living outside Canada, you can apply through Outland Sponsorship. This allows them to remain in their home country during the processing period while still being eligible for permanent residency.

Benefits of Spousal & Common-Law Partner Sponsorship

  • Reunite in Canada: Your spouse or partner will be able to live, work, and study in Canada as a permanent resident.
  • No Income Requirement for Spousal Sponsorship: Unlike other family sponsorship categories, there is no minimum income requirement to sponsor your spouse or common-law partner.
  • Faster Processing: Canadian immigration prioritizes spousal sponsorship applications, with most cases processed in 12 months or less.

Proof of Relationship

To prove the authenticity of your relationship, you will need to provide evidence, such as:

  • Marriage certificate (for spouses)
  • Shared financial responsibilities
  • Photos and communication records
  • Joint leases or property ownership
Sponsor your children for permanent residency in Canada

Dependent Children

The Family Sponsorship program enables Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their dependent children for permanent residency. Whether your child is currently living in Canada or abroad, this pathway helps reunite families and provides a stable future for your children in Canada.

Who Is Eligible?

You may sponsor a dependent child if:

  • They are under 22 years old, unmarried, and not in a common-law relationship.
  • If over 22, they must be dependent on you due to a physical or mental condition.
  • You can provide proof of the relationship, such as birth certificates or adoption records.

Inland vs. Outland Sponsorship

  • Inland Sponsorship: If your dependent child is already in Canada on a valid visa, you can apply for Inland Sponsorship. This allows them to remain in Canada while the application is processed.
  • Outland Sponsorship: If your dependent child is living outside Canada, you can apply through Outland Sponsorship, allowing them to remain in their home country during the processing period while still being eligible for permanent residency.

Benefits of Sponsoring Dependent Children

  • Your child will be able to live, study, and access healthcare in Canada as a permanent resident.
  • Canadian immigration prioritizes applications for dependent children to ensure families are reunited quickly, with most cases processed within 12 months.
  • No minimum income requirement for sponsoring dependent children, making the process more accessible.

Proof of Relationship

To prove the eligibility of your child, you will need to provide evidence, such as:

  • Birth certificate or adoption papers
  • Proof of dependency if they are over 22 years old
  • Any legal documentation regarding guardianship or custody agreements
Sponsor your parents or grandparents for Canadian residency

Parents and Grandparents

The Family Sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency. This program provides an opportunity to reunite families and give parents or grandparents a stable future in Canada. The program operates through a lottery-based system, where interested sponsors submit an expression of interest, and a limited number are randomly selected to apply each year.

Who Is Eligible?

You may sponsor your parents or grandparents if:

  • You are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  • You meet the minimum income requirement to support your sponsored family members.
  • You are selected through the lottery process to submit a sponsorship application.
  • You agree to provide financial support for your parents or grandparents for 20 years (or 10 years in Quebec).
  • You can provide proof of your relationship, such as birth certificates or adoption records.

Inland vs. Outland Sponsorship

  • Inland Sponsorship: If your parents or grandparents are already in Canada on a valid visa, you can apply for Inland Sponsorship, allowing them to remain in Canada while the application is processed.
  • Outland Sponsorship: If your parents or grandparents are living outside Canada, you can apply through Outland Sponsorship, allowing them to stay in their home country during the processing period while being eligible for permanent residency.

Benefits of Sponsoring Parents and Grandparents

  • Your parents or grandparents will be able to live, study, and access healthcare in Canada as permanent residents.
  • Successful sponsorship provides long-term stability for your loved ones in Canada, giving them access to Canadian social services and healthcare.
  • Canadian immigration prioritizes family reunification; however, due to the lottery system, there is limited availability each year, making it important to submit an expression of interest as soon as the program opens.

Proof of Relationship

To prove the eligibility of your parents or grandparents, you will need to provide evidence, such as:

  • Birth certificates or adoption records proving your relationship
  • Proof of financial ability to support them
  • Any legal documentation, such as guardianship or custody agreements, if applicable

Benefits of Family Sponsorship

  • Reunite with Loved Ones: Bring your family members to live with you permanently in Canada.
  • Faster Processing: Family sponsorship applications are prioritized to ensure faster reunification.
  • Permanent Residency: Sponsored family members receive permanent resident status, offering a pathway to citizenship.

How We Can Help

At Beyond Borders Law, we guide you through the family sponsorship process, ensuring all documentation is properly prepared and submitted. Our experienced team works to streamline your application and address any potential challenges to ensure a smooth and successful outcome.

Start the Sponsorship Process Today

If you're ready to sponsor your family member, contact us to discuss your options and begin the process of reuniting with your loved ones in Canada.

Get Started Today

Get professional guidance for all your immigration needs. Contact us today to start the process and secure your future in Canada.

Book Now

Contact Us for Expert Immigration Assistance

Book NowContact Us

Beyond Borders Law

We are dedicated to helping individuals and businesses successfully navigate the Canadian immigration process.

Email

Appointments are available by booking only. Please contact us in advance to schedule your legal consultation.