FAMILY CLASS

Family Sponsorship programs enable Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their loved ones to Canada and support them in becoming permanent residents. It’s designed to help families come together and build a shared future in Canada.

The program emphasizes the importance of family connection and provides options to sponsor spouses, common-law or conjugal partners, dependent children, parents, grandparents, and, in certain circumstances, other qualifying relatives.

COMMON-LAW PARTNER AND SPOUSAL SPONSORSHIP

Canadian citizens and permanent residents may apply to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residency, provided they meet all eligibility requirements. There are two main sponsorship streams available:

This stream is intended for applicants living outside of Canada, as well as those currently in Canada who do not plan to remain in the country while their application is being processed. It also covers cases involving conjugal partners and dependent children.

This stream is designed for spouses or partners who are currently living in Canada and hold valid temporary resident status.

Sponsors are required to financially support the sponsored person for three years, covering their essential needs and ensuring they do not depend on social assistance. In addition, spouses residing in Canada may be eligible for an open work permit while their application is being processed, provided they meet the necessary conditions.

PARENT AND GRANDPARENT SPONSORSHIP

Canadian citizens and permanent residents have the opportunity to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency through the Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP).

Process: The PGP uses a lottery-style selection system. Interested sponsors submit an expression of interest, and those chosen receive an invitation to apply for sponsorship.

Financial Responsibility: Sponsors must meet specific minimum income thresholds and commit to a 20-year undertaking to provide financial support, ensuring their parents or grandparents do not require social assistance.

Dependent Child Sponsorship

This program enables Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their biological or adopted children who are under 22 years of age and unmarried. Children over 22 may also qualify if they are unable to support themselves due to a physical or mental condition.

Eligibility: The child must meet the dependency criteria and be included in the application, even if they reside with another parent or guardian.
Commitment: Sponsors must provide financial support for the child for 10 years or until the child reaches 25 years of age, whichever occurs first.

Other Eligible Family Members

In exceptional circumstances, Canadian citizens and permanent residents may sponsor other family members — such as orphaned brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren under the age of 18 — or a close relative if they have no other eligible family members in Canada.

Conditions: These applications are considered only under specific conditions and undergo thorough review to confirm eligibility.
Overview: Family Class Immigration offers meaningful opportunities for families to reunite in Canada while maintaining financial responsibility and meeting the country’s sponsorship obligations.

Immigration applications can be complex and require careful preparation. Our team provides expert guidance from eligibility assessment through submission, helping ensure accurate, well-documented applications and a stronger path forward.