Canada Family Sponsorship Guide — Spouse, Parent, Child

Step 1 of 3

Step 1 — Your Relationship

Who do you want to sponsor to come to Canada?

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor certain family members for permanent residency. Select your relationship to the person you want to sponsor.

💑

Spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner

Spousal/partner sponsorship — in-Canada or outland route, leads to permanent residency

👨‍👩‍👧

Parent or grandparent (for permanent residency)

Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) — annual lottery, income threshold applies

✈️

Parent or grandparent (for long-stay visits, not PR)

Super Visa — up to 5 years per visit, no lottery, no quota — much faster than PGP

👶

Dependent child

Child must be under 22 and not a spouse/partner, OR over 22 with a physical or mental condition

👪

Other relative (sibling, nephew/niece, etc.)

Very limited options — orphaned relative or last-remaining-relative rules may apply

Step 2 — Your Status

What is your status in Canada?

To sponsor a family member, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada. Citizens can sponsor spouses from abroad even if they live outside Canada.

Canadian citizen

Canadian permanent resident

Must be living in Canada — PRs cannot sponsor from outside Canada

Neither — I'm on a work/study permit or other status

You must obtain PR before you can sponsor family members

Step 3 — Location

Where is the person you're sponsoring currently located?

For spousal/partner sponsorship, this determines whether you use the in-Canada or outland (overseas) route. Each has different processing timelines and temporary status implications.

Currently in Canada (on a valid status)

In-Canada spousal sponsorship — concurrent PR application; open work permit may be available while waiting

Currently outside Canada

Outland sponsorship — processed at visa office abroad; often faster processing

Your guide is ready

Unlock your personalised visa guide

Enter your details below to view your results. We may occasionally send relevant immigration updates — unsubscribe anytime.

Important disclaimer ▼

IMPORTANT: This guide provides general information only. Family sponsorship eligibility depends on income thresholds, relationship genuineness, sponsor undertakings, and IRCC policy not fully assessed here. PGP lottery intake caps change annually. Processing times are approximate. Consult an RCIC-registered immigration consultant for advice specific to your situation. Information is current as of March 2026. Full disclaimer →