Question 1

Who can I sponsor to come to Canada?

Accepted Answer

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor: a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner; dependent children (including adopted children); parents and grandparents (through the Parents and Grandparents Program); and, in limited circumstances, other eligible relatives if you have no close family in Canada and meet specific criteria. Each category has its own requirements and processing pathway.

Question 2

What are the income requirements for family sponsorship?

Accepted Answer

For spousal and dependent child sponsorship: there is generally no minimum income requirement, but sponsors must not be receiving social assistance (other than for disability) and must sign an undertaking to support the sponsored person. For parents and grandparents: sponsors must meet the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) plus 30% for each of the 3 tax years before applying — the threshold increases with family size.

Question 3

How long does spousal sponsorship take?

Accepted Answer

IRCC's processing time targets for spousal sponsorship have varied. In recent years, both outland (overseas) and inland (in-Canada) spousal applications have been processed within approximately 12 months on average, though times fluctuate. Inland applicants may be eligible for an open work permit while their application is in progress, which can be processed in a few weeks.

Question 4

Can my sponsored spouse work while waiting?

Accepted Answer

If your spouse applied under the inland (in-Canada) stream (Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada class), they can simultaneously apply for an open work permit. IRCC processes these work permits on an expedited basis — often within weeks — so that sponsors and their partners are not placed in financial hardship during the wait. Outland applicants must wait outside Canada until the PR is granted.

Question 5

Can I sponsor my parents to Canada?

Accepted Answer

Yes, through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). IRCC uses an expression of interest system where eligible sponsors submit an interest to sponsor and a random selection is made annually. Spots are limited and the program is highly competitive. As an alternative, parents can visit Canada on a Super Visa, which allows stays of up to 5 years per visit.

Family Sponsorship Guides

Spousal Sponsorship Canada: Timeline, Requirements & Common Errors — 2026

Parents & Grandparents Program (PGP): The Complete 2026 Guide

Sponsoring Your Child or Dependent for Canadian Permanent Residency (2026)

Not sure which family sponsorship pathway is right for you?