Family Sponsorship Canada
At IPJ Immigration Solutions, we understand the importance of keeping families together. With over 20 years of experience, our dedicated, woman-led team provides personalized assistance to help you navigate the Family Sponsorship program, ensuring your loved ones can join you in Canada with ease and confidence.
What is Family Sponsorship in Canada?
Family sponsorship allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their close relatives to Canada as permanent residents. This program helps keep families together, which is one of the main goals of Canada’s immigration system.
There are two primary aspects of family sponsorship:
- Permanent Residency: The sponsored family member receives Canadian permanent residency, allowing them to live, work, and study in Canada.
- Sponsor’s Commitment: The sponsor must commit to providing financial support and ensuring the sponsored person does not rely on government social assistance.
Family Class is the second largest immigration category in Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan. The IRCC prioritizes family reunification, welcoming over 100,000 family members annually.
Who Can Sponsor Family Members?
Sponsor Eligibility Requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person registered under the Canadian Indian Act.
- Reside in Canada (Citizens can sponsor a spouse/partner/child from outside if they plan to return to Canada).
- Sign an undertaking agreement to financially support the sponsored person.
Who CANNOT Be a Sponsor:
- Individuals in prison or convicted of violent or sexual offenses.
- Those bankrupt or in bankruptcy proceedings.
- Those under a removal order from Canada.
- Individuals who are defaulting on previous sponsorships.
- Those who receive social assistance (except for disability).
Spousal & Partner Sponsorship
You can sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to become a Canadian permanent resident. Over 80,000 spousal applications are processed yearly.
Inland vs Outland Sponsorship:
- Inland Sponsorship (Inside Canada):
- For spouses or partners who are currently in Canada with valid temporary resident status.
- Advantages: Sponsored person stays in Canada during processing and can apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit after receiving AOR (Acknowledgement of Receipt).
- Processing time: 12 months.
- For spouses or partners who are currently in Canada with valid temporary resident status.
- Outland Sponsorship (Outside Canada):
- For spouses or partners living outside Canada or those preferring faster processing from certain countries.
- Advantages: Often faster for certain visa offices; sponsored person can visit Canada during processing; appeal rights if refused.
- Processing time: 12 to 24 months (varies by country).
- For spouses or partners living outside Canada or those preferring faster processing from certain countries.
Sponsoring Dependent Children
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their dependent children for permanent residence.
Eligible Children:
- Under 22 years old and unmarried or not in a common-law relationship.
- Over 22 years old if they have a mental or physical condition that prevents them from supporting themselves financially. The dependency must have existed before they turned 22.
Required Documents:
- Birth certificates to prove the parent-child relationship.
- Adoption papers if the child was adopted.
- Consent from the other parent (if not immigrating with the child).
- Police certificates for children 18 years or older.
- Medical examinations for all ages.
Processing time: Typically 8 to 12 months.
Parents & Grandparents Sponsorship
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) allows you to sponsor your biological or adoptive parents and grandparents.
PGP Lottery System:
- January Intake: IRCC opens the online interest to sponsor form during January. Potential sponsors must complete a short form.
- Random Selection: IRCC randomly selects 10,000 to 15,000 sponsors and invites them to apply.
- 90-Day Deadline: Invited sponsors have 90 days to submit their complete applications.
Income Requirements:
Sponsors must meet income thresholds for the past three years. You need to provide Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Notices of Assessment as proof.
Family Sponsorship Application Process
01.
Check Eligibility & Gather Documents
Ensure both sponsor and sponsored individual meet eligibility criteria (e.g., spouse, dependent child, parent). Collect required documents, such as proof of status, relationship evidence (e.g., marriage certificate), police certificates (if applicable), and medical exams.
02.
Complete Forms & Pay Fees
Download the correct forms from the IRCC website for your specific case (spousal, dependent, etc.). Pay the sponsorship and processing fees online and keep receipts.
03.
Submit Application & Track Status
Submit the completed application to IRCC (or MIFI for Quebec residents). Once submitted, you’ll receive an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) and can track the application status through your IRCC account.
04.
Final Decision & Complete Requirements
If approved, you’ll receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) or an immigration visa. If refused, you’ll get a refusal letter and may be able to appeal or reapply.
Costs and Fees for Family Sponsorship
Understanding the costs and fees involved in family sponsorship is crucial for proper planning.
Government Fees:
Fee Type | Amount (CAD) |
Sponsorship Fee | $75 |
Principal Applicant Processing Fee | $490 |
Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) | $515 (adults only) |
Dependent Child Processing Fee | $155 per child |
Biometrics Fee | $85 per person or $170 per family |
Additional Costs:
- Medical Exams: $200 – $500 per person.
- Police Certificates: Free to $100 per country.
- Translations: Varies depending on the documents.
- Courier/Shipping for Documents: $50 – $100.
Common Reasons for Family Sponsorship Refusals
1. Sponsor Issues:
Income Requirements: Failing to meet financial thresholds.
Previous Default: Unpaid past sponsorships.
Criminal Convictions: Criminal background disqualifies sponsors.
2. Relationship Concerns:
Lack of Evidence: Insufficient proof of a genuine relationship.
Marriage Fraud: Suspected immigration-based marriages.
3. Sponsored Person Issues:
Criminal Record: Criminal inadmissibility.
Medical Issues: Health risks or public safety concerns.
Misrepresentation: False or misleading information.
4. Other Factors:
Missing Documents: Incomplete or incorrect paperwork.
Eligibility Failure: Not meeting criteria like proof of relationship or funds.
Why Choose IPJ Immigration for Family Sponsorship
Personalized Solutions
Every family’s situation is unique. Whether you are sponsoring a spouse, dependent child, parent, or grandparent, we provide tailored advice and solutions to meet your specific needs and ensure the best chance of success.
Comprehensive Support
From gathering documents to submitting your application, we assist you throughout the entire process. We ensure all forms are filled correctly and that all necessary paperwork is submitted to avoid delays or refusals.
Expert Guidance
We help you understand the eligibility criteria for sponsoring a family member and provide you with clear instructions on how to meet the requirements for sponsorship, including proof of relationship, financial stability, and more.
Clear Communication
Throughout the family sponsorship process, we keep you informed at every stage. We prioritize clear communication to ensure that you understand the steps involved, the timelines, and what is required from you.
Proven Success
With our extensive experience and successful track record, we are confident in our ability to guide you through the family sponsorship process and ensure a successful outcome.
Quick Processing
We don’t stop at submission. Our team offers continuous support throughout the process, from tracking your application status to addressing any concerns, ensuring a smooth path to Family Sponsorship in Canada.
Hear from our previous clients
Every application represents someone’s hopes, dreams, and future. Here are just a few of the people we’ve been honored to help.
Meet Our Experienced Team
A women-owned, family-run practice where your case receives personal attention from experienced professionals who genuinely care.
Immigration law is our profession, but helping people navigate life-changing journeys is our passion. We’re a small, dedicated team, which means you’re not just another file number. We remember your story, we follow your progress, and we celebrate your success as if it were our own.
Irena Bartoszewicz Szajna
Senior Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC)
Irena Bartoszewicz Szajna
Senior Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC)
Paulina Harirbafan
Immigration Lawyer / Notary Public
Paulina Harirbafan
Immigration Lawyer / Notary Public
Justyna Szajna
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC)
Justyna Szajna
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC)
Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the concerns clients bring to us. If you’re feeling any of these worries, we can help.
Yes. Spousal sponsorships do NOT require income requirements (except complex situations with multiple dependents). Sponsors can be unemployed, students, or receiving disability benefits.
Sponsors must meet Minimum Necessary Income thresholds for 3 taxation years. Amounts vary by family size. Example: A family of 4 sponsoring 2 parents needs approximately $60,000-$70,000 annual income. Check IRCC for current thresholds.
Yes. You can include your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children under 22 years old. They become permanent residents with you and have the same rights.
Yes. Canada fully recognizes LGBTQ2 relationships. Same sex spouses, common law partners, and conjugal partners sponsored identically to opposite sex relationships.
Not always. IRCC interviews when concerned about relationship genuineness or needing clarification. Interviews can be in person, phone, or video. Strong applications with extensive evidence often avoid interviews.
Still have questions? That's what consultations are for. Book a consultation and get clear, honest answers about your specific situation.
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