Sponsoring Family Members to Canada

Canada places a strong emphasis on the family category, as shown by the approximately 80,000 new permanent residents who arrive annually as sponsored spouses, life partners, children, parents, grandparents, as well as other relatives.

When it comes to sponsoring family members, a common challenge I often encounter is the misunderstanding of who qualifies as a family member. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has a definition that is specific to immigration.

In general, permanent residents and citizens of Canada can sponsor only their immediate family members, with a few specific exceptions. Canadian immigration law allows both married couples and couples who live together to apply for sponsorship. Unmarried couples who live together are categorized as common-law partners.  Moreover, even if a couple can't live together but is in a long-term relationship, they can be reunited in Canada under the conjugal partner category.

A common belief is that any relationship between people who love each other should be accepted as common law or conjugal by the IRCC. However, the IRCC has specific tests that must be met to convince them that the relationship is real. The sponsor and applicant must demonstrate that they have been in the relationship for at least one year. They must provide documents proving a shared household, such as joint bank accounts, joint insurance policies, joint tax returns, and more. Simply showing a photo of the couple together, even an intimate one, is unlikely to be convincing enough. The couple needs to demonstrate that they are genuinely interconnected in each other's lives and are committed to the relationship. The IRCC requires a wealth of information about the relationship, which must be meticulously prepared and present a clear and convincing story of a loving and supportive relationship. You can check if you are eligible for family sponsorship by filling out our assessment form