Canada•North America

Open

Family Sponsorship

Residency Pathway PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

12 months – 2.0 years

Estimated Cost

CAD $1,345

Stay Duration

Permanent residence

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in Canada

Cost of Living

12% cheaper than United States

Avg SalaryCA$48,000

Quality of Life

170/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Sponsored by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident — spouse, partner, dependent children, parents, grandparents.

Canada's Family Sponsorship program lets Canadian citizens and permanent residents sponsor close relatives — spouses, common-law or conjugal partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents — to become permanent residents. The sponsor must be at least 18 and reside in Canada.

Sponsored spouses receive permanent residence; inland applicants may get an open work permit during processing. Fees total CAD 1,345 (sponsorship $90, processing $570, RPRF $600, biometrics $85). Processing runs 12–24 months. Sponsors sign a 3-year financial undertaking regardless of relationship changes.

This visa is ideal for Canadian citizens and permanent residents who want to reunite with a spouse, partner, children, parents, or grandparents through a permanent residence pathway.

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Cost Breakdown

Sponsorship feeCAD $90

Principal applicant processing feeCAD $570

Right of Permanent Residence FeeCAD $600

Biometrics feeCAD $85

TotalCAD $1,345

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Sponsor must be at least 18 years old.

Sponsor must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person registered as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.

Sponsor must reside in Canada (or demonstrate intent to reside in Canada if a citizen).

Sponsor must not be in default of previous sponsorship undertakings or immigration loans.

Sponsor must not be receiving social assistance for reasons other than a disability.

Sponsor must demonstrate the ability to provide for the basic needs of the sponsored person.

Sponsored person must be a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, dependent child, parent, grandparent, or other qualifying relative.

Relationship must be genuine and documented.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)

Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)

Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)

Supplementary Information – Your Travels (IMM 5562)

Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking

Financial Evaluation forms

Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate, photos, communication logs)

Identity and civil status documents (passports, national ID cards)

Police certificates

Medical examination results

Proof of sponsor's status in Canada

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Priority processing category for family reunification.
Allows the sponsored spouse to obtain permanent residence.
Inland applicants may be qualifying for an Open Work Permit while the application is being processed.
Provides access to Canadian social benefits and healthcare.
Pathway to Canadian citizenship for the sponsored person.

Worth Knowing

Sponsor is legally and financially responsible for the sponsored person for 3 years, regardless of relationship status changes.
Proving a 'genuine' relationship is critical; applications are heavily scrutinized for marriage fraud.
Processing times vary significantly based on the application stream and location.
Quebec residents face a more complex process involving the MIFI (provincial immigration ministry).
Inland vs. Outland pathways have different appeal rights and processing nuances.