Family Sponsorship in Canada: Sponsor a Spouse, Partner, Child or Parent
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor certain close family members for permanent residence. Family reunification is one of the pillars of Canada's immigration system, but the rules are strict, and mistakes such as missing declarations or weak evidence of a relationship can lead to refusals.
Who you can sponsor
- Spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner. See our spousal sponsorship guide.
- Dependent children. See our dependent child guide.
- Parents and grandparents. New intake is paused. See our parents and grandparents guide.
For a temporary stay instead of permanent residence, see the Super Visa and the visitor visa.
Basic sponsor requirements
- You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and at least 18.
- You sign a financial undertaking to support the person you sponsor.
- You cannot be in default of a past undertaking, in bankruptcy, or under a sponsorship bar.
Declare every family member
Applicants for permanent residence must declare all immediate family members, including those who are not coming to Canada. A family member who was not declared or examined can later be barred from being sponsored. A temporary policy softened that rule for some families, but it ended on September 10, 2026. Applications IRCC received between May 31, 2019 and September 10, 2026 continue to be processed under the old policy. If you have an undeclared family member and did not apply by then, a humanitarian and compassionate request may still be an option. If this affects your family, get advice before you apply.
Get help from a licensed consultant
Family cases often turn on how well the relationship is documented and whether every family member was declared. I can review your situation before you apply. No one can guarantee an approval.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sponsor my parents right now? IRCC paused new Parents and Grandparents Program applications on July 15, 2026. The Super Visa is still available.
Do I need a minimum income to sponsor a spouse? No, not for a spouse, partner or dependent child, but you must not be on social assistance for reasons other than disability.
What if I did not declare a family member on my own application? That family member may be barred from being sponsored. Get advice on your specific situation.
Sources: IRCC, Family sponsorship pages; IRCC notice of July 15, 2026.
This page is general information, not legal advice on your situation.