Canada Family Visa for Immigrants – Migrate to Canada

If you’ve searched for a “Canada family visa,” chances are…

You’re not just looking to fill out some forms.

What Is the Canada Family Visa — And Who Is It For?

First, let’s get this out of the way:

There is no official immigration stream called the “Canada Family Visa.”

What people call a “family visa” is this:

Canada Family Sponsorship Program

It allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor certain family members for permanent residence (PR) in Canada.

This is not:

A temporary visa to visit
A fast-track immigration option
A program available to everyone

It is the pathway for:

Reuniting with your spouse or common-law partner
Bringing your children to live with you permanently
Sponsoring your parents or grandparents
(Sometimes) helping another relative if you have no one else in Canada

Who Is This Program For?

You’re in the right place if you are:

A permanent resident or citizen of Canada
Looking to bring your immediate family to Canada permanently
Willing to support them financially and legally for several years
Ready to submit a detailed application (yes, it’s paperwork-heavy)

Or, if you’re someone outside Canada and your family is already in Canada as a citizen or PR?

This is the exact process they’d use to sponsor you.

Quick Definitions (You’ll See These A Lot)

Term	Meaning
Sponsor	The Canadian citizen or permanent resident who applies to bring family
Principal applicant	The person being sponsored
Family class	The immigration stream for sponsored relatives
Undertaking	A legal promise to support the person you sponsor financially and otherwise
Dependent	A child under 22, not married or in a common-law relationship

Not Covered by Family Sponsorship:

If you’re hoping to bring over:

Your brother or sister (except in rare cases)
Cousins, aunts, uncles
Friends or extended family
A fiancé (unmarried with no common-law status)

You can’t use family sponsorship for them.

Before you bring someone to Canada, you need to know if you qualify as a sponsor — this section covers exactly that.

Who Can Sponsor a Family Member to Canada?

Here’s the rule most people don’t realize until it’s too late:

You can’t sponsor anyone unless you’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Not on a work permit? Can’t sponsor.

Still, waiting on PR approval? Can’t sponsor yet.

Visiting or studying in Canada? Still nope.

Let’s get specific 👇

You Can Sponsor a Family to Canada If:

You meet all of the following:

You’re at least 18 years old
You’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (PR)
You’re living in Canada, OR you’re a citizen who plans to return before You can prove you’re not receiving social assistance (disability excluded)
You’re willing to legally commit to financially supporting the person you sponsor for 3–20 years (depending on the relationship)

That last part? It’s called an undertaking — and it’s legally binding.

You Cannot Sponsor If:

Even if you’re a citizen or PR, you may be ineligible if you:

Are in default of a previous sponsorship
Didn’t pay court-ordered child support or alimony
Declared bankruptcy and haven’t been discharged
Have a criminal conviction involving violence or family members
Are you in jail, on a removal order, or under investigation by IRCC
Are only in Canada on a temporary visa (visitor, student, worker)

IRCC checks this stuff. Don’t assume you’re eligible — confirm first.

Pro Tip: You Don’t Need to Own a Home or Be Rich

IRCC does not ask for proof of income for most spousal or child sponsorships.

You do need to meet a financial threshold only when:

Sponsoring parents or grandparents
Sponsoring other relatives under special circumstances
You’ve co-signed a previous application and are still legally responsible

So, if you’ve got a full-time job and zero criminal issues?

You’re likely good to go.

What About Permanent Residents Living Outside Canada?

Bad news:

If you’re a permanent resident, you must live in Canada to sponsor anyone.

Only citizens can sponsor from outside the country — and even then, they need to prove they’ll return before their sponsored family arrives.

Now that you know if you can sponsor, let’s look at who you can sponsor under the Family Class.

People think “family sponsorship” means any family… but IRCC is very specific about who qualifies.

Who Can You Sponsor Under the Family Class?

Spoiler: Not everyone you love counts as “sponsorable.”

You can’t sponsor your cousin.

You can’t sponsor your best friend, who’s “basically your brother.”

And you definitely can’t sponsor your ex — no matter how much they’ve “changed.”

Let’s get into the real list

People You Can Sponsor to Canada

Here’s who’s eligible under the Family Class immigration stream:

Relationship	Sponsorship Eligible?	Notes
Spouse	✅ Yes	Must be legally married to you
Common-law partner	✅ Yes	Must have lived together for 12 consecutive months
Conjugal partner	✅ Yes	Only if unable to live together due to exceptional circumstances
Dependent children	✅ Yes	Under 22 years old and not married or in a common-law relationship
Adopted children	✅ Yes	Must meet international and Canadian adoption criteria
Parents	✅ Yes	Only through the PGP or Super Visa (must meet income requirements)
Grandparents	✅ Yes	Same as parents – through PGP or Super Visa
Orphaned sibling, nephew, niece (under 18)	🟡 Sometimes	Only if both parents are deceased and no one else can care for them
One extended relative	🟡 Rare	Only if sponsor has no other relatives they can sponsor and no family in Canada

People You Cannot Sponsor

Let’s be blunt — if you’re trying to sponsor any of the following:

Your adult brother or sister (unless orphaned + under 18)
Your uncle, aunt, cousin
Your fiancé (unless you can prove a conjugal relationship or marry first)
Friends, roommates, exes, coworkers, spiritual siblings

You can’t sponsor them. Full stop.

Yes, it’s heartbreaking. Yes, we wish it were different. But IRCC is strict — and they don’t make exceptions based on emotion alone.

Spouse vs. Common-law vs. Conjugal — What’s the Difference?

Type	Definition	What You Need to Prove
Spouse	Legally married	Marriage certificate, photos, joint finances, communication history
Common-law	Lived together for 12+ consecutive months in a marriage-like relationship	Shared lease, utility bills, ID showing same address
Conjugal	Real relationship, but unable to live together due to legal, religious, or immigration barriers	Extensive proof of relationship + documented reasons why you can’t cohabit

IRCC wants real relationships, not paper ones. That means proof: messages, visits, video calls, bank accounts, bills, etc.

Dependent Children – Who Qualifies?

Must be under 22 years old
Must be unmarried and not in a common-law relationship
Can be biological or adopted
Children over 22 may still qualify if they’ve been financially dependent due to a physical or mental condition

If you’re applying for PR, your kids must be declared in your application — even if they’re not coming with you.

Because knowing who qualifies is one thing — applying the right way is the next mission.

This isn’t just “fill out a form and hope.”

This is IRCC. There are multiple forms, stages, payments, biometrics, and zero forgiveness for sloppy paperwork.

How to Apply for a Canada Family Visa (Family Sponsorship Process)

Here’s what to expect:

You’re not just submitting one application — you’re submitting two at the same time:

One for the sponsorship

One for your family member’s permanent residence (PR)

IRCC reviews both together. If the sponsorship is approved, they process the PR file.

Let’s break it all down.

Step-by-Step: Canada Family Sponsorship Application

STEP 1: Check Eligibility (Sponsor + Applicant)

Make sure:

You (the sponsor) meet all criteria [see previous section]
The person you’re sponsoring is eligible
You’re ready to commit to the financial undertaking for 3–20 years (depending on who you’re sponsoring)

STEP 2: Gather Your Documents

You’ll need docs for:

The sponsor
The person being sponsored
The relationship between you

Common documents:

Identity documents (passports, birth certificates)
Marriage certificate/proof of relationship
Immigration status (PR card, citizenship cert)
Photos, messages, financial records (for spouses)
Police certificates (for the person being sponsored)
Medical exam proof (after IRCC requests it)
Translations (if any documents are not in English or French)

STEP 3: Fill Out and Validate IRCC Forms

Forms depend on who you’re sponsoring, but usually include:

Form	Who Completes It
IMM 1344 – Sponsorship Application	Sponsor & applicant
IMM 5532 – Relationship Info (for spouses)	Sponsor & applicant
IMM 0008 – PR Application	Principal applicant
IMM 5406 – Family Info	Everyone
IMM 5669 – Background/Declaration	Principal applicant

Validate online, print, sign where required, and upload.

STEP 4: Pay the Fees Online

You’ll pay these government fees on the official IRCC payment portal.

Type of Application	Cost (CAD)
Spouse/Partner Sponsorship	$1,080
Dependent Child	$150 per child
Parents/Grandparents	$1,080 + $150 per dependent
Biometrics (per person)	$85
Open Work Permit (optional – inland spouse only)	$255

Tip: Pay the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) upfront to avoid delays.

STEP 5: Submit the Application

Submit the Application depending on the stream, you’ll submit everything online via the IRCC Permanent Residence Portal or PR sponsorship platform.

Double-check all uploads
Use clear filenames (no blurry photos or random screenshots)
Submit the entire package at once

STEP 6: Wait for AOR + Next Steps

After submission, IRCC sends you:

An Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR)
A request for biometrics
Possibly police certificates, medical exams, or more documents

Spouse applications: ~12 months

Parents/Grandparents: 20–24 months+

Dependent children: ~10–12 months

You can track your application status online.

STEP 7: Receive PR Decision + Complete Landing

If approved:

The person being sponsored receives a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
If outside Canada, they’ll enter as a new PR
If inside Canada, they’ll complete a virtual landing

Just like that — they’re now Canadian permanent residents.

Real-World Snapshot: Spousal Sponsorship Timeline (2024)

May 1: Submitted application (inland)
May 25: Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) + biometrics letter
July 15: Medical passed
December 2: PR approved + spouse receives an open work permit
December 20: Virtual landing complete

Total time: ~7 months (fast because everything was perfect on the first try)

Spousal sponsorship is one of Canada’s most popular — and most abused — immigration pathways.

Because of that, even genuine couples face intense scrutiny from IRCC to weed out fraud.

Canada Spouse Sponsorship: How It Works + What to Watch Out For

So, you want to sponsor your spouse or partner to live with you in Canada.

The good news? Canada supports family reunification.

The reality? You’ll need to prove your relationship is real — and IRCC won’t just take your word for it.

Here’s how it works

Who You Can Sponsor as a Spouse or Partner

This table breaks down the three relationship types accepted under family sponsorship and what IRCC expects as proof:

Type	What IRCC Requires
Spouse	Legally married to you (in any country, if legally valid)
Common-law Partner	Lived together for 12 consecutive months in a marriage-like relationship
Conjugal Partner	In a genuine relationship but unable to live together due to serious barriers (rare + hard to prove)

Opposite-sex or same-sex — both are equally valid under Canadian law

Fiancé(e)s are not eligible unless you qualify as conjugal or common-law

Inland vs Outland Sponsorship: What’s the Difference?

Inland vs. Outland Sponsorship

Key differences between inland and outland sponsorship streams for spousal and partner applications:

Inland	Outland
Your spouse/partner is in Canada	Your spouse/partner is outside Canada
Can apply for open work permit while waiting	No work rights during processing
Can’t leave Canada during process without risk	Can travel (but visa might be needed)
Processing time: ~12 months	Also ~12 months, sometimes faster

If your partner is already in Canada (even on a visitor visa), inland is often the better path.

Proof That Your Relationship Is Real

This is the part people underestimate — and it’s where legit couples get rejected.

IRCC wants:

Marriage certificate or proof of cohabitation
Photos together over time
Text messages, emails, call logs
Travel history — trips you took to see each other
Affidavits from friends/family confirming the relationship
Joint bank accounts, leases, utility bills (for common-law)

Don’t flood them with 1,000 selfies.

Focus on variety, consistency, and timelines.

Red Flags That Trigger Extra Scrutiny

Big age gap (especially if combined with a short relationship timeline)
No common language
Relationships started online, but you’ve never met in person
Spouse recently divorced or was previously sponsored
Lack of contact between you
No wedding photos, family involvement, or evidence of visits

These don’t mean automatic rejection — but they will lead to questions.

Your job is to answer them before they’re asked — in your documents.

Tip: Include a Relationship Timeline

A 1–2 page letter with bullet points like:

“March 2019 – Met on [app or in person]”
“Sept 2020 – Moved in together in [city].”
“July 2022 – Married in [location] with family attending”
“Ongoing – Daily calls, shared finances, joint lease.”

Can My Spouse Work While Waiting?

Yes — if you apply inland, your spouse can get an Open Work Permit (OWP)

You can submit the OWP application with your sponsorship package.

IRCC typically issues the OWP within 4–5 months while PR is still processing.

This is a game-changer for couples trying to build a life together now, not in a year.

Now that you understand how spousal sponsorship works, it’s important to know that bringing your children to Canada isn’t automatic — or always simple.

From age limits to adoption rules and eligibility exceptions, there are critical details you can’t afford to overlook.

Whether your child is biological, adopted, under 22, or has special needs — this section breaks it all down.

Sponsoring Children in Canada: What You Need to Know

Let’s be super clear:

You can sponsor your kids to come live with you in Canada.

However, not every child qualifies, and IRCC strictly defines who counts as a “dependent.”

Here’s what you need to know

Who Qualifies as a Dependent Child?

IRCC defines a dependent child as someone who is:

Under 22 years old,
Not married or in a common-law relationship,
Biological or legally adopted,
Financially dependent on you (the parent/sponsor)

If they meet all four — you can sponsor them.

If they’re 22 or older, they do not qualify… unless they meet special conditions (more on that below).

What If My Child Is Over 22?

There’s one exception:

If your child is 22 or older, you can still sponsor them only if:

They have a physical or mental condition that means they’ve been dependent on you since before they turned 22,
And they cannot support themselves financially

This requires medical proof — not just a letter. IRCC reviews these very carefully.

What About Adopted Children?

Yes, you can sponsor an adopted child — but the process is more complex:

You’ll need to complete both:

The international adoption process (under your province’s adoption laws)
The immigration process (PR or citizenship application, depending on your status)

IRCC may require:

Adoption order
Proof that the adoption was not made for immigration reasons only
Proof the child has been in your custody and care

Adoption + immigration is a longer process — often 12–24 months or more.

What Documents Do You Need?

Here’s a quick breakdown of key documents you’ll need when sponsoring a biological, adopted, or dependent child to Canada:

Document	Purpose
Birth certificate	Shows parent-child relationship
Passport/travel doc	For the child
Adoption papers (if applicable)	For adopted children
IMM 0008 / 5669 / 5406	PR application forms
IMM 1344	Sponsorship application
School records, medical records	Optional but helpful proof of dependence
Custody documents	If separated/divorced from child’s other parent

If the other parent is not coming to Canada, IRCC may ask for a notarized consent letter.

Including Children on Your PR Application

If you’re applying for PR yourself, you must:

List your dependent children in your application
Even if they’re not coming with you right now

This ensures they remain eligible to come later

If you leave them off, they might be excluded forever

Yes, really. IRCC calls it a non-accompanying family declaration — and they mean it.

This one’s for the folks asking:

“Can I bring my mom and dad to live with me in Canada?”

“Is there a parent visa?”

“Should I apply for the Super Visa or wait for the lottery?”

The Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program (PGP) is real but limited, competitive, and misunderstood.

Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program (PGP)

Let’s get one thing straight:

Yes, you can sponsor your parents or grandparents to become permanent residents of Canada.

But no — it’s not guaranteed, and you can’t just apply whenever you want.

This is the PGP, one of the country’s most limited and competitive immigration programs.

Here’s how it works

What Is the PGP?

The Parent and Grandparent Program lets Canadian citizens or permanent residents sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence.

The catch?

IRCC only opens it once a year and is only available by invitation.

You can’t just apply. You have to:

Submit an interest to sponsor form
Wait for a random selection (lottery)
If chosen, then you submit the full application

It’s real. But it’s a numbers game.

PGP Requirements (Sponsor)

To sponsor your parents or grandparents, you must:

Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Be 18 years or older
Live in Canada
Meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for 3 years in a row

MNI depends on family size. Here’s an example for 2024:

Minimum Income (Last 3 Years) for PGP Sponsorship

To sponsor your parents or grandparents under the PGP, you must meet IRCC’s income threshold for each of the past 3 tax years:

Family Size	Minimum Income (Last 3 Years)
2 people	~$43,000+ / year
3 people	~$53,000+ / year
4 people	~$64,000+ / year

Proof = CRA Notices of Assessment (NOA)

PGP Requirements (Parent/Grandparent)

They must:

Complete medical exams
Provide police certificates
Not be inadmissible (criminal record, medical grounds, etc.)

They can include their spouse in the application (your mom can sponsor dad, or vice versa)

They cannot include siblings unless they are under 22 and dependent.

PGP Timeline (Sample Year)

Spring: IRCC opens Interest to Sponsor form
Summer: IRCC holds a random draw
Fall: Selected applicants are invited to submit a full sponsorship + PR application

Total processing time: 20–24+ months

Yes, that’s 2 years. But it ends in permanent residency.

Didn’t Get Invited? You Still Have Options

The PGP lottery is tough. But don’t give up.

Here’s plan B…

BONUS: Super Visa vs. PGP — What’s the Difference?

Super Visa vs. Parent/Grandparent Sponsorship (PGP)

Not sure whether to go the PGP route or apply for a Super Visa? Here’s a side-by-side comparison of both options:

Feature	PGP	Super Visa
Result	Permanent residency	Long-term visitor status
Application process	Lottery + full PR app	Apply anytime
Income requirement	3 years of NOAs	1 year of income only
Processing time	1.5–2.5 years	2–6 months
Max stay	Forever (PR)	Up to 5 years at a time
Medical insurance	Optional	✅ Mandatory (1-year private plan)

If your PGP isn’t selected — the Super Visa is the next best option.

It lets parents/grandparents live in Canada for years at a time — and re-enter multiple times.

You’re working hard. You want to reunite your family. But right now — maybe your status, income, or timing isn’t lining up. That’s okay.

This next section is your Plan B, C, and Plan “not giving up.”

What If You Don’t Qualify to Sponsor?

So you checked the requirements and thought:

“I’m not a citizen yet.”

“I’m on a work permit.”

“I don’t earn enough.”

“I missed the PGP lottery again.”

It sucks — but it doesn’t mean you’re out of options.

Here’s what you can do while working toward full sponsorship eligibility

Option 1: Invite Them Temporarily with a Visitor Visa

If PR sponsorship isn’t possible yet, your family can apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), which is also known as a tourist visa.

You can write an invitation letter and offer to host them.

Good for short visits (up to 6 months)
Not for long-term stays

Approval depends on their ties to their home country, not just your letter

Best for: Parents, adult children, siblings — if PR isn’t on the table (yet)

Option 2: Apply for a Super Visa (Parents/Grandparents)

If you’re not selected for the PGP draw, apply for a Super Visa.

They can stay up to 5 years at a time
Multi-entry visa valid for 10 years
Faster than PR and doesn’t require lottery selection
Needs private medical insurance + proof of income (1 year only)

You must meet the low-income cut-off (LICO) — but it’s lower than PGP’s MNI.

Option 3: Send Kids on a Study Permit (If They’re School-Age)

If your child is a minor and you’re on a valid status in Canada (work/study/PR), they can come to Canada on a study permit.

Must be enrolled in a recognized school
Can live with you or a legal guardian
Must have proof of relationship, school admission, and funding

Often faster than family PR sponsorship and helps them adjust to life in Canada early.

Option 4: Wait Until You Become Eligible — And Prepare Now

If you’re working toward PR or citizenship:

Save your NOAs to prove your income history
Build a file of family connection proof
Maintain clean immigration records
Get documents (like birth/marriage certs) ready early
Stay updated on IRCC program openings

IRCC programs open fast and fill faster — being ready = everything.

Option 5: Explore Other Immigration Streams

If your relative doesn’t qualify under family sponsorship, they might be eligible to come independently.

Explore:

Express Entry (if skilled + good English/French)
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Caregiver Program (if applying to care for kids/elders)
Study permit → PGWP → PR pathway
Refugee/humanitarian streams (in rare, valid cases)

You can support their journey — even if you can’t sponsor it.

The following section lays it all out: what it costs, how long it takes, and what delays to expect

Costs and Processing Times for Canada Family Sponsorship

Let’s answer the two questions every sponsor asks:

“How much will this cost me?”

“And how long will it take?”

Here’s the full breakdown — fees, timelines, and what slows things down (so you can avoid it).

Government Fees (Per Person Sponsored)

Below are the standard IRCC government fees you’ll need to pay when sponsoring a family member to immigrate to Canada:

Who You’re Sponsoring	Total Cost (CAD)
Spouse / Partner	$1,080
Dependent Child	$150 per child
Parent or Grandparent	$1,080 + $150 per dependent child
Biometrics (per person)	$85
Open Work Permit (inland spouse, optional)	$255

Fees are paid online via IRCC’s portal

Tip: Always pay the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) upfront. Delaying it delays final approval.

Other Costs to Expect

Aside from the IRCC application fees, here are typical additional costs associated with the family sponsorship process:

Type	Estimated Range (CAD)
Medical exam (IRCC panel physician)	$100 – $300
Police certificates	Free – $100 (varies by country)
Document translation (if needed)	$20 – $50 per page
Courier or postage (if mailing physical copies)	$25 – $50
Private medical insurance (for Super Visa)	$800 – $2,000 per year

Depending on your situation, plan for $100–$500 in extra admin costs.

Average Processing Times (2024–2025)

Below are the average IRCC processing times based on recent data. Actual timelines may vary depending on application volume and case complexity.

Application Type	Estimated Processing Time
Spouse/Partner (Inland or Outland)	12–16 months
Dependent Child	10–12 months
Parent/Grandparent (PGP)	20–24+ months
Super Visa (for Parents/Grandparents)	2–6 months
Open Work Permit (Inland Spouse)	4–5 months

You can check real-time timelines:

🔗 IRCC Application Processing Times

What Slows Down an Application?

Missing forms
Incomplete documents
Delayed biometrics or medical exam
Failure to pay full fees
Inconsistent info (ex: name mismatch between docs)
Relationship not well-documented (for spouses)
Criminal or medical inadmissibility

Reapplying after refusal? Expect longer timelines due to extra review.

Can You Speed It Up?

Not really — IRCC doesn’t “expedite” family sponsorship unless:

There’s a medical emergency
There’s a risk to the applicant (refugee or humanitarian cases)

But you can avoid delays by:

Getting everything right the first time
Paying all fees upfront
Responding to IRCC requests ASAP
Tracking your application through IRCC’s portal

Even strong sponsorship cases get refused.

Not because the relationship isn’t real. Not because the family doesn’t qualify.

But because someone messed up the details.

Mistakes to Avoid in Family Sponsorship Applications

You could meet every eligibility rule.

Have a perfect relationship.

All the right intentions.

But make one bad assumption… one missing form… one vague statement — and your family sponsorship application could be refused.

Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen

Mistake #1: Incomplete or Outdated Forms

IRCC will not process your application if:

You forget a signature
You use an old version of a form
You miss one required form

Fix:

Always download forms fresh from the IRCC website
Use their document checklist
Validate digital forms before printing/signing (if required)

Mistake #2: Weak Proof of Relationship

Especially for:

Spousal/common-law sponsorships
Adopted children
Conjugal partnerships

Red flags include:

No shared address proof
No evidence of communication
Only one wedding photo
Copy/paste relationship history with no real details

Fix:

Include photos, call logs, videos, financial documents
Write a real relationship timeline — not a fairy tale
Answer every question consistently

Mistake #3: Incomplete Income Proof (PGP + Super Visa)

For sponsoring parents/grandparents:

You need 3 years of income
It must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI)
Must be proven via CRA Notices of Assessment (NOA)

Fix:

Get NOAs directly from your CRA MyAccount
Don’t substitute with pay stubs or job letters — IRCC won’t accept them alone

Mistake #4: Poor Translations or Missing Certified Docs

All documents must be in English or French — or include:

A certified translation
A translator’s affidavit
The original document copy

Fix:

Use a certified translator, not a friend or Google
Keep all originals ready in case IRCC asks

Mistake #5: Inconsistencies Between Forms

This one’s sneaky.

Your form says your partner has no children
Their background form lists one child
Your family info form is missing names

Result? “Misrepresentation” → refusal or 5-year ban.

Fix:

Triple-check that all names, birth dates, and addresses match across every form
Keep one clean master file of your info

Mistake #6: Skipping Required Payments

If you don’t pay the:

Biometrics fee
Sponsorship fee
Right of PR fee (if not paid upfront)

Your application may get returned but not processed.

Fix:

Pay everything before submitting
Include the payment receipt with your app

Mistake #7: Not Disclosing All Family Members

If you’re applying for PR and forget to declare:

A child
A spouse
Someone you plan to sponsor later

They may be excluded from ever joining you.

Fix:

List all family members, even if they’re not coming with you
Use the correct forms (IMM 0008, IMM 5406)

Let’s land this plane — with the questions everyone asks at 2 a.m., usually after they’ve submitted their family sponsorship application (or are scared to hit submit).

FAQs – Canada Family Sponsorship and Migration

1. Can I sponsor my brother or sister to come to Canada?

Usually no.

Canada does not allow sponsorship of siblings unless:

They are orphaned, under 18, and have no parents
OR you have no other family in Canada (super rare exemption)

You may support a sibling in applying for a study permit, Express Entry, etc.

But sponsorship? Probably not.

2. Can I sponsor my fiancé or boyfriend/girlfriend?

Not unless you’re legally married or common-law.

To sponsor someone as a partner, you must either:

Be married
Have lived together for 12+ consecutive months (common-law)
OR prove a conjugal relationship — long-distance with serious barriers keeping you apart (very hard to get approved)

Engaged? Consider marrying or meeting common-law requirements first.

3. Do I have to live in Canada to sponsor someone?

Yes — if you’re a permanent resident, you must live in Canada.

If you’re a citizen, you can sponsor while abroad — but you must prove you’ll move back before your sponsored family arrives.

IRCC wants sponsors to be present and accountable, not long-distance or MIA.

4. Can I sponsor someone if I’m on a work or study permit?

No.

Only Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor family members.

If you’re on a temporary visa, you’ll need to wait until you gain PR status.

Until then, your best options are a TRV (visitor visa), a Super Visa (for parents), or a study permit (for minor children).

5. Can my sponsored spouse work while their application is processed?

Yes — if you apply inland, your spouse can also apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP).

It usually takes 4–5 months to be issued.

They can work full-time once approved, even while waiting for PR.

If you apply outland, they cannot work unless they hold another valid permit.

6. How long does sponsorship take in 2024?

Estimated IRCC processing times:

Spouse/partner: 12–16 months
Dependent child: 10–12 months
Parents/grandparents: 20–24+ months
Super Visa: 2–6 months
Open Work Permit (spouse): ~4–5 months

Tip: Delays happen if documents are missing or extra verification is needed.

7. What’s the difference between the PGP and the Super Visa?

PGP vs. Super Visa: What’s the Difference?

Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of the Parent & Grandparent Sponsorship Program (PGP) vs the Super Visa:

PGP	Super Visa
Leads to PR	No PR — long-term visit only
Lottery-based	Apply any time
Requires 3 years of income	Requires 1 year of income
Takes 2+ years	Takes 2–6 months
No insurance required	Medical insurance required

If you’re not selected in the PGP, the Super Visa is your best backup.

8. What happens if my application is refused?

First: Don’t panic.

You can reapply — but first, figure out why it was refused.

Request GCMS notes (visa officer’s notes)
Fix the issue: documents, relationship proof, income
Reapply with stronger evidence — don’t submit the same file again
Reapplying too fast with the same info = is likely another refusal.

Final Word: You’re More Prepared Than Most

You now know:

Who you can sponsor
How to apply (and what to avoid)
What to do if you’re not eligible yet
What it costs
And how to support your family’s future in Canada — the right way

This isn’t just paperwork.

It’s people. It’s reunification. It’s the future you’re building — together.

You’ve got this.