Family Sponsorship Program Canada
Reunite with Your Loved Ones and Build a Future Together

The Family Sponsorship Program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their loved ones to Canada and help them become permanent residents. This program reflects Canada’s commitment to family reunification, enabling families to live, work, and settle together in Canada.
Through family sponsorship, eligible sponsors can support their spouse, common-law partner, dependent children, parents, grandparents, and other relatives under certain conditions.
1. Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouse or common-law partner to immigrate to Canada and obtain permanent residence.
Eligibility Requirements for Sponsors:
Types of Applications:
- Inland Sponsorship: If the spouse/partner is already in Canada.
- Outland Sponsorship: If the spouse/partner is living outside Canada.
Processing Time:
IRCC aims to process most applications within 12 months (varies by case).
2. Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship (PGP)
Through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), citizens and permanent residents of Canada can sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency.
Eligibility Requirements:
The program uses an Invitation to Apply (ITA) lottery system. Interested sponsors must first submit an Expression of Interest through IRCC’s online form.
3. Dependent Child Sponsorship
Dependent children of Canadian citizens and permanent residents may also be sponsored to immigrate permanently to Canada.
Eligibility Requirements:
4. Other Relatives / Lonely Family Member Sponsorship
In rare cases, Canadian citizens or permanent residents may sponsor a “lonely family member” if they do not have a spouse, partner, child, parent, or grandparent who is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible to be sponsored.
Eligibility Requirements:
5. Super Visa (for Parents and Grandparents)
The Super Visa is a long-term, multiple-entry visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. It allows them to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit, with multiple entries valid for up to 10 years.
Eligibility Requirements:
The Super Visa is an excellent alternative for families who do not qualify under the PGP.
Steps to Apply for the Canadian Experience Class
Check Eligibility
Confirm you meet sponsorship requirements.
Confirm Family Member’s Eligibility
Ensure your relative qualifies for sponsorship.
Prepare Applications
Submit both the sponsorship application and the permanent residence (PR) application together to IRCC. (If you live in Quebec, you must also apply to the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI).)
Pay the Fees
Pay sponsorship and PR application fees online
Submit Your Application
Send the completed application to IRCC following the official guide.
IRCC Processing
IRCC reviews your eligibility as a sponsor and the applicant’s eligibility for permanent residence.

