Moving to Canada is a major milestone — but for many newcomers, the journey feels incomplete without their family. The good news is that Canada’s immigration system offers clear pathways to reunite with your loved ones. Whether you want to sponsor your spouse, children, or parents, understanding the rules and timelines will help make the process smoother and less stressful.

1. Who You Can Bring to Canada

After you become a permanent resident, you may be eligible to sponsor certain family members under Canada’s Family Class Sponsorship Program. Eligible relatives include:

  • Your spouse or common-law partner
  • Your dependent children (biological or adopted)
  • Your parents and grandparents
  • In some cases, orphaned siblings, nephews, nieces, or grandchildren under 18

Unfortunately, distant relatives like cousins, aunts, or uncles are not eligible unless they meet specific humanitarian or compassionate exceptions.

2. Sponsorship Requirements

To sponsor a family member, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act
  • Reside in Canada (or plan to return when your family arrives)
  • Demonstrate financial ability to support your family member
  • Not be in default of previous sponsorships or under bankruptcy

The sponsorship process ensures that newcomers will not depend on government assistance. When you sponsor, you sign an undertaking agreement committing to financially support your relative for a specific period — usually three years for spouses and 10 years for parents or grandparents.

3. Timelines for Family Sponsorship

Processing times vary depending on the type of family member and the location of the application:

  • Spouse or partner sponsorship: 10–14 months on average
  • Dependent children: 8–12 months
  • Parents and grandparents: 24–36 months

Applications may take longer if documents are missing, background checks are delayed, or additional information is requested. Submitting a complete application package from the start is the best way to avoid unnecessary delays.

4. Temporary Options to Reunite Sooner

If your family members can’t wait for permanent residence approval, they might qualify for a temporary resident visa (TRV) to visit you in Canada while waiting. In particular, the Super Visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian residents to stay for up to five years at a time, with multiple entries valid for 10 years. For spouses, a spousal open work permit is another option. It allows them to live and work in Canada while their sponsorship application is being processed.

5. How to Apply for Family Sponsorship

The application process generally involves these steps:

  1. Check your eligibility to sponsor
  2. Gather required forms and documents from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
  3. Pay the processing and biometrics fees online
  4. Submit your application through the IRCC portal
  5. Wait for updates and submit additional documents if requested

You can track your application status through the IRCC online account.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many sponsorship delays result from missing signatures, incorrect forms, or incomplete documents. To avoid issues, double-check all paperwork and consider seeking professional advice from a regulated immigration consultant or lawyer before submission.

Reuniting with your family in Canada is one of the most rewarding parts of your immigration journey. While the process can be lengthy, preparation and patience go a long way. By following IRCC guidelines and submitting complete, accurate applications, you can look forward to welcoming your loved ones to your new home in Canada.

FAQs

Can I Sponsor my Siblings to Come to Canada?

Generally, you can’t sponsor siblings unless they are orphaned, under 18, and not married. However, you may list them as dependents in some humanitarian cases.

How Much Income do I Need to Sponsor Family Members?

For spouses or dependent children, there’s no minimum income requirement. For parents or grandparents, you must meet the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) levels published annually by IRCC.

Can my Spouse Come to Canada While Waiting For Sponsorship Approval?

Yes, if eligible, your spouse can apply for a spousal open work permit or a temporary visitor visa while the sponsorship is being processed.