Reunite Your Family
Family Sponsorship in Canada
Canada believes families should be together. As a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you can sponsor your spouse, children, parents, and grandparents to join you permanently.
Complete support: Spouse/partner sponsorship, Parents & Grandparents Program (PGP), Super Visa, dependent children, and complex family cases. 96% success rate!
Benefits of Family Sponsorship
Permanent residence for your loved ones with full rights in Canada.
Family Reunification
Canada believes families should be together. Family sponsorship is a cornerstone of Canadian immigration policy.
Permanent Residence
Sponsored family members receive permanent residence status. They can live, work, and study anywhere in Canada.
Healthcare Coverage
Once landed, sponsored family members have access to Canada's universal healthcare system.
Path to Citizenship
After 3 years as permanent residents, sponsored family members can apply for Canadian citizenship.
Work & Study Rights
Permanent residents can work for any employer and study at any institution without additional permits.
Social Benefits
Access to social programs including child benefits, old age security, and other government support.
Family Sponsorship Programs
Different programs for different family relationships. We guide you through the best option.
Spouse/Common-Law Partner Sponsorship
Most Common Family Class
Sponsor your legally married spouse, common-law partner (lived together 1+ year), or conjugal partner to become a permanent resident of Canada.
KEY REQUIREMENTS
- Canadian citizen or PR
- Genuine relationship proof
- No financial means test
- Meet sponsor obligations
FEATURES
- Open work permit while processing (inland)
- No income requirement for sponsors
- Can include dependent children
Dependent Children Sponsorship
Biological & Adopted
Sponsor your dependent children under 22 years old who don't have a spouse/partner. Includes biological and legally adopted children.
KEY REQUIREMENTS
- Child under 22 at application
- Financially dependent on parent
- Not married or in common-law
- Valid adoption (if applicable)
FEATURES
- No income test required
- Can be included with spouse application
- Orphaned family members eligible
Parents & Grandparents Program (PGP)
Annual Lottery Program
Sponsor your parents or grandparents for permanent residence. Limited spots available each year through interest to sponsor intake.
KEY REQUIREMENTS
- Meet minimum income threshold (3 years)
- Canadian citizen or PR for 1+ year
- Sign undertaking agreement
- Medical admissibility
FEATURES
- Healthcare access for parents
- Can stay permanently in Canada
- Work rights included
Super Visa for Parents/Grandparents
Alternative to PGP
Multiple-entry visitor visa allowing parents/grandparents to stay up to 5 years per visit. Great while waiting for PGP or as alternative.
KEY REQUIREMENTS
- Letter of invitation from child
- Medical insurance (min 100k CAD)
- Meet income requirement
- Medical exam
FEATURES
- Up to 5 years per visit
- Valid for 10 years
- Multiple entries
- No lottery required
Other Family Members
Orphaned Relatives & More
In limited circumstances, you can sponsor orphaned siblings, nieces, nephews, or other relatives if you have no other relatives to sponsor.
KEY REQUIREMENTS
- No other sponsorable relatives
- Relative has no living parents
- Relative under 18 (siblings)
- Meet income requirements
FEATURES
- Last resort category
- Includes orphaned grandchildren
- Case-by-case assessment
Sponsorship Application Process
A structured 10-step process from eligibility assessment to family reunion.
Determine Eligibility
1-2 daysWe assess both sponsor and sponsored person eligibility. Sponsors must be Canadian citizens or PRs, meet income requirements (for PGP), and sign undertaking.
Choose Application Type
1 dayFor spouse sponsorship: inland (sponsored person in Canada) or outland (outside Canada). Each has pros and cons we discuss.
Gather Relationship Evidence
2-4 weeksCollect proof of genuine relationship: photos, messages, joint finances, travel records, statements from friends/family, timeline of relationship.
Prepare Application Package
2-3 weeksComplete all forms, organize documents, prepare relationship narrative. For PGP: income documents (Notice of Assessments, T4s).
Submit Sponsorship Application
1 daySubmit complete package to IRCC. We ensure all forms are correct, documents properly organized, and fees paid.
Receive Acknowledgment
4-8 weeksIRCC confirms receipt and provides file number. For inland spouse: apply for open work permit and visitor extension.
Sponsor Approval (Stage 1)
2-4 monthsIRCC reviews sponsor eligibility. Once approved, application moves to permanent residence processing.
Sponsored Person Processing
6-12 monthsBackground checks, medical exam, biometrics. Interview may be required (uncommon for genuine relationships).
Confirmation of PR (COPR)
Final stageUpon approval, sponsored person receives COPR. If outland, also receives PR visa to travel to Canada.
Landing in Canada
Same daySponsored person lands as permanent resident. Welcome to Canada! PR card arrives by mail in 4-6 weeks.
Sponsorship Requirements
Key requirements for sponsors and sponsored persons.
Sponsor Eligibility
- Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- At least 18 years old
- Not receiving social assistance (except disability)
- No criminal convictions affecting sponsorship
- No previous sponsorship defaults
Income Requirements
- NO minimum income for spouse/children
- PGP requires meeting LICO+ for 3 years
- Super Visa requires meeting LICO+
- Must show tax returns (NOA)
- Combined household income allowed (some cases)
Undertaking Agreement
- Spouse sponsorship: 3 years undertaking
- Parents/grandparents: 20 years undertaking
- Children: Until age 22 (minimum 10 years)
- Sponsor financially responsible
- Repay any social assistance used
Relationship Evidence
- Marriage certificate/civil partnership
- Photos together over time
- Communication records (calls, messages)
- Joint finances or living arrangements
- Witness statements (friends, family)
PGP & Super Visa Income Requirements
Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirements for Parents & Grandparents sponsorship.
| Family Size | 2024 (Tax Year 2023) | 2023 (Tax Year 2022) | 2022 (Tax Year 2021) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | $43,082 | $40,444 | $32,898 |
| 3 persons | $52,965 | $49,720 | $40,444 |
| 4 persons | $64,306 | $60,359 | $49,106 |
| 5 persons | $72,933 | $68,463 | $55,694 |
| 6 persons | $82,258 | $77,212 | $62,818 |
| 7+ persons | +$9,325/person | +$8,749/person | +$7,124/person |
Note: Family size includes sponsor, spouse, dependents, AND persons being sponsored. You must meet MNI for all 3 tax years. Income is gross income (Line 15000 of Notice of Assessment).
Family Reunion Stories
"LIMAJ helped reunite me with my wife after 2 years apart. The application was approved in 11 months. Professional and compassionate service!"
Hassan A.
Spouse Sponsorship (Outland)
⏱️ 11 months
"My husband's inland sponsorship was smooth. He got his open work permit in 4 months and PR in 13 months. Great guidance throughout!"
Sarah M.
Spouse Sponsorship (Inland)
⏱️ 13 months
"Got into PGP lottery on second attempt. LIMAJ prepared everything perfectly. My parents are now permanent residents!"
Ahmed K.
Parents & Grandparents
⏱️ 22 months
"Couldn't wait for PGP, so we did Super Visa. Approved in 5 weeks! Now my mom visits for months at a time."
Fatima L.
Super Visa
⏱️ 5 weeks
"Our common-law sponsorship was complicated by living in different countries. LIMAJ built a strong case and we got approved!"
David & Carlos
Common-Law Sponsorship
⏱️ 14 months
"Sponsored my orphaned niece after my sister passed. LIMAJ navigated the complex process. She's now safe in Canada."
Amira H.
Other Relative
⏱️ 18 months
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does spouse sponsorship take in Canada?
Current processing times: Inland applications (spouse in Canada): 12-15 months. Outland applications (spouse abroad): 12-15 months. Processing times have improved significantly. With inland applications, your spouse can get an open work permit in about 4-5 months, allowing them to work while the PR application processes.
What's the difference between inland and outland sponsorship?
Inland (spouse in Canada): Sponsored person can apply for open work permit, must stay in Canada during processing, can't easily travel abroad. Outland (spouse abroad): Sponsored person stays in home country during processing, no work permit available, but can visit Canada on visitor visa. Choose based on your situation - we help you decide!
Do I need to prove income to sponsor my spouse?
NO! There is no minimum income requirement to sponsor a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, or dependent children. You only need to prove you're not receiving social assistance (disability benefits are OK). Income requirements only apply to Parents & Grandparents Program (PGP) and Super Visa.
What is the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)?
PGP allows Canadian citizens and PRs to sponsor their parents/grandparents for permanent residence. Limited spots available each year. Process: 1) Submit Interest to Sponsor during intake period. 2) Random selection (lottery). 3) If selected, receive ITA and have 60 days to submit full application. 4) Processing takes 20-24 months. You must meet minimum income for 3 tax years.
What is the Super Visa and how is it different from PGP?
Super Visa is a multiple-entry visitor visa for parents/grandparents allowing stays of up to 5 years per visit (vs. 6 months on regular visitor visa). Valid for 10 years. Benefits: No lottery, faster processing (4-8 weeks), no limited spots. Limitations: Still a visitor (no work rights), must have Canadian medical insurance ($100k+ coverage), doesn't lead to PR. Great option while waiting for PGP!
Can I sponsor my spouse if I'm a permanent resident?
Yes! Both Canadian citizens AND permanent residents can sponsor spouses. However, permanent residents cannot sponsor from outside Canada - you must be living in Canada. Citizens can sponsor even while living abroad (though must show intent to return). The process and requirements are otherwise the same.
What if my sponsorship application is refused?
Common reasons for refusal: insufficient relationship evidence, concerns about relationship genuineness, sponsor ineligibility, medical/criminal inadmissibility. Options: Appeal to Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) - strong success rates if relationship is genuine. Reapply with stronger evidence. We help with appeals and reapplications.
Can common-law and same-sex couples apply?
Absolutely YES! Canada recognizes: Common-law partnerships (lived together 1+ year in conjugal relationship), Same-sex marriages and common-law partnerships (equal rights since 2005), Conjugal partners (where marriage/common-law impossible due to immigration barriers). You'll need to prove the genuine nature of your relationship through evidence.
What happens if we separate after sponsorship is approved?
Separation/divorce does NOT affect the sponsored person's permanent residence status once approved. However, the sponsor remains financially responsible for the undertaking period (3 years for spouse, 20 years for parents). Sponsored persons who experience abuse can access support services and are not required to stay in the relationship.
Can sponsored persons work in Canada?
Once they become permanent residents: YES, they can work for any employer without restrictions. While application is processing (inland only): They can apply for an open work permit (usually received in 4-5 months after submitting sponsorship). This allows full work rights while waiting for PR.
Ready to Reunite Your Family?
Let us help you bring your loved ones to Canada. Book a consultation today!