At the heart of Canada’s immigration system is a fundamental principle: keeping families together. The Family Class Sponsorship program is a powerful pathway that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their loved ones to become permanent residents of Canada, enabling them to live, work, and build a future together.

While the concept is simple, the application process is detailed and requires careful attention to eligibility, financial obligations, and evidentiary standards. Understanding the possibilities and requirements is the first step toward a successful reunion.

Who Can Be Sponsored? Understanding the Categories

The Family Class program is specific about which relationships qualify for sponsorship.

1. Spouses, Common-Law, or Conjugal Partners
This is the most common category for family sponsorship.

  • Spouse: A legally married partner. Marriages must be legally recognized in the country where they occurred and in Canada.

  • Common-Law Partner: A person who has been living with the sponsor in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 consecutive months.

  • Conjugal Partner: A person in a committed, marriage-like relationship with the sponsor for at least one year, where significant barriers (e.g., immigration barriers, religious reasons) have prevented them from living together or marrying.

2. Dependent Children
A sponsor can bring their dependent children to Canada. A dependent child is defined as a biological or adopted child who:

  • Is under 22 years of age, and

  • Is not a spouse or common-law partner.

  • Exceptions exist for children over 22 if they are financially dependent due to a physical or mental condition.

3. Parents and Grandparents (PGP)
This program allows Canadians to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence.

  • The Process: This program is highly competitive and operates through a unique system. Typically, IRCC opens a brief registration period where potential sponsors must submit an “Interest to Sponsor” form. Entries are then randomly selected via a lottery, and those chosen are invited to submit a full application.

  • The Super Visa: For those not selected in the PGP lottery, the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa is an excellent alternative. It is a multi-entry, long-term visitor visa that allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time without renewing their status.

The Sponsor’s Role: Eligibility and Undertaking

The Canadian government places significant responsibilities on the sponsor to ensure the sponsored person does not require social assistance.

Key Eligibility Requirements for the Sponsor:

  • You must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident.

  • You must be at least 18 years of age.

  • You must reside in Canada (citizens sponsoring a spouse/partner or dependent child may live abroad but must prove they will return to Canada once their family member becomes a permanent resident).

  • You must demonstrate you have sufficient income to provide for the basic needs of your family members, including the sponsored person(s).

  • Note: If you are sponsoring a spouse or dependent child, you do not need to meet a minimum income threshold (Low-Income Cut-Off, or LICO) unless a dependent child has dependent children of their own. Sponsoring parents and grandparents requires meeting the LICO for the past three years.

The Undertaking: A Legal Commitment

  • By signing the undertaking agreement, you promise to provide financial support for the sponsored family member for a specific period, even if your relationship breaks down or your circumstances change.

  • The length of the undertaking varies:

    • Spouses/Partners: 3 years from the day they become a permanent resident.

    • Dependent Children (under 22): 10 years, or until age 25, whichever comes first.

    • Parents/Grandparents: 20 years.

Common Challenges and Pitfalls in Family Sponsorship

  1. Incomplete or Inconsistent Documentation: The application demands extensive proof of a genuine relationship. For spousal sponsorships, this includes photos, communication records, travel itineraries, and joint financial documents. Inconsistencies or gaps can lead to delays or refusals.

  2. Misunderstanding “Genuineness of Relationship”: IRCC officers are trained to identify marriages of convenience. Applications must convincingly demonstrate that the relationship is authentic and not entered into primarily for immigration purposes.

  3. Inadmissibility of the Sponsored Person: The application can be denied if the person being sponsored is found inadmissible to Canada for reasons such as criminality, security concerns, or health conditions deemed to pose an excessive demand on Canada’s health or social services.

  4. Sponsor’s Failure to Meet Financial Obligations: If the sponsor is receiving social assistance (other than for disability) or is in an active bankruptcy, they will be ineligible to sponsor. For the PGP program, failing to meet the LICO requirement will result in refusal.

  5. Lengthy Processing Times: While spousal sponsorship applications are often prioritized, they can still take over a year. The PGP program has even longer processing times. Applicants must be prepared for a lengthy waiting period.

How AnyDay Immigration Can Guide You Through the Family Reunification Process

Navigating the emotional and complex journey of family sponsorship requires expertise and a meticulous approach. At AnyDay Immigration, we are dedicated to helping you reunite with your loved ones with confidence and peace of mind.

  • Eligibility & Strategy Assessment: We begin with a thorough review of your specific family situation to confirm your eligibility as a sponsor and identify the strongest possible application strategy.

  • Meticulous Document Preparation: We provide you with a clear checklist and expert guidance on gathering the right evidence to build a powerful and credible case, especially for spousal sponsorships where proving the genuineness of your relationship is paramount.

  • Navigating Financial Requirements: We help you understand and, if necessary, prepare the financial documentation required to meet the Undertaking obligations.

  • Managing the Entire Process: From submitting the initial application to communicating with IRCC on your behalf, we manage the details to ensure accuracy and compliance, reducing your stress and minimizing the risk of costly errors or delays.

  • Compassionate Support: We understand that family sponsorship is deeply personal. Led by Ms. Jaswinder Man, our team provides compassionate, transparent communication throughout your journey, treating your case with the care and importance it deserves.

Reuniting with your family is one of the most meaningful steps you can take. Let AnyDay Immigration provide the expert guidance and supportive partnership you need to make that dream a reality.

Disclaimer: The following information is for general guidance and informational purposes only. Canadian immigration laws and policies are complex and subject to frequent change. This document does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. It is essential to consult the official Government of Canada website (IRCC) for the most current information and forms. For personalized advice tailored to your specific circumstances, we strongly recommend consulting a qualified immigration lawyer Our firm takes no responsibility for any decisions made based on the information provided