01 — Overview
What sponsorship involves
Family sponsorship normally includes two linked assessments: whether the sponsor is eligible and whether the sponsored person qualifies as a member of the family class and is admissible to Canada.
The sponsor signs an undertaking to provide basic support for the required period. The relationship, family composition, previous sponsorships and disclosure history must be complete and consistent.
02
Who may be sponsored
Spouse or common-law partner
For a legally valid marriage or qualifying common-law partnership supported by genuine relationship evidence.
Conjugal partner
A narrow category for qualifying partners who cannot marry or live together for serious legal or immigration barriers.
Dependent child
For a child who meets IRCC’s dependency definition and is properly declared and examined.
Parents and grandparents
A separate invitation-based program that is currently paused for new intake; Super Visa may be a temporary-visit alternative.
Adopted child or other eligible relative
Special rules apply to intercountry adoption and the limited circumstances in which another relative can be sponsored.
03
Key areas assessed
- Sponsor’s status, age, residence and absence of a legal bar to sponsorship
- The family relationship and whether it meets the correct legal definition
- Genuineness of spouse or partner relationships
- Financial eligibility where the category requires income testing
- Undertaking obligations and any previous sponsorship default
- Medical, criminal, security and disclosure requirements
04
How the process works
- 01
Confirm the category
Identify the correct relationship and whether an inland or family-class process applies.
- 02
Build the evidence
Prepare civil-status records, relationship evidence, financial material and required declarations.
- 03
Submit both parts
The sponsorship and permanent-residence applications are normally submitted together through the required portal.
- 04
Respond and update
Complete biometrics, medicals and document requests, and report material family or status changes.
05
Important points
- A marriage certificate alone does not prove that a relationship is genuine.
- Undeclared family members can create serious future sponsorship consequences.
- Sponsorship undertakings continue for the legally required period even if the relationship later changes.
- Québec sponsors may also need a provincial undertaking.
Official sources
Verify the current rules at the source.
This page provides general information, not legal advice. Program status, criteria and intake can change. Confirm the current official instructions before applying.