Family Sponsorship

Family Class Sponsorship

The Government of Canada knows how important it is to reunite families who come from other countries. A Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada, can sponsor a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, dependent child (including adopted child) or other eligible relative (such as a parent or grandparent) to become a permanent resident.

The sponsor is responsible for supporting the relative financially when he or she arrives. As a sponsor, you must make sure your spouse or relative does not need to seek financial assistance from the Government.

There are two types of family sponsorship.

Spouse and Dependent Children Sponsorship

A Canadian citizen or permanent resident may sponsor their spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner, or dependent children, to come to Canada as permanent residents. Applicants for permanent residence must go through medical, criminal and background screening. An applicant with a criminal record may not be allowed to enter Canada. People who pose a risk to Canada´s security are also not allowed to enter Canada. Applicants may have to provide a certificate from police authorities in their home country.