BP103
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Living in Canada and the U.S.

I Want to Bring My Family to Canada

Learn how you could bring your family to Canada. Understand sponsorship programs, eligibility, and the application process, and overcome common challenges.

Introduction

Bringing your family to Canada can be a rewarding and exciting experience. Canada's family sponsorship programs make it possible for citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their loved ones. Understanding how these programs work is key to a successful family sponsorship.

There are different ways to sponsor family members, such as spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, and parents. Each option has its own set of requirements and steps you need to follow. Knowing which program fits your situation is crucial to making the process smoother.

Sponsoring a family member involves meeting specific eligibility criteria. These criteria ensure that both the sponsor and the family member meet the necessary conditions to live in Canada. It's essential to know what these conditions are and to be well-prepared.

The application process can seem complicated, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes it easier. From gathering documents to submitting forms, each part of the process needs careful attention. Being organized and thorough helps to avoid delays and ensures a successful application.

Even with the best preparation, common challenges may arise during the sponsorship process. Understanding these challenges and knowing how to overcome them can make a big difference. With the right information and support, you can navigate these obstacles effectively.

By focusing on these important aspects, you can bring your family to Canada and start a new chapter together.

Understanding Family Sponsorship Programs

Permanent Residents

As of January 2025, permanent residents of Canada can bring family members through sponsorship programs. They can sponsor spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children for permanent residency. However, IRCC has announced that no new applications for the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program will be accepted in 2025, though up to 15,000 applications submitted in 2024 will still be processed. These changes reflect Canada’s shifting immigration priorities, focusing on economic integration and family reunification within limited quotas.

Temporary Residents

Temporary residents—including international students and foreign workers—can bring family members under specific conditions. At the time of their initial visa or permit application, they can include eligible family members to improve the chances of approval for all parties. As of January 21, 2025, only spouses of international students in master’s, doctoral, and select professional programs (such as Medicine or Nursing) are eligible for open work permits (OWPs). For foreign workers, spouses are eligible for OWPs only if the principal applicant is employed in high-demand TEER 0, 1, or select TEER 2/3 occupations, with at least 16 months remaining on their work permit. Dependent children are no longer eligible for open work permits. These adjustments aim to streamline family reunification while aligning work permit eligibility with labor market demands.

Eligibility Criteria for Sponsoring Family Members

Before you can sponsor a family member to come to Canada, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. Both the sponsor and the person being sponsored need to satisfy these conditions. The information below should always be confirmed with an immigration lawyer or IRCC for the latest updates.

Permanent Residents

Sponsors must meet the following requirement:

  • Residency Status: You must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident living in Canada, or planning to return to Canada when your family arrives.
  • Age: You need to be at least 18 years old.
  • Financial Stability: You must show that you can financially support your family member for a specific period. This includes providing for their basic needs such as food, shelter, and medical care.
  • No Bankruptcy: You must not be in bankruptcy or have a history of failing to provide financial support as required by a previous sponsorship agreement.
  • Legal Standing: You must not have a criminal record involving certain offences or be under a removal order if you are a permanent resident.

Sponsored family members must provide the following: 

  • Relationship Proof: The family member must provide proof of their relationship to you, such as marriage or birth certificates.
  • Medical Examination: They must pass a medical exam to show they are not a health risk to Canadians.
  • Security Clearance: They need to pass background checks to ensure they are not a security risk to Canada.
  • Understanding and meeting these eligibility criteria is critical to a successful sponsorship application. It ensures you and your family member can live together in Canada legally and comfortably.

Temporary Residents

Temporary residents in Canada—whether international students or foreign workers—can bring their spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children under certain conditions. If applying from outside Canada, family members should ideally be included in the initial application to increase the likelihood of approval. However, those already in Canada may also apply to bring their family later, provided they meet the latest Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requirements. For families already in Canada, if dependent children did not arrive with the primary applicant, they must apply separately, demonstrating proof of financial stability and parental status.

International Students

Spouses and common-law partners are eligible for an OWP if the temporary resident is in:

  • Master’s or doctoral programs at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
  • Professional degree programs (e.g., Doctor of Medicine (MD), Bachelor of Nursing (BN), or equivalent)
  • Postgraduate programs lasting at least 16 months

For students already in Canada: If your spouse or partner does not meet the criteria for an OWP, they must apply for an alternative status, such as a visitor visa or study permit.

Dependent children (under 22 years old and not married or in a common-law relationship) of international students may attend elementary or secondary school in Canada without needing a separate study permit. If 18 or older, they must apply for their own study permit if they wish to enroll in post-secondary education.

Temporary Foreign Workers

Dependent children (under 22 years old and not married or in a common-law relationship) of foreign workers are no longer eligible for open work permits. Children of high-skilled workers (TEER 0, 1, and select TEER 2 & 3) can apply for a study permit.

Spouses and dependent children of temporary foreign workers (TFWs) may be eligible for OWPs, but only under specific conditions:

  • The worker must have at least 16 months remaining on their valid work permit.
  • The worker must be employed in an eligible occupation in TEER categories 0 or 1, or select TEER 2 and 3 jobs in high-demand sectors (e.g., healthcare, construction, IT).

For workers already in Canada: If your family is joining you later, they must apply separately and show proof of your employment and financial stability.

Alternatives to a Spousal Open Work Permit

Spouses who do not want to work in Canada have several alternatives:

  1. Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa - TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): Allows the spouse to stay legally in Canada but does not permit working or studying. Applicants must prove financial support to show they can sustain themselves in Canada. Visa validity typically aligns with the primary applicant’s permit duration.
  2. Spousal Study Permit: If the spouse wishes to study, they must apply for their own study permit and be accepted into a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). After completing their program, they may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
  3. Status Extensions as a Visitor (for those already in Canada):  If the spouse is already in Canada on a visitor visa, they can apply to extend their stay before their current status expires. Proof of financial means is required, but they cannot work or study without a separate permit.

Applying for Permanent Residency (If Eligible)

If the principal applicant has a pathway to PR (e.g., Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program), the spouse may be included in the application rather than needing an OWP.

The Application Process

If you're planning to bring family with you to Canada, it's adviseable to use a trusted immigration platform such as BorderPass.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Sponsoring a family member to come to Canada can come with several challenges. Knowing what these challenges are and how to overcome them will help you be better prepared.

1. Incomplete Application:

- Solution: Double-check that all forms are filled out correctly and all required documents are included. Use a checklist to ensure nothing is missing. Consider getting legal or professional help to review your application before submission.

2. Financial Requirements:

- Solution: Ensure you meet the financial eligibility criteria by providing clear proof of income. If you are close to the minimum requirement, include extra financial documents to show additional assets or support.

3. Language Barriers:

- Solution: If you or your family member are not fluent in English or French, consider hiring a certified translator for document preparation. Also, language classes can help improve proficiency and ease communication with immigration officers.

4. Extended Processing Times:

- Solution: Be patient and monitor your application status regularly. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information to avoid delays. Keep a detailed log of all communications and submissions.

5. Medical and Security Concerns:

- Solution: Ensure your family member completes their medical examination with an approved physician and provide all necessary medical history. For security clearances, gather police certificates from all countries where the sponsoree has lived since age 18.

By anticipating these common challenges and actively working to overcome them, you can improve the likelihood of a smooth and successful sponsorship process.

Conclusion

Bringing your family to Canada involves understanding the family sponsorship programs, meeting the eligibility criteria, following the application process step-by-step, and overcoming common challenges. Each of these steps is crucial to ensure a successful sponsorship application. Being organized and thorough in your preparation can make a significant difference in reuniting your family.

Canada’s family sponsorship programs offer a unique opportunity to bring your loved ones closer and share in the rich, diverse culture of the country. Take the time to understand the program that best fits your needs, and make sure you meet all eligibility requirements. When you face challenges, approach them with patience and a clear plan.

Navigating the immigration process can be complex, but you don't have to do it alone. With the right information and guidance, you can bring your family to Canada and start a new chapter together. Check out BorderPassto learn how we can help make your family sponsorship journey easier and more affordable. Let us support you in making your Canadian dream come true.

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