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.
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—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.
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.
Sponsors must meet the following requirement:
Sponsored family members must provide the following:
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.
Spouses and common-law partners are eligible for an OWP if the temporary resident is in:
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.
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:
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.
Spouses who do not want to work in Canada have several alternatives:
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.
If you're planning to bring family with you to Canada, it's adviseable to use a trusted immigration platform such as BorderPass.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.