• Spousal and Children
• Parent and Grandparent
• Other Relative

The Spousal Sponsorship Category

A Canadian citizen or permanent resident may sponsor a spouse or common-law partner for permanent residence in Canada through this scheme.

• After the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident, the sponsor is financially liable for the sponsored person for three years.
• The sponsor and the sponsored individual must demonstrate that their relationship falls into one of three categories:
• Conjugal Partner
• Spouse
• Common-law Partner

Canada recognizes same-sex marriages for immigration purposes. Eligible same-sex spouses and partners may qualify for family sponsorship under the applicable spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner category, provided they meet the relevant requirements.

Following Sponsorship

Once a sponsored spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner becomes a Canadian permanent resident, the sponsor remains financially responsible under the sponsorship undertaking for three years outside Quebec. This obligation generally continues even if the relationship ends.

A person who became a Canadian permanent resident after being sponsored as a spouse or partner generally cannot sponsor a new spouse or partner until five years have passed since they became a permanent resident.

Sponsored spouses and partners are not required to remain in a relationship with their sponsor to maintain permanent resident status under the former conditional permanent residence rule.

Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship

Important Program Update (October 2026): Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has paused new applications and invitations under the Parents and Grandparents Program until further notice. Previously submitted applications continue to be processed. Families wishing to reunite in Canada may also explore the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa, subject to eligibility requirements. Please check the latest IRCC announcements for future intake updates.

Parent and grandparent sponsorship allows eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence when the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is open for applications. Sponsored family members who become permanent residents may later qualify to apply for Canadian citizenship if they meet the applicable eligibility requirements, including the required physical presence in Canada. The sponsor in Canada must meet the following requirements to be eligible for Family Class sponsorship:

• The sponsor must be at least 18 years old.
• The sponsor must meet the applicable minimum necessary income requirements for the Parents and Grandparents Program. A spouse or common-law partner may be eligible to act as a co-signer, allowing their qualifying income to be combined with the sponsor’s income. Income requirements and supporting documentation depend on the applicable program rules.
• When sponsoring parents or grandparents for Canadian permanent residence, sponsors must sign an undertaking to provide financial support. The undertaking period is 20 years for sponsors residing outside Quebec, including Ontario, and 10 years for sponsors residing in Quebec. This commitment begins when the sponsored family members become permanent residents and generally cannot be cancelled or shortened afterward.

Sponsors residing outside Quebec must meet the applicable minimum necessary income requirement for each of the three taxation years immediately preceding their sponsorship application. Income is assessed based on the sponsor’s family size and may include a qualifying spouse or common-law partner acting as a co-signer. Sponsors must provide proof of income through Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Notices of Assessment or authorize IRCC to obtain the required tax information directly. Quebec has separate provincial income assessment requirements.