Family Class sponsorship
This is the most common form of sponsorship immigration, where a Canadian citizen or permanent resident sponsors a close family member for permanent residency. The sponsor must be at least 18 years old and commit to providing financial support for the relative.
Spouse, common-law, and conjugal partner
- Spouse: For legally married couples.
- Common-law partner: For couples who have lived together in a marriage-like relationship for at least one year.
- Conjugal partner: For couples who have been in a committed relationship for at least one year but could not live together due to exceptional circumstances (e.g., immigration barriers, legal issues).
Dependent children
- Sponsors can bring their own dependent children, as well as the dependent children of a spouse or partner.
- A child qualifies as a dependent if they are under 22 years old and do not have a spouse or common-law partner. An older child may qualify if they have depended on their parents for financial support since before age 22 and cannot support themselves due to a physical or mental condition.
Parents and grandparents
- Through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their biological or adopted parents and grandparents.
- This program has an annual intake and invites potential sponsors from a pool of interested candidates.
