At Edurange Global Careers, we are proud to guide families through the process of reuniting in Canada. Our expertise in immigration consultancy since 2018 makes us one of Gujarat’s leading visa consultants. The Family Sponsorship Program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their loved ones to live, work, and study in Canada as permanent residents. This page provides an in-depth explanation of the Family Sponsorship Program to help you understand the process and how it benefits you and your family.

What is Family Class Sponsorship?

The Family Class Sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or individuals registered under the Canadian Indian Act to sponsor specific family members to immigrate to Canada. Sponsored relatives can enjoy the benefits of permanent residency, including the ability to live, work, and study in Canada.

Who can sponsor?

You may sponsor your relatives if:

• You are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada, or registered under the Canadian Indian Act.

• You are at least 18 years old.

How to Move to Canada Through the Family Sponsorship Program

Canada emphasizes Family Reunification as a fundamental aspect of its immigration policies. If you have close family members who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Family Sponsorship Program.

This program provides a pathway for families to live together in Canada by offering your relatives the right to obtain Permanent Resident (PR) status.

How Does Family Sponsorship Work?

If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada, and over the age of 18, you can sponsor specific family members for Canadian permanent residency. Once your relatives become permanent residents, they will have the same rights to live, study, and work in Canada.

As the sponsor, you assume financial responsibility for your sponsored family member when they arrive in Canada. This ensures that the sponsored relative does not require financial assistance from the Canadian government.

Benefits of Canada’s Family Sponsorship Program

Family Sponsorship offers numerous advantages for both the sponsor and the sponsored family member:

• No Points System: Unlike other immigration streams, family sponsorship does not require relatives to meet a points-based system.

• Permanent Residency: Sponsored relatives obtain permanent residency, granting them the right to live, work, or study in Canada.

• Access to Benefits: Family members gain access to Canadian benefits, including:

  • Government-funded healthcare

  • Free education up to the age of 18

  • Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits

  • Old Age Security (OAS)

  • Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

• Path to Citizenship: Parents and grandparents who reside in Canada as permanent residents can apply for Canadian citizenship after three years.

This program reflects Canada’s commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for families.

Requirements to Become a Sponsor

To sponsor a family member, the sponsor must:

• Sign a Sponsorship Agreement: The agreement confirms that the sponsor will provide financial support to their family member. It also stipulates that the sponsored individual will make efforts to support themselves upon gaining permanent residency.

• Financial Support Commitment: Sponsors must provide financial support for a designated period:

  • Spouse/Common-Law/Conjugal Partner: 3 years

  • Dependent Children: 10 years or until the child turns 25, whichever comes first

  • Parent/Grandparent: 20 years

Who is Eligible for Family Class Sponsorship?

You can sponsor the following family members under the Family Class Sponsorship:

• Spouse (with restrictions)

• Common-law partner (with restrictions)

• Conjugal partner (with restrictions)

• Dependent children

• Parents and Grandparents (with additional conditions)

• Orphaned siblings, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren under the age of 18

• Other relatives under specific conditions, depending on their relationship and age

Eligibility for family sponsorship varies by the relationship to the sponsor, and some additional conditions may apply to specific categories.

Sponsorship Agreement

As part of the Family Sponsorship Program, the sponsor must commit to financially supporting the sponsored family member for a specified duration. This Sponsorship Agreement ensures that the sponsored individual will not rely on government assistance.

Duration of Financial Support:

• Spouse/Common-law Partner/Conjugal Partner: 3 years

• Dependent Children: 10 years or until they turn 22 (whichever comes first)

• Parents/Grandparents: 20 years

This commitment ensures that the sponsored person can establish a stable life in Canada with adequate financial support.

Fees for the Family Sponsorship Program

The following table outlines the fees required for different family sponsorship categories:

Additional fees may apply depending on the specific situation or additional family members included in the application.

Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan (2025-2027)

Canada is dedicated to family reunification. The Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2025-2027 highlights the country’s commitment to welcoming more families:

• 2025: 94,500 family members

• 2026: 88,000 family members

• 2027: 81,000 family members

This plan supports Canada’s goal of balanced immigration, ensuring that families can reunite while maintaining a strong, diverse society.