How to Bring Your Family After Arriving in Canada

Congratulations on becoming a Permanent Resident (PR) of Canada! While this achievement marks a new beginning, we understand that true settlement isn't complete until your family is by your side. Canada’s immigration policy is built on three pillars, and family reunification is a central and highly prioritized one. The process for bringing your family is executed through the Family Class immigration stream, which allows you to sponsor close relatives for Canadian Permanent Residency.

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Sponsor Eligibility: Who Can Apply?

As a newly landed PR, you are generally eligible to become a sponsor. The fundamental requirements you must meet are straightforward:

• You must be a Canadian Citizen or a Permanent Resident of Canada.
• You must be 18 years or older.
• You must reside in Canada (PRs must reside in Canada to sponsor; citizens may sponsor from abroad, but must prove intent to return).
• You must not be receiving social assistance (unless for disability reasons).
• You must not be in default of a previous sponsorship undertaking or have a criminal record for certain offences.

The Core Sponsorship Streams

The Family Class is primarily focused on bringing immediate family to Canada. Your sponsored family member will receive their own Permanent Resident status upon approval.

1. Spouse, Common-Law Partner, and Conjugal Partner Sponsorship

This is the most common and fastest sponsorship route. Spousal Sponsorship is a high-priority stream with an average processing time often around 12 months. When sponsoring your partner, you must prove the relationship is genuine and not primarily for the purpose of obtaining permanent resident status. There is generally no Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement for spousal sponsorship, meaning a new PR can apply immediately.

Inland vs. Outland Application

You have two main options for spousal sponsorship, depending on your spouse's current location:

• Inland Sponsorship (Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class): The partner is already living with you in Canada with valid temporary status (visitor, worker, or student). A significant advantage of this option is the sponsored person's eligibility to apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP) while the PR application is processed, allowing them to work legally and financially contribute to the household.
• Outland Sponsorship (Family Class): The partner lives outside Canada. While they can still visit you in Canada during processing (subject to visitor visa rules), the application is processed by the visa office serving their country of residence.

2. Dependent Child Sponsorship

You can sponsor your dependent children, whether biological or adopted. The definition of a Dependent Child is vital:

• They must be under 22 years old and not have a spouse or common-law partner.
• Individuals aged 22 or older may still qualify if they have depended substantially on the financial support of their parents since before the age of 22 and are unable to be financially self-supporting due to a physical or mental condition.

Like spousal sponsorship, there is generally no MNI requirement unless the child has dependent children of their own.

3. Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)

Sponsoring your parents and grandparents is often more challenging due to the immense demand. The PGP operates on an annual intake system, which typically involves an Interest to Sponsor form submission and a subsequent invitation to apply via a lottery system. If invited, the sponsor must:

• Demonstrate that they meet the MNI for their family size, plus the sponsored parents/grandparents, for the three most recent tax years before the application is received.
• Sign a long-term undertaking (financial commitment) for 20 years.

Alternatively, the Super Visa is a popular option that allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for extended periods (up to five years per entry) without having to apply for PR status.

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The Sponsorship Undertaking: A Financial Commitment

As a sponsor, you must sign a legally binding document called an Undertaking that commits you to providing financial support for the sponsored family member(s) and repaying the government for any provincial social assistance (welfare) they receive during the commitment period. This is an official, non-negotiable contract.

• Spouse/Partner: 3 years from the date they become a Permanent Resident.
• Dependent Child (under 22): 10 years, or until they turn 25, whichever comes first.
• Parents/Grandparents: 20 years.

Step-by-Step Application Overview

While each stream has a specific application package, the general process includes:

1. Check Eligibility: Confirm you meet the sponsor requirements and your relative meets the sponsored person's requirements.
2. Download Application Package: Obtain the correct forms and instruction guides from the official IRCC website.
3. Gather Documents: Collect comprehensive supporting documents, including proof of relationship (photos, joint accounts, communication logs, etc.), identity documents, and police certificates.
4. Pay Fees: Pay all required processing and permanent residence fees online.
5. Submit: Mail the complete paper package or submit it online via the Permanent Residence Portal, depending on the program.

The journey to family reunification requires meticulous attention to detail and patience, but it is the most rewarding step for any newcomer. By staying organized and following the official IRCC guidelines, you can soon welcome your loved ones to their new life in Canada.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I Need to Meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) to Sponsor my Spouse?

In most cases, no. The Canadian government waives the MNI requirement for citizens and permanent residents sponsoring their spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, or dependent children. The only exception is if the sponsored person (spouse or child) has dependent children of their own who also have dependent children, which is rare. You must still demonstrate the ability to support them financially, but there is no set income floor.

Can my Spouse Work While Their PR Application is Being Processed?

Yes, if you apply via the Inland Sponsorship stream and they have a valid temporary resident status, they are eligible to apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP). This permit is not tied to a specific employer and allows them to work legally anywhere in Canada while waiting for a decision on their permanent residence application.   

If I am a Permanent Resident, Can I Sponsor my Parents or Grandparents Immediately?

You can express your interest in sponsoring your parents or grandparents, but the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is not an immediate, first-come, first-served program. It is an annual, lottery-style intake. You must wait for the official IRCC intake period to submit an Interest to Sponsor form. If you are invited to apply, you will then need to meet the financial (MNI) and documentary requirements.