Spousal & Partner Sponsorship
Child Sponsorship
Parent/Grandparent Sponsorship
Super Visa Details
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What is Family Sponsorship?
Family Sponsorship allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents (PRs) to sponsor certain close family members to become permanent residents of Canada.
Once approved, your family members can live, work, and study in Canada permanently.
Who You Can Sponsor
Family Member Type Eligible to Sponsor? Conditions Spouse, Common-law, or Conjugal Partner ✅ Yes Must be 18+, genuine relationship Dependent Children ✅ Yes Under 22, unmarried, or dependent due to disability Parents & Grandparents ✅ Yes (lottery system) Must apply through the annual intake (PGP) Orphaned Siblings, Nieces/Nephews, Grandchildren ✅ Rare cases Must be orphaned, under 18, and single Other Relatives ❌ Only in special cases If you have no other living relatives and no spouse/child to sponsor Adopted Children ✅ Yes Must follow intercountry adoption rules Basic Sponsor Eligibility
To sponsor someone, you must:
- Be 18+
- Be a Canadian citizen, a PR, or a registered Indian
- Live in Canada (or plan to return)
- Prove you can financially support the family member
- Sign an undertaking promising support (length depends on the family type)
You cannot sponsor if:
- You're in jail, bankrupt, or under a removal order
- You owe immigration or family support payments
- You’ve failed to support a previous sponsored family member
Sponsorship Undertaking Period
Sponsored Person Financial Support Required For: Spouse/Partner 3 years Dependent Child (<22) 10 years or until age 25 Parent/Grandparent 20 years Key Sponsorship Categories
1. Spousal & Partner Sponsorship
- Inland or Outland option
- Can include an open work permit for inland applicants
2. Dependent Child Sponsorship
- Must be under 22, unmarried, or financially dependent due to disability
- Can sponsor biological or adopted children
3. Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
- Invitation-only system (lottery draw once a year)
- Must meet Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for 3 years prior
Alternative: Super Visa
Allows parents/grandparents to stay in Canada up to 5 years per visit4. Other Relatives (exceptional cases)
Only available if:
- You have no other relatives you can sponsor, and
- No immediate family members in Canada
Processing Times (2025 Estimate)
Sponsorship Type Average Time Spouse/Partner ~12 months Dependent Child 8–12 months Parents/Grandparents 24–36 months (PGP) Super Visa 3–6 months Fees (as of 2025)
Category Fee (CAD) Sponsorship Fee $75 Principal Applicant $515 Right of PR Fee $570 Dependent Child $155 per child Biometrics $85 per person Step-by-Step Process
- Confirm eligibility to sponsor
- Gather required documents (IDs, proof of relationship, income, etc.)
- Submit IMM sponsorship forms online or via mail
- Pay application fees
- Submit biometrics and medical exams
- Wait for the IRCC decision
Would you like help determining:
- Which family members can you sponsor?
- Whether you qualify for the PGP lottery?
- Or building a custom checklist for your application?
I’d be happy to assist.
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Super Visa Details
What is the Super Visa?
The Super Visa is a multiple-entry visitor visa valid for up to 10 years, allowing parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit Canada for extended stays — up to 2 years at a time — without needing to renew their status.
Who is Eligible?
You can apply for a Super Visa if you are:
- The parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Planning to visit Canada for extended periods (not to permanently immigrate)
- Intend to stay in Canada temporarily as a visitor
- Have a child or grandchild who is a Canadian citizen or PR residing in Canada
Key Requirements
Requirement Details Invitation Letter From your child/grandchild in Canada, promising support for your stay Proof of Relationship Birth certificates or other documents proving a parent/grandparent relationship Financial Support The child/grandchild must meet the minimum income threshold (Low Income Cut-Off - LICO) and provide proof (tax notices, employment letter) Medical Insurance Must have valid Canadian medical insurance from a Canadian company covering at least $100,000 CAD for at least 1 year Medical Exam Must pass a medical exam to prove you’re admissible to Canada Intent to Leave Must convince immigration officers you will leave Canada at the end of your visit Benefits of the Super Visa
- Valid for up to 10 years (multiple entries)
- Stay in Canada for up to 24 months at a time without renewing status
- Can travel in and out of Canada as needed
- Faster and easier than applying for regular visitor visas repeatedly
Fees (Approximate)
Item Fee (CAD) Visa application fee $100 Biometrics $85 (if applicable) Medical exam Varies by country Processing Times
- Varies by country; typically 1 to 3 months
- Biometrics and medical exams may add extra time
Application Process Summary
- Child/grandchild in Canada writes an invitation letter and provides proof of income
- Applicant gathers documents proving relationship, medical insurance, and identity
- Complete the application forms and pay the fees
- Provide biometrics and a complete medical exam
- Apply to the Canadian visa office
- Await decision and receive a visa if approved
Important Tips
- Medical insurance must be purchased before applying
- Keep proof of ties to your home country to convince officers you will return
- The Super Visa is a temporary visa, not permanent residence
- If you want to become a permanent resident, consider Family Sponsorship instead