What is required to bring and sponsor a family member to Canada?

Sponsorship is a commitment to financially cover the basic needs of your family members and/or dependent children, in exchange for them living, studying and working in Canada, which gives them the opportunity to become permanent residents.

You can sponsor certain family members, such as:

Wife (or); spouse or common-law partner.
Biological or adopted children and/or grandchildren.
Immediate family members (with certain conditions and requirements).
Parents and grandparents.

Restrictions for this type of visa

There are additional requirements for permanent residents of Canada.

If you live in Quebec, you must meet conditions to become a sponsor. This includes signing a "commitment" with the province that is linked to the sponsorship.

There are additional requirements for children and/or grandchildren over 22 years of age.

You must demonstrate that you can meet your family member's basic needs.

If you live outside of Canada you must submit additional requirements if you wish to sponsor a family member.

Requirements for this type of visa

Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.

Be a citizen, permanent resident of Canada or a person registered as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.

Living in Canada.

Demonstrate that you do not receive social assistance for reasons other than a disability.

Demonstrate that you can meet the basic needs of the family members you would like to sponsor.