LMIA FinderFamily Sponsorship Canada
Reunite with your family in Canada. Sponsor your spouse, parents, grandparents, or children for permanent residence.
Spousal / Partner Sponsorship
Sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner for permanent residence in Canada. Processing time is approximately 12 months.
Parent & Grandparent Sponsorship
Sponsor your parents or grandparents through the PGP program lottery. Super Visa is an alternative for long-term visits while waiting.
Dependent Children
Sponsor your dependent children (under 22 and not married or in a common-law relationship) for permanent residence in Canada.
Who Can Sponsor?
To sponsor a family member for permanent residence, you must meet these requirements.
Canadian Citizen or PR
You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
At Least 18 Years Old
You must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
Financial Ability
You must demonstrate the ability to financially support the sponsored person.
No Default
You cannot be in default on a previous sponsorship undertaking or immigration loan.
Income Requirements (LICO)
Minimum Necessary Income (Low Income Cut-Off) for parent/grandparent sponsorship. Approximate 2024 values.
| Family Size | Minimum Income (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 person (sponsor) | $29,380 |
| 2 persons | $36,576 |
| 3 persons | $44,966 |
| 4 persons | $54,606 |
| 5 persons | $61,942 |
| 6 persons | $69,872 |
| 7 or more persons | $77,803 |
Note: Spousal/partner sponsors do NOT need to meet LICO income requirements, unless also sponsoring dependent children who have their own dependent children. Parent/grandparent sponsors must meet LICO+30% for each of the 3 tax years before the application.
Application Process
Follow these steps to sponsor your family member for permanent residence in Canada.
Confirm Your Eligibility
Verify you meet the age, status, and financial requirements to sponsor a family member. You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident aged 18 or older.
Gather Documents
Collect identity documents, proof of relationship, proof of income (if applicable), police certificates, and medical exams for the sponsored person.
Complete the Application Package
Fill out the sponsorship application (sponsor) and the PR application (person being sponsored). Both applications are submitted together.
Pay the Fees
Pay the sponsorship fee, PR processing fee, and right of permanent residence fee. Fees vary by category.
Submit Your Application
Submit the complete package online through your IRCC account. You will receive an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR).
Wait for a Decision
IRCC will process both the sponsor and PR applications. The sponsored person may need to attend an interview or provide additional documents.
Processing Times
Spousal sponsorship typically takes ~12 months. Parent and grandparent sponsorship takes approximately 20-24 months after being invited to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about family sponsorship in Canada.
Explore More Resources
Tools and guides to help you with family sponsorship and immigration to Canada.