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Family Sponsorship: Moving to Canada as a permanent resident (PR)

Canada’s immigration policy has a longstanding tradition of supporting family reunification, enabling recent immigrants and long-established Canadians to be reunited with their family members. It provides a route for spouses, partners, children, parents, grandparents, and in certain cases, other relatives to move and settle in Canada as permanent residents (PRs).  

In this article, we will provide an overview of the Family Sponsorship immigration programs, outline some core must-know concepts, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to apply through these programs.

What is Family Sponsorship?

Family sponsorship is an immigration program through which your relatives can live, work, and study in Canada by becoming permanent residents (PRs) of Canada.

Your application must include the sponsorship undertaking and the sponsorship agreement as well as all other required documents.

What is an undertaking?

To become a sponsor, you must promise to financially take care of the persons you are sponsoring for a period of time , which varies depending on the relative you are sponsoring. This legally binding promise or contract is called an undertaking.

The undertaking sets out the obligations of the sponsor which commits to:

• Providing required financial support for your sponsored family members, starting when they become permanent residents (PRs).
• Repaying any provincial social assistance your sponsored family members get during that time.

Tip: The sponsor will be held to the commitments in the undertaking for the duration of its length, regardless of external factors such as relationship breakdown. If the sponsor uses a co-signer, both the sponsor and co-signer are liable for the obligations created by the undertaking. If the sponsor fails to repay a debt, the co-signed will be held to pay the entire amount.

What is a sponsorship agreement?

You and your sponsored family members need to agree to certain responsibilities during the undertaking period. This is called the sponsorship agreement.

The sponsorship agreement provides that:

• You’ll provide for the basic needs of your sponsored family members.
• The person you sponsor will make reasonable efforts to support themselves and their family members.

Tip: Both the sponsor and the primary applicant must sign the sponsorship agreement. Before signing, each should review the agreement in depth to ensure they understand the obligations and rights of both parties in entering into the agreement.

How to apply for family sponsorship: A step-by-step guide

Step 1: check your eligibility to be a sponsor.

According to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) , you may be eligible to sponsor certain relatives to come to Canada if you’re at least 18 years old and:

• A Canadian citizen or 
• A person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act or
• A permanent resident of Canada residing in Canada

Sponsoring your spouse, partner, or child:

As a sponsor, you must prove you:

• Will be able to meet basic needs of food, shelter, and clothing for your spouse, partner, or child.
• Will be able to support the persons you are sponsoring financially for a period of time .
• Will not be receiving social assistance for reasons other than a disability.

See additional requirements for sponsoring your spouse, partner, or child .

Sponsoring your parents or grandparents:

As a sponsor, you must be able to:

• Show enough money to support the person(s) you want to sponsor and all family members in Canada by providing your proof of income for the past three tax years.

Sponsoring your relatives:

In addition to the above, as a sponsor, you must be able to:

• Support your relative financially when they arrive beginning on the date they become a PR, for up to 20 years (depending on the length of the undertaking signed).
• Be able to meet basic needs (food, clothing, shelter) for yourself and your relative(s).
• Make sure your relative doesn’t rely on social assistance – if they do, you’ll need to pay the cost back.

See additional requirements for sponsoring your relatives .

Step 2: Confirm who you can sponsor

• Common-law partner
• Conjugal partner
• Dependent child/children
• Your own parents or grandparents , related by blood or adoption 
• Relatives like a brother, sister, aunt or uncle in very specific situations

Tips: Use IRCC’s online tool to check if a child qualifies as a dependent . A spousal or adopted child relationship will be reviewed to determine its genuineness, and whether it was entered into in good faith. Relationships that are entered into primarily to obtain an immigration benefit do not meet the family relationship requirements, and that family member cannot be sponsored.

Step 3: Apply

To apply to sponsor your family members or relatives, your application to sponsor, and your family member(s) applications for PR status are submitted together. If you are found eligible to sponsor, the PR application will be reviewed.

Application process for sponsoring your spouse, partner, or child:

• Read the guide carefully before you complete the application. Make sure you are using the correct application for your circumstances.
• Complete the application package carefully and correctly – ensure all required information, signatures and documents are provided  

Learn more about the process of sponsoring a spouse, partner, or child . Tips: The sponsorship forms change frequently. Before submitting your application, check to ensure you are submitting the correct version of the form. If you are sponsoring a spouse or common law partner who is currently in Canada, you may be eligible to submit an inland sponsorship application. This application process allows the sponsored spouse to apply for an open work permit, which is generally issued about halfway into the sponsorship’s  processing.

Application process for sponsoring your parents or grandparents:

The Parent/Grandparent Sponsorship Program (PGP) is subject to annual quotas, whereby annual demand significantly outweighs annual quota. In the past, IRCC has determined who will be able to participate in the PGP through various methods such as a first come first serve model, and a lottery model. 

Although details on 2020’s intake process were to be announced no later than April 1, 2020, in light of COVID-19 these details have not yet been released. Interested applicants should monitor IRCC’s website closely for updates on the application intake process.

Tip: If you’d like your parents and grandparents to come to Canada, the super visa is another option. Your parents and grandparents may be eligible to apply for a super visa to stay in Canada for up to two years at a time. Learn more about the process of sponsoring parents or grandparents .

Application process for sponsoring your relatives:

Fill out the application package correctly. Read the guide carefully before you complete the application form as the sponsorship application fee for processing your application can’t be refunded.

Learn more about the process of sponsoring relatives .

Lastly, before you submit your application, make sure:

• You list all your family members .
• All the information on your application is true.
• Your application is complete .

Step 4: Pay application fees

Family sponsorship application fees (exclusive of biometrics fee):

• Spouse or partner or adult relative: From $1,050 CAD .
• Child: From $150 CAD .

In most cases, your application fees will include:

• Processing fees for you, the persons you’re sponsoring and their dependants.
• The right of permanent residence fee – $515 CAD.
• The biometrics fee.

You must pay your fees online , and include proof of having done so in your application. Ensure you save a copy of your fee payment receipt to be included in the application

Depending on your situation, you may incur additional costs for:

• Your medical exam
• A police certificate
• Certified translated copies of documents not in English or French.

The instruction guide will help you understand which fees apply to you.

Step 5: Submit application for processing

The application for eligibility as a sponsor is assessed by an IRCC office within Canada. If the sponsor is found eligible, the sponsored family member(s) application for PR status will be processed by the visa office responsible for their place of residence. The mailing instructions and addresses are available in each application guide. You may use a courier service or regular mail to submit your application. Courier services will help you track your application ’s delivery. 

Once IRCC begins to process your application, they will send you an application number and an acknowledgment of receipt . 

If you’re approved as a sponsor, IRCC will assess the eligibility of the person(s) you want to sponsor.

If your application as a sponsor is refused:

• You can choose to have IRCC continue processing the application for PR for your family members OR
• You can choose to withdraw your application. In this case, you’ll get all other fees back except the $75 CAD sponsorship fee.

During application processing, the person(s) you are sponsoring will be asked to submit their:

• Biometrics : The biometrics fee should be paid when you submit the application. Once the application is in process, your family members will receive a letter asking them to give their biometrics. As a next step, within 30 days from the date of the letter, they are required to show this letter at their closest collection point to provide their biometric data. 
• Medical exams
• Police certificates  

Tip: Ensure that all dependent family members are disclosed on the application, even if they will not be relocating to  Canada. Dependent family members who are not disclosed on the application and who are not examined by IRCC by undergoing a medical examination and providing police certificates (as required)  will be permanently barred from being sponsored by that family member as a permanent resident in the future.

Once IRCC approves your family members’ PR application , to finish processing their application, your family members or relatives, and their dependants who are immigrating to Canada with them (if applicable), will be asked to submit:

• Their passports, or photocopies of their passports (depending on whether they are visa-requiring nationals )
• Two photos which meet IRCC’s PR photo specifications
• Proof of payment for the right of permanent residence fee , if they haven’t sent it to IRCC already.

Step 6: Obtain the Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)

Upon receipt of the items requested in Step 5, IRCC will send your family members the following:

• The Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
• A permanent resident visa stamped in their passport, if required.

Once your family members receive these documents, they can travel to Canada . 

Tip: Make sure to check the expiry dates on the PR visa and COPR. Your family members must complete the PR landing process, detailed below, at a Canadian port of entry before their documents expire.

How long does family sponsorship take in Canada?

Average application processing time:

• Spouse or partner: 12 months
• Parent or grandparent: 20 to 24 months
• Child or other relative: Varies by country of origin

Tips: For the most up to date processing times by category of application, you can use IRCC’s online tool .  Sponsors can check the status of their application online . As the sponsor, if you want to check on the application status for your spouse, partner or child, you must first request to get access to their information . Persons being sponsored can check the status of their application through their IRCC account or use the Client Application Status online tool . To use their IRCC account, their application has to be linked to their online account .

Note: Complex applications may require longer than normal processing times. If the normal processing time for your application has passed, you can contact IRCC using the Web form . 

Step 7: Prepare to settle in Canada

Once your spouse, partner, or relative receives their COPR, there are things they can do to prepare for life in Canada.

Pre-arrival

• Use free pre-arrival services , which help you find out more about living and working in Canada.
• Take steps to get recognition in Canada for their education, work experience, and professional licences/certificates . 
• Read about living and finding work in Canada . 
• Learn about the networking culture in Canada , work on their resume , and start building their personal brand . 

Post-arrival

When your sponsored family members arrive at the port of entry to Canada, they must show the border services officer their:

• Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
• Valid passport or travel document.
• PR visa (if we issued one), which must be valid.
• Quebec Selection Certificate, if they’re going to live in Quebec.
• Any other document that was issued to them and asked to bring.

The border officer will:

• Check that their PR visa and COPR haven’t expired.
• Ask your family members to confirm information that they gave in their application.

What can you bring to Canada

Before you travel to Canada, see the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) website to find out what you can and cannot bring into the country.

Get more information on the documents your family members need and the interview process when crossing the Canadian border.

If satisfied that they meet the requirements to enter Canada, the officer will:

• Allow them to enter Canada as permanent residents .
• Start the process to mail their PR card to the Canadian address on their COPR.

While the Family Sponsorship programs can seem more complex than other immigration programs like Express Entry , with the right knowledge of processes, guidelines, and regulations, you will be able to successfully submit an application. When in doubt, you should always consult an authorized immigration consultant or lawyer for advice. We wish you the very best in your application process! 

Sources: Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Green and Spiegel Immigration Law Firm

Note: The information provided in this article is general, is subject to frequent changes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific immigration legal advice that you can rely on, please contact Green and Spiegel .

Things our lawyers want you to know

This article offers general information only and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author(s) as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or its affiliates.

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Disclaimer: This article offers general information only and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author(s) as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or its affiliates.

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What is the difference between inland and outland spousal sponsorship?

Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are in a relationship with a foreign national may sponsor that person to join them in Canada and become a permanent resident. You may sponsor your spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner.

There are two main options to choose from when sponsoring your spouse or partner: Outland Sponsorship and Inland Sponsorship.

Sponsor your family for Canadian immigration

Outland Sponsorship

Outland sponsorship is an option for couples who are not living together in Canada. This application is for foreign nationals who are residing abroad and are to be sponsored by their Canadian spouse or partner. If your spouse or partner is unable to apply from inside Canada or does not legally live in Canada at the time of the application, outland sponsorship is likely the only option available.

To be eligible to sponsor a spouse or partner under the Outland application category, the sponsor and sponsored person must meet the following criteria:

• The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
• The sponsor and the sponsored person must be at least 18 years of age;
• The sponsor and the sponsored person must be in one of the following types of relationship: Spouse: you are legally married, and your marriage is valid under the law of the jurisdiction where it was registered and under Canadian law; Common law: you are cohabiting or have cohabited with your partner in a marriage-like relationship for at least 12 consecutive months; Conjugal partnership: you have been in an ongoing and committed relationship for at least 12 months but due to significant factors beyond your control, such as an immigration barrier or marital status, you cannot live together.
• The sponsor must not have sponsored a spouse in Canada in the five years preceding the application.
• The sponsor or sponsored person must not be in prison, charged with a serious offence or bankrupt.

It is important to note that if you are in a conjugal relationship, the Outland Sponsorship application is the only option available to you as conjugal relationships are not eligible under Inland Sponsorship.

If the sponsored persons’ work or personal situation requires them to travel outside the country, Outland Sponsorship may be the better option as it allows for travel to and from Canada during the application process.

Inland Sponsorship

Inland sponsorship is an option for couples who are living together in Canada. This application is for foreign spouses or partners who have valid temporary status in Canada, either as a worker, student or visitor. The sponsored person will be able to continue to live, work or study in Canada while the inland sponsorship application is being processed.

To be eligible to sponsor a spouse or partner under the Inland application category, the sponsor and sponsored person must meet the following criteria:

• The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in Canada;
• The sponsor and sponsored person must be at least 18 years of age;
• The sponsor and the sponsored person must be in one of the following types of relationships: Spouse: you are legally married, and your marriage is valid under the law of the jurisdiction where it was registered and under Canadian law; Common-law: you are cohabiting or have cohabited with your partner in a marriage-like relationship for at least 12 consecutive months.
• The sponsor must not have sponsored a spouse in Canada in the five years preceding the application
• The sponsor or sponsored person must not be in prison, charged with a serious offence or is bankrupt

One of the main benefits of Inland Sponsorship is that the sponsored person may be eligible for an open work permit , which allows them to work full-time in Canada while their permanent resident application is being processed.

It is expected that the sponsored person stays in Canada while their application is being processed. If the sponsored person does not plan to stay in Canada or needs to be able to travel while the application is being processed, Outland Sponsorship may be a better option.

Where do I submit my spousal sponsorship application?

Applications to sponsor a spouse or partner may be submitted outside Canada at a visa office or in Canada at a local immigration office. Sponsorship applications for conjugal partners can only be submitted through an outside of Canada application process.

How long does it take to process Outland and Inland Sponsorship applications?

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)’s target processing period for spousal sponsorship is around 12 months.

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2021-06-23T06:26:55

2023-05-04T12:36:00

Canada places immense value on the reunification of families. How do we know this? Well, the introduction of the Canada Family Sponsorship speaks for itself.

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Updated: May 4th, 2023

Canada is a welcoming nation where family is essential. The Canadian government understands that many immigrants don't want to leave their loved ones behind to come to Canada or, if they do, don't want to stay in Canada without their family and, as a result, make a plan to return home as soon as possible. Canada loves its immigrants as they're vital for the growth of Canada's culture and economy.

To foster this growth, the Canadian government has created several family sponsorship immigration streams that enable Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their family members and bring them to Canada as permanent residents.

These family sponsorship programs are divided into categories based on the relationship between the Canadian sponsor and sponsored family member. The Family Sponsorship program works as follows:

In this guide, we will explore these different family sponsorship immigration streams in detail and provide the information you need to understand the process of sponsoring your family to Canada.

Who Can Be Sponsored in Canada?

Anyone who plans to visit Canada must apply from outside of Canada before they travel.

What your friend or family member needs depends on:

• the type of travel document they will travel with;
• the country that issued their travel document;
• their nationality; and
• how they will travel to Canada.

Before applying , find out what document(s) they need .

If they need a visitor visa, you may provide your family member or friend with a letter of invitation in support of their visa application. A letter of invitation can help, but it does not guarantee the person will get a visa.

New entry requirement now in effect

Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada by air. Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid Canadian visa. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens , and Canadian permanent residents cannot apply for an eTA.

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List of Sponsored Travel

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2021 List of Sponsored Travel Note: The entry for Emmanuella Lambropoulos, MP, contains a typographical error. The correct date for the end of the sponsored trip, as indicated in her original  Public Statement of Sponsored Travel , is August 2, 2021.

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Sponsor your Family to Immigrate to Canada

Canada welcomes more than 100,000 immigrants through family sponsorship each year. .

IRCC welcomes about 80 per cent of these immigrants under the Spouses, Partners, and Children Program, and the remaining 20 per cent under the Parents and Grandparents Program. This comprehensive CanadaVisa page provides an overview on how to sponsor your family for immigration to Canada.

Find out if you are eligible to sponsor your family

Table of Contents

• Overview of Canadian Immigration Family Sponsorship

How to Apply for Family Sponsorship

Sponsor your wife, husband, or common-law partner, sponsor your dependent children, sponsor your parents or grandparents, frequently asked questions, contact the cohen immigration law firm for assistance, overview of canadian immigration family sponsorship.

Family reunification is one of the pillars of Canada's immigration system. Since the end of the Second World War, Canada has sought to welcome immigrants to strengthen its economy, bring families together, and on humanitarian and compassionate grounds. The family class is the second largest category of newcomers welcomed by Canada under its Immigration Levels Plan.  

The country's immigration system is managed by the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada or IRCC for short. IRCC establishes and administers Canada's family sponsorship program. This entails establishing program criteria, accepting and reviewing family sponsorship applications, and providing permanent and temporary resident visas.

What is Canadian family sponsorship?

There are two main aspects to sponsorship:

1) It allows your family member to immigrate to Canada and get permanent residence (PR).

2) It requires you, as an individual, to make a commitment to provide for basic needs and to support that person financially.

Can I be a sponsor?

To sponsor a family member, you are required to meet several requirements such as being:

• a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada
• 18 years of age or older
• able to support the sponsored person for several years

Who can I sponsor?

• Spouses and common-law partners
• Dependent children
• Parents and grandparents

There are exceptions to this rule, however, and it may be possible to sponsor a non-immediate family member (for example, a sister, niece, or uncle) if: 

• you do not have any other immediate family members you could sponsor, or
• you have legally adopted them and they meet the definition of a dependent child.

What are the income requirements to sponso r?

As a sponsor, you are required to sign a Sponsorship Agreement with your sponsored family member. This is a commitment by you to provide financial support for the basic needs (food, clothing, shelter, and health needs not covered by public health services) of the person you are sponsoring.

For some types of sponsorships, you will also have to meet or exceed the Low Income Cut-off (LICO), for instance if:

• you are sponsoring a spouse or partner who has a dependent child and that dependent child has one or more children of their own, or
• you are sponsoring a dependent child who has one or more dependent children of their own, or
• you are sponsoring a parent or grandparent.

If you reside in Quebec, you will have to meet Quebec's sponsorship requirements and your income will be assessed by the Quebec immigration ministry.

What is a sponsorship undertaking?

You will be required to sign an "undertaking" making you legally responsible for the family member you are sponsoring. If that family member should need government social assistance, you will have to repay this money.

The undertaking will stay in effect for a period of time based on the family member you are sponsoring and will not be cancelled even if circumstances change (i.e. if the person you are sponsoring becomes a Canadian citizen, if you divorce or separate, if you have financial problems).

The length of the undertaking you will be required to sign will depend on the family member you are sponsoring and, in the case of children, their age:

In Quebec, the conditions of an undertaking also involve helping the sponsored individual(s) learn French, and access public services in the province to help their integration. As of November 2023, if a person being sponsored is between 18 and 55 the sponsor must complete and sign a welcome and integration plan in section 9 of the Undertaking form.

For Quebec residents, the length of the undertaking also depends on the family member you are sponsoring and, in the case of children, their age:

Step 1 : Ensure you meet eligibility criteria to be a sponsor.

Step 2 : Ensure that the relatives you intend to sponsor meet eligibility criteria.

Step 3 : You will need to apply at the federal level to the Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and, if you are a Quebec resident, at the provincial level to the Ministry of Immigration, Francization, and Integration (MIFI). You must submit your sponsorship application and the permanent residence (PR) status applications of your family members or relatives together. Once you have been deemed eligible to sponsor, your PR application will be reviewed.

Step 4 : You will be required to pay the family sponsorship application fee.

Step 5 : Send your application to the right address. You will find this information in the sponsorship guide that is available for download on the government website.

Spouse or Common Law-Partner Sponsorship

If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada you may sponsor:

• your spouse (you are legally married)
• common-law partner (you are not legally married but have been living together for at least 12 months in a conjugal relationship).
• conjugal partner (you are not legally married or in a common-law relationship and they are living outside Canada)

To be eligible for spousal or common-law partner sponsorship, you must:

• be 18 year of age, a Canadian permanent resident living in Canada or Canadian citizen,
• demonstrate that you can provide for the basic needs for yourself and your spouse or partner,
• Prove your relationship with the sponsored person is genuine by providing supporting documentation.

To be eligible for spousal or common-law partner sponsorship, the sponsored person must:

• be at least 18 years of age and not too closely related to you.

Find out if you are eligible to sponsor your partner

There are two types of spousal or common-law sponsorship applications:

• In l and : The application can be made from within Canada because the person you wish to sponsor is currently in Canada. This type of sponsorship allows applicants to continue to live in Canada while their application for permanent residence is being processed.

If the application is made from within Canada, the person you are sponsoring may apply for an open work permit that would allow them to work for any employer in Canada while the sponsorship application is being processed.

It is possible for spouses or partners to come to Canada by first applying for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).

• Outland : The application is made from abroad through an Embassy or Consulate.

In this case, the person you are sponsoring and who resides abroad will normally wait for permanent residence outside of the country but may visit you in Canada.

Dependent Child Sponsorship

You can sponsor your dependent children, whether natural or adopted, to live with you as permanent residents in Canada.

Children must meet the following definition of a dependent child to be eligible for sponsorship:

• A child is considered a dependent if he or she is not married or in a common-law relationship and is under 22 years of age.
• If a child is over 22 years of age, they may be considered a dependent if they have a physical or mental condition that prevents them from being able to support themselves.

To be eligible under this program , you :

• and your child abroad must be approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to receive a visa,
• must prove your relationship with the child you are sponsoring, either by a birth or adoption certificate.

Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship

The Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program (PGP) and the Super Visa Program are two programs that offer Canadian citizens and permanent residents the opportunity to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada.

To be eligible under t he Parents and Grandparents Program , you must:

• be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada,
• be at least 18 years of age,
• be the child or grandchild of the person(s) you are sponsoring,
• meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) required for the size of their family unit and provide Canada Revenue Agency issued notices of assessment as proof,
• sign a sponsorship agreement that acknowledges your promise to provide for the basic needs of family member(s) for a period of 20 years,
• sign an additional agreement if you live in Quebec.

Your spouse or common-law partner can help you meet the income requirement by co-signing the undertaking.

If a co-signer is helping you meet the MNI requirements, the co-signer must meet the same eligibility criteria as you, the sponsor. In addition, your co-signer must:

• not be the person being sponsored,
• have cohabited with you in a conjugal relationship for at least one year.

Learn more about sponsoring your parents and grandparents

Super Visa Program

The Super Visa program allows parents and grandparents to come to Canada on extended multiple-entry visas that can last up to 10 years in total. This program is always open, and it is possible to apply at the same time as the to PGP.

To be eligible under th e Super Visa P rogram , you must :

• be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada,
• have signed a letter of invitation from your child or grandchild,
• have medical insurance
• apply for the super visa from outside Canada.

In addition, your Canadian child or grandchild will have to prove that their household meets the minimum necessary income.

Contact us if you want to apply for a Super Visa!

1. Who can be included in the sponsored person's application for a Canada immigration visa?

Under family sponsorship programs, the following individuals can be included in the sponsored person's application for a Canada immigration visa:

• The spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner of the sponsored person
• The dependent children of the sponsored person
• The dependent children of the sponsored person's spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner
• The dependent children of the sponsored person's dependent children
• The dependent children of the sponsored person's spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner's children.

2. How much money do I need to sponsor a family member in Canada?

The income required will vary depending on the type of sponsorship you undertake and the number of family members you already have in your care. You will be required to sign a promise to provide for the basic needs of the family member you are sponsoring.

Some sponsorship options will also require you to demonstrate that you have a minimum income in order to be eligible to sponsor. This is for instance the case with the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program.

You must exceed the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for each of the past 3 taxation years before the date that you submit your application. Your MNI is assessed based on your Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment.

Sponsors living in the province of Quebec must meet different income requirements .

3. What does “basic needs” mean?

The sponsor must undertake to provide the sponsored family members with:

• food, clothing, shelter, and other necessities of life
• dental and eye care and other health needs not covered by public health services available to all Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

The obligation to provide for the basic needs of the sponsored person(s) will only arise if the sponsored person(s) are unable to provide for these needs on their own.

4. Can the undertaking to provide "Essential Needs" be shared?

Yes, the undertaking to provide "Essential Needs" can be shared by a co-signer, but only by the sponsor's spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner.

5. As a sponsor, what are my “obligations”?

You and your co-signer, if applicable, are required to sign an undertaking with the Government of Canada, and if you live in Quebec with the government of that province, promising to provide for the basic needs of the sponsored person(s) for a period of time following the arrival of the sponsored person(s) in Canada.

The purpose of this agreement is to ensure that sponsored family members do not become dependent on Canadian social assistance or welfare.

6. For how long am I financially responsible for the family member I sponsor?

The period during which you will be financially responsible for the person you are sponsoring begins on the day they become a permanent resident and varies depending on the type of family member:

7. Can the undertaking be revoked or modified?

The undertaking, once made, cannot be cancelled or modified by the sponsor at any time after the Sponsored family members have arrived in Canada.

8. What if the sponsor does not fulfill the terms of the undertaking?

Failure to meet any of the commitments provided for in the undertaking may result in legal action being taken against the sponsor and the co-signer.

9. What if the sponsor does not have the requisite financial ability?

If the sponsor does not have the required financial ability, the spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner of the sponsor may act as a co-signer to the undertaking. In such case, their combined financial abilities will be assessed, and the co-signer will be equally liable in case of default.

If the combined financial abilities of the sponsor and the co-signer still do not meet the minimum requirements, then the Family Sponsorship Application will be refused.

The financial ability requirements do not apply if the sponsored person is a spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner or a dependent child of the sponsor.

10. Are there any other agreements that the sponsor must enter into?

The sponsor is obliged to enter into a sponsorship Agreement with the sponsored person(s). By signing this agreement, the sponsor agrees to provide for the "Essential needs" of the sponsored person(s), and the sponsored person(s) promise to make every effort to become self-supporting.

11. Can a sponsored spouse work or study in Canada while their application is being processed?

Yes, it is possible for the sponsored person to work, as long as they have a work permit. While spousal or common-law partner applications are being processed, sponsored persons must maintain their legal status in Canada (visitor, student or worker).

The spouse or partner you are sponsoring may apply for an open work permit and must obtain authorization before starting work. It takes approximately 4 to 5 months to process this application. An open work permit does not relate to either the employer or the job and allows the holder to work for almost any Canadian employer without first obtaining a confirmed job offer.

12. Can I sponsor my same-sex partner?

Yes. Your spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner can be of either sex.

13. How much does spousal sponsorship cost in Canada?

If you are sponsoring your spouse and he or she has dependent children, an additional payment of $150 will be required for each child included in the application.

If the sponsor resides in Quebec or intends to reside in Quebec when permanent residence is issued, an additional fee of $289 CAD will also be required.

14. Will marrying a Canadian automatically give the foreign spouse permanent residence in Canada?

No. Once you are married or in a common-law relationship, you can then apply for a spousal sponsorship. The married spouse will only become a permanent resident of Canada after your sponsorship application is approved.

15. I am in the process of adopting a child, do I have to wait until the adoption is finalized before starting the sponsorship process?

The sponsorship process can begin when the adoption is in its final phase. However, your application will not be processed until a final adoption decision has been made.

16. Must the dependents of the sponsored person accompany the sponsored person to Canada?

No, but whether they are accompanying the sponsored person or not, all of the sponsored person's dependents are required to pass applicable police and security clearances, and medical examinations.

17. Do I need to be interviewed for a spousal sponsorship?

In rare cases, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada may want to meet with you and your sponsored family member. This may happen if there is no documentation to support the relationship, or if there is conflicting information on the forms and documents submitted, for example, age and religious difference, or little or no cohabitation.

18. Can I sponsor my spouse or partner if I don’t have a job?

In most cases, you will not have to submit proof of income when sponsoring your spouse for immigration to Canada. However, an immigration officer may ask you to attend an interview and ask how you will support yourself and your spouse.

19. Can I sponsor more than one person in the program for parents and grandparents?

Yes. To do so, you will need to submit separate applications for each person (or couple) you are sponsoring. Applications will be processed separately.

20. Who isn’t eligible to sponsor a relative in Canada?

You may be ineligible for sponsorship if you:

• are in prison
• have not paid your child support payments
• have declared bankruptcy and have not yet been discharged
• has defaulted on an immigration loan, made late payments, or defaulted on payments
• have sponsored another relative in the past and have not complied with the terms of the sponsorship agreement
• were convicted of a violent crime

21. How do I apply for family sponsorship?

To apply to sponsor your relative, you must go through the following steps:

• Get the application package from the government website and read the instruction guide, fill out the forms.
• Pay your application fee (including processing fees, biometrics and third-party fees).
• Send your application to the mailing address indicated in the application guide.

22. How long will my sponsorship application take?

• Spousal sponsorship applications take approximately 12 months to process.
• The processing of applications for dependent children varies by country.
• The processing of PGP applications takes between 20 and 24 months.

23. How many immigrants arrive each year under the family class immigration category?

Under its Immigration Levels Plan, Canada seeks to welcome over 100,000 family class immigrants per year.

24. How can I prove my relationship to the person I want to sponsor to immigrate to Canada?

IRCC provides guidelines on how to demonstrate proof of relationship in your application.

The requirements vary based on the person you are sponsoring. For example, a birth certificate can be used as proof when you are looking to sponsor a parent, grandparent, or child.

A marriage certificate can be used when you look to sponsor your spouse. Other documents that can help you with respect to spousal sponsorship include photographs, travel itineraries, bank accounts, emails, wedding invitations, and more.

25. How can I show IRCC evidence of my relationship with my spouse?

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the evidence you submit to IRCC should include:

• a completed version of the IMM 5532 questionnaire which is called the "Relationship Information and Sponsorship Evaluation" (it is included in your application package)
• a marriage certificate and proof that the marriage has been registered with a government authority
• proof of divorce if a spouse was previously married
• if the couple have children in common, long-form birth certificates or adoption records containing the names of both parents
• wedding invitations and photos
• evidence of joint ownership of residential property
• rental agreement showing the couple are occupants of the property
• evidence of joint utility accounts (such as electricity, gas, telephone, internet), joint credit cards or bank accounts
• car insurance showing the couple have both been declared to the insurance company as residents of the same address
• government issued identification showing the same address (such as a driver's license)
• other documents issued to the couple showing they have the same address (such as cellphone bills, pay stubs, financial statements, tax records, insurance policies, etc).

26. How can I show IRCC evidence of my relationship with my partner?

IRCC says your evidence should include:

• a completed IMM 5532 questionnaire (this is included in your application package)
• evidence of separation from a former spouse if either member of the couple was previously married
• a completed IMM 5519 form if either member of the couple was previously in a common-law relationship with someone else
• long-form birth certificates listing the names of both parents if both members of the couple have children in common
• photos of the couple together
• documents showing the couple is recognized as being in a common-law relationship (such as employment or insurance benefits)
• evidence of shared expenses or financial support among the couple
• evidence that the relationship is recognized by friends and/or family (letters, social media information showing the relationship is public)

If the couple is living together, they need to provide evidence of at least two of the following sets of documents (or a written explanation as to why they are unable to provide at least two of the following sets of documents):

• other documents issued to the couple showing they have the same address (such as cellphone bills, pay stubs, financial statements, tax records, insurance policies, etc)

If the couple is not living together, they need to show evidence they previously lived together for at least one year via the following:

• evidence they have been in contact together via letters, text messages that have been printed, email, social media conversations, or other documents showing they have been in contact. This should be a maximum of 10 pages of evidence.
• Evidence that the Canadian citizen or permanent resident has visited their partner via flight tickets or boarding passes, passport photocopies with stamps. If visits did not take place, an explanation needs to be included by the sponsored individual in the IMM 5532 questionnaire (Part C, question 4).

Cohen Immigration Law is one of Canada's leading immigration law firms. We have over 45 years of experience and feature a team of over 60 Canadian immigration attorneys, paralegals, and other dedicated professionals.

Cohen Immigration Law uses its expertise to bring families together in Canada. We provide professional legal services in areas such as sponsoring spouses, partners, children, parents and grandparents, as well as the Super Visa.

CanadaVisa.com was founded in 1994 as the online presence of Cohen Immigration Law. Since then, CanadaVisa has grown into one of the world's most trusted resources on immigration to Canada. Please connect with us so we can support your family sponsorship needs:

Family Class Immigration Sponsorship

Find out if you are eligible to sponsor a loved one, or be sponsored.

Parents and Grandparents Program

Learn more about Canada's immigration sponsorship options for parents and grandparents.

Parents and Grandparents Super Visa

Contact us if you wish to obtain a Super Visa for your parents or grandparents.

Latest News

Canada's express entry draw results from august 14, 2024.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted a second Express Entry draw this week, issuing 3,200 more Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to Canadian immigration candidates. Here are the results from IRCC's August 14 Express Entry draw.

Canada's Express Entry Draw Results from July 31, 2024

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted a second Express Entry draw this week. Read on for the results from the department's July 31st Express Entry draw.

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'We are asking them to show up': Why Air Canada's pilots are considering strike action

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Air Canada's pilots say they only make half of their American counterparts and don't want to proceed with a strike ...but their employer needs to meet them halfway to avoid one. 

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) Canada, the union representing Air Canada's pilots, could proceed with strike action as early as mid-September if a deal isn't reached with the airline on some key issues. 

First Officer Charlene Hudy, chair of Air Canada’s ALPA Master Executive Council (MEC) told V.I.A. the union hopes to avoid a strike and wants to see significant changes to the pilots' contract. 

"We're trying to reach an agreement with Air Canada and avoid a strike," she said. "We're not in a legal position to strike or have job action until mid to late September in Canada." 

The union says Air Canada's proposals fall "substantially short" of recently ratified contracts at comparative airlines, such as United, Delta, and American.

"We are focused on achieving a deal with Air Canada. We are asking them to show up, negotiate, and close the gap. We have a concern with the wages. The pilots I represent are making half of what pilots in the U.S. do," she said. 

Union hopes Air Canada will offer improved, modern contract 

Hudy said the pilots hope their employer will modernize the "stale and outdated" 10-year contract and offer "fair compensation, respectable retirement benefits, and quality-of-life improvements." The union has been in contract negotiations with management since June 2023 and is currently in federal conciliation until Aug. 26. After this, a 21-day cooling off period will commence.

ALPA will vote on a strike ballot on Thursday, Aug. 22  and may strike as early as Sept. 17. Hudy said they don't have the legal authority to strike before this date and may elect to strike later, too. 

The union will meet with AC in the coming days and wants to avoid a strike. Hudy stressed that the pilots she represents "are incredibly professional about transporting passengers" and want to avoid potential flight disruptions. 

"We don't like flight delays more than passengers. My pilots show up to work prepared to do the job," she emphasized. 

ALPA must also issue a 72-hour notice if it decides to strike on Sept. 17. 

Air Canada weighs in on possible strike 

An Air Canada spokesperson confirmed the airline is in negotiations with the union representing its pilots under the guidance of a federal conciliator. 

"Already, we have reached agreement on several items," reads a statement to V.I.A. "We are working actively to reach [an] agreement on the remaining issues with an aim to finalize a deal over the next several weeks.

"Under federal labour law, there can be no action taken by either side until mid-September at the very earliest, and therefore it is business as usual, with Air Canada operating as normal."

Air Canada has a webpage dedicated to the pilot talks and other negotiations. 

Find more information about exciting destinations in B.C. and across the globe, as well as travel deals and tips, by signing up for  V.I.A.'s weekly travel newsletter The Wanderer . Since travel deals can sell out, find out the day they are posted by signing up for our  daily Travel Deals newsletter.

Want to learn more about a specific destination or simply have a travel concern or idea that you would like V.I.A. to write about? Email us at  [email protected] . Send us stories about recent holidays that you've been on, or if you have any tips you think our readers should know about. 

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Canada-wide rail strike: What the shutdown means for transit, oil, food and more

The Canadian Pacific Kansas City railway and CN Rail are shut down. In Canada, between them, they carry about $1-billion of goods each day

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The deadline passed at midnight Wednesday. In the absence of any agreement on contracts or binding arbitration, 9,300 railway workers, including conductors, yard crews and engineers, are now locked out of work and on strike. Two transcontinental railways are closed as a result, picket lines are going up across the country, and recriminations are starting to swirl. The National Post runs through what this means for the common Canadian.

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Canada-wide rail strike: What the shutdown means for transit, oil, food and more Back to video

What services are shut down.

Two freight railways are shut, the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) railway and the Canadian National Railway. Both operate in Canada and the United States, and CPKC also operates in Mexico. In Canada, between them, they carry about $1-billion of goods each day. Other services such as commuter transit also use their tracks.

What about passenger trains?

Via Rail has said it could see service disruptions in Northern Ontario, but would be able to operate without major disruption, and it has not otherwise commented on how the strike and lockout will affect its intercity trains. Instead, it has been asking people who pose this question on social media to contact them for a private direct message.

In the Toronto area, GO Transit alerted passengers that its commuter train service might be busier than normal, and service was suspended on parts of the network between Hamilton and Toronto.

In Vancouver and British Columbia’s Lower Mainland, service on the West Coast Express is suspended and backup buses are being called into action.

Three commuter lines run by Exo in Montreal have been shut, with contingency plans set to start on Monday, and commuters encouraged to use the municipal bus service in the meantime.

Get a dash of perspective along with the trending news of the day in a very readable format.

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Can the Oilpatch keep exporting?

Canada exports on average more than 100,000 barrels of crude oil a day, much of which passes through Lloydminster, a city in Alberta at the Saskatchewan border and site of a major refinery. The mayor, Gerald Aalbers, told National Post the city’s residents are “hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.”

What about farmers?

The Grain Growers of Canada estimated that farmers in Western Canada could lose up to $50 million a day in a strike, coming as it does in harvest season.

Much grain, including about 80 per cent of wheat, is shipped to elevators on railway lines for temporary storage on its way to market. With no rail cars moving, those fill up. Some can be stored locally on farms, unsold, and some can be trucked if the geography is right, although it is likely to lose value due to limited reach.

“The economic impact of this stoppage will be felt far beyond the farm gate,” said Andre Harpe, chair of the Grain Growers of Canada.

What other services could be disrupted?

Air travel, for example. It’s estimated that as much as half of the aviation fuel used at Toronto Pearson International Airport comes by rail, and any disruption in that supply would have knock-on effects on flights. Toronto Pearson clarified Thursday, however, that much of its fuel supply comes by pipeline and truck, and that with its onsite storage capacity, it would not be seriously affected for weeks “or even months.”

Rail makes up a smaller percentage of the fuel supply mix at Toronto Pearson than has been stated elsewhere – a large majority of our supply comes by pipeline and truck and we have significant on-site reserve capacity. Even without augmenting our current supply mix, we would be… — Toronto Pearson (@TorontoPearson) August 22, 2024

Can groceries still get here, such as fresh produce from the southern U.S. and Mexico?

Industry watchers have suggested the effects of the rail strike on grocery store offerings are likely to be felt first, and most deeply, in Western and Atlantic Canada.

Many large retailers would already have set contingency plans in motion, but smaller businesses would start facing lost sales. One recent estimate said lost sales in the food, health and consumer product sector would reach $40 million a day in Western and Atlantic Canada after just 10 days of railway lockout.

What’s the outlook?

Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon, who recently took over from Seamus O’Regan after his exit from politics, was said to be in talks all day aiming to facilitate a quick resolution. He previously rejected a request from CN to impose binding arbitration on the contract talks, saying negotiations would lead to a better settlement. Contract talks are also due to resume in Montreal and Calgary.

Perrin Beatty, president of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, told the Post the government should have stopped the work stoppage before it started , but should now intervene to get the economy back on track.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said: “We’re taking it seriously. The minister is engaged directly. We are not taking this lightly, obviously, because Canadians across the country are worried about it. We will have more to say shortly on what we’re doing to make sure that the right solution is found quickly for the economy.”

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Brazil to tighten entry rules to curb migration to North America

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Israeli settlers kill one Palestinian, wound three others in West Bank, health ministry says

Israeli settlers shot dead one Palestinian and wounded three others in the occupied West Bank's Bethlehem, the Palestinian health ministry said early on Tuesday.

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How to apply

Additional changes to entry, testing and quarantine requirements in response to the Omicron variant

There are temporary changes for all travellers, including Canadian citizens, regardless of their vaccination status.

Additional restrictions and requirements now apply to these countries:

• Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe

News release

Changes to border measures

New border measures include

• rules for re-entering Canada, if leaving for 72 hours or less
• who is considered fully vaccinated
• rules for travelling within Canada

Starting January 15, 2022, there will be new rules for who can enter Canada as an unvaccinated or partially vaccinated traveller.

Learn more about the new measures

Venezuelan passport holders

You may need to complete extra steps when you fill out your application .

If the printed expiry date on your Venezuelan passport has passed

If the printed expiry date has passed and you’re applying for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit or to extend your stay as a temporary resident in Canada, follow these steps:

• Add 5 years to the printed expiry date shown on your passport and enter it in the expiry date field of the application form.
• Include a letter of explanation with your application stating: “I am a Venezuelan national with a Venezuelan passport, which has been extended for 5 years”.

Warning: If your passport is still expired after adding 5 years to the printed expiry date, your passport is considered expired. You’re not eligible to submit an application with that passport.

Prepare documents and apply

The reason you’re traveling to Canada determines the way you apply and the documents you need to submit with your visa application.

Why are you applying for a visitor visa?

• To visit as a tourist
• To visit for business
• To visit your spouse or partner who has sponsored you for permanent residence

What is your family member’s status in Canada?

• Canadian citizen
• Person registered under Canada’s Indian Act
• Canadian permanent resident
• Temporary resident in Canada
• For compassionate reasons
• To join a vessel as a marine crew member (known as a “seafarer”)
• None of the above

Do you plan to visit your children or grandchildren for more than 6 months?

You may be eligible to apply for a Super Visa

A super visa lets you visit your children or grandchildren for 5 years at a time. It’s a visa that provides multiple entries for a period up to 10 years.

Find out how to apply for a Super Visa

Step 1 Gather documents

Gather these documents to submit with your visa application and bring when you travel.

About the documents listed

• Not all documents listed below are required—some are optional.
• This is not an exhaustive list of acceptable proof to support your visa application.
• Only submit the recommended documents that prove you’re eligible for a visa.
• Even if you submit all the documents listed, there is no guarantee that we’ll approve your application.
• We may request more information from you in addition to what is listed here.

Documents we accept:

• passports (regular, official or diplomatic)  from most countries (see exceptions below)
• alien’s passport for stateless persons
• US Permit to Re-Enter (Form I-327)
• US Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571)
• other refugee travel documents for non-citizens

Documents we don’t accept:

• any passport issued by Somalia
• non-machine-readable passports issued by the Czech Republic
• temporary passports issued by the Republic of South Africa
• provisional passports issued by Venezuela

A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you’ll use to travel to Canada

If you have a passport, you must provide a copy of

• the page that shows your birth date and country of origin
• any pages with stamps, visas or markings

If you have a travel document, it must be issued by a government and include your

• date of birth
• document number
• citizenship or residency status
• expiry date (if applicable)

Submit this document with your visa application.

Family members or third parties who apply on behalf of the applicant need to complete this form.

Submit the completed form with your visa application.

Each applicant 18 years or older must complete this form.

Submit the completed form with your visa application

Documents needed depend on whether a child under 18 years of age will travel with only 1 parent, with a relative or friend or alone.

You may need to show

• a letter that authorizes the minor child to travel to Canada
• other documents, such as adoption papers or a custody decree, depending on if the minor child travels alone or not

Consult Minor children travelling to Canada .

Submit these with your visa application.

• Show the border services officer when you arrive in Canada.

If you’ve travelled to Canada or to other countries, this can show that you’ve been able to get a visa in the past.

Proof of this includes copies of previous visas in your passport.

Include a clear copy of 1 or more of the following:

• your previous passports and/or visas (used within the last 10 years to travel outside your country)
• entry and exit stamps
• study and/or work permits that indicate your duration outside of your country
• expired or valid visas

Submit this document with your visa application

Documents that show how long you plan to stay and what you’ll do in Canada

Include copies of any of the following:

• flight details
• proof of accommodation
• registration for an event

This can help us understand if you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Canada.

Bank name and contact This allows us to contact your bank or financial institution with questions.

Proof it is your account Your name and address on the statement show that the account is yours.

Account details At least 6 months of account details, including balances, helps us understand your financial situation.

Use this form if you want to allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to release your personal information to someone you choose.

The person you choose will be able to get information on your case file, such as the status of your application.

Business visitor

A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you'll use to travel to Canada

Submit this with your visa application.

A clear copy of 1 or more of the following:

• study and/or work permits that indicate your duration outside your country

Copies of any of the following:

A letter from your employer can confirm that you have a stable job and will return to it. It can also show that your employer supports your visit to Canada.

The letter should be printed on your employer’s official letterhead.

The letter should include the following:

• date, no earlier than 3 months before you apply
• confirmation that you have a job with the employer
• your full name and date of birth
• date you started the job
• brief description of your job
• current salary
• contact information of your manager
• phone number
• email address
• employer information
• company name
• state or province
• Your manager or human resources contact should print their name and sign the letter.

A letter from a business or company in Canada

It can confirm that your purpose for visiting Canada is valid.

A copy of the letter from the business or company inviting you to Canada

• The letter must be written to you from the business or company.

Consult the details to include in the letter .

Visit your spouse or partner who sponsored you for permanent residence

Proof of your relationship with the person or family member inviting you to Canada

This can include a copy of

• a marriage certificate
• Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM5409)
• a birth certificate
• an official document naming you as a parent

Each applicant 18 years and older must complete this form.

The documents needed depend on whether a child under 18 years of age will travel with only 1 parent, with a relative or friend, or alone.

• other documents, such as adoption papers or a custody decree, depending on whether the minor child travels alone

Consult Minor children travelling to Canada

A letter written by your family member in Canada

A copy of the letter from the family member inviting you to Canada

• The letter must be written to you from your family member.
• current Salary

Complete the form that declares you and your partner are in a common-law relationship. Also provide proof that you and your common-law partner have combined your affairs and set up a household together.

What is a common-law partner?

Proof can include

• joint bank accounts or credit cards
• joint ownership of a home
• joint residential leases
• joint rental receipts
• joint utilities (electricity, gas, telephone)
• joint management of household expenses
• proof of joint purchases, especially for household items
• mail addressed to either person or both people at the same address

Faster visitor visa processing for spousal applicants

If you’re being sponsored for permanent residence (PR) by your spouse or partner, you could benefit from faster processing for a visitor visa.

You may be eligible if you

• submitted an application to be sponsored for permanent residence
• received an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) that confirms the application is in progress

Applications that need more information, for example custody documents for a child, will take longer to process.

When your sponsor receives the AOR for your permanent residence application, you can apply for a visitor visa. If you’re eligible, your visitor visa application will automatically receive faster processing. You don’t need to request it.

You must still meet all of the requirements to be eligible for a visitor visa .

Visit family (Canadian citizen, person registered under Canada’s Indian Act, or permanent resident of Canada)

Submit with visa application

Visit children or grandchildren Super visa option

Submit this with your visa or super visa application.

For super visa applicants only

Proof that medical insurance for at least $100,000 coverage has been purchased from a Canadian insurance company.

A copy of the insurance certificate or policy you received for medical insurance coverage for 1 year with a Canadian insurance company.

Submit this with your super visa application.

Documents that show that the super visa applicant’s child or grandchild meets the low income cut-off minimum.

Submit one of the following documents:

• If the child or grandchild does not have a paper copy of their notice of assessment on file, they can view and print their tax returns as well as other personal tax information using the Canada Revenue Agency My Account online service.
• a copy of the child’s or grandchild’s most recent T4 or T1
• an original letter from the child’s or grandchild’s employer stating their job title, job description and salary
• a letter from an accountant confirming the child’s or grandchild’s annual income, if they are self-employed.
• proof of other sources of income (pension statement, investments, etc.)

A document confirming that you had an  immigration medical exam (IME)

The exam must conducted by a panel physician authorized by IRCC.

Get complete details about how to get a medical exam with a panel physician.

Submit this with your super visa application, or wait for instructions from the visa office.

Visit family (temporary resident of Canada)

A letter written by your family in Canada

Documents that show how long you plan to stay and what you’ll do once in Canada

Visit for compassionate reasons

A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you'll use to travel to Canada.

• Show the border services officer when you arrive in Canada

A letter written to you from a person or business inviting you to Canada

A copy of the letter from the person or business inviting you to Canada

Please indicate clearly if family members will accompany you to Canada.

Submit the following documents with your visa application:

• digital copy of Seaman’s Book
• digital copy of a signed Letter of Invitation from a ship or port agent in Canada
• digital copy of an Introduction Letter from recruiter shipping agency or vessel owner
• digital copy of the employment contract

Step 2 Apply through the IRCC Portal

Step 2 apply.

To apply for a visitor visa to visit Canada on business, you need to qualify as a business visitor.

To qualify, you must show that:

• you plan to stay for less than 6 months
• you don’t plan to enter the Canadian labour market
• your main place of business and source of income and profits is outside Canada

Business visitor activities include business meetings, special events or training for a few days or weeks.

If your meeting, event or conference is registered with us, include the event code in your application. You should get this code from the organizer.

Note: If you plan to stay for more than 6 months, or if you plan to work in Canada, you may be considered a temporary worker and have to  apply for a work permit .

To apply online, you need a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents, and a valid credit or debit card.

Read the instruction guide before you complete your application. As an online applicant, you can ignore steps 3 and 4 of the guide (paying the fees and submitting your application).

If you’re applying for the first time , you must pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application (unless you’re exempt). Otherwise, you may experience delays.

Apply through the IRCC Secure account

Sign in to your IRCC secure account

Apply through the IRCC Portal

Only for tourists, visiting for business, family visits, compassionate reasons

Sign in to the IRCC portal

To apply for a visitor visa to join a vessel as a marine crew member (seafarer) , you must

• be travelling to Canada to join a ship’s crew
• hold a seafarer’s identity document
• hold a valid passport or travel document
• have proof of employment on a vessel at a Canadian port

As a seafarer, you’re not eligible for a transit visa and you must apply for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa).

Note: When asked to “Tell us more about what you’ll do in Canada”, include “Join vessel” or “Seafarer”.

Register to the IRCC portal

Applying on paper for specific situations

If you need a visitor visa to travel to Canada, you must apply online for one. Only online applications will be accepted and processed. However, you can apply on paper if:

• you can’t apply online because of a disability or
• you’re travelling with an identity or travel document that was issued to a refugee, a stateless person or a non-citizen

The application package includes an instruction guide and all the forms you need to fill out.

Read the guide carefully before you complete your application . We will not refund your application fee, so make sure you need a visitor visa before you apply.

Each individual applicant must submit a completed application form. Applicants under the age of 18 must have this form signed by a parent or a guardian.

Download the application package .

Pay your application fees

In most cases, your fees will include processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application.

If you’re applying for the first time, you must pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application (unless you’re exempt). Otherwise, you may experience delays.

Third-party fees

Depending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties for

• your medical exam
• a police certificate

Our instruction guides (opens in a new tab)   can help you understand which fees apply to you.

Submit your application

Families should send their individual applications in one package. The principal applicant must send this combined package to the location where their application will be processed.

Select the country/territory you’ll be applying from to find out where to submit your application. You can choose your country of nationality or the country or territory where you have been legally admitted:

• Afghanistan
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• British Virgin Islands
• Burkina Faso
• Burma (Myanmar)
• Cayman Islands
• Central African Republic
• China (People’s Republic of)
• Comoros Island
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Czech Republic
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Hong Kong SAR
• Liechtenstein
• Marshall Islands
• Micronesia (Federated States of)
• Netherlands
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• North Korea
• North Macedonia (Republic of)
• Palestinian Authority (Gaza)
• Palestinian Authority (West Bank)
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Puerto Rico
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Saudi Arabia
• Sierra Leone
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• South Korea
• South Sudan
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Switzerland
• Timor-Leste (Timor oriental)
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turkmenistan
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States of America
• US Virgin Islands

If you need to give biometrics (fingerprints and photograph), and you’re applying on paper, submit your application in person . VAC staff will check that it is complete and will confirm that you have paid the correct fees before you can give your biometrics.

Credit cards and prepaid cards

We accept the following credit cards and prepaid cards:

• MasterCard ®
• American Express ®
• UnionPay ® (for online applications only; debit cards not accepted)

If you use a prepaid credit card, keep it for at least 18 months after you pay to make refunds easier. Find more on prepaid cards .

We also accept all Visa Debit cards.

The card you use doesn’t have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.

Debit cards

• be from a Canadian bank using INTERAC ® Online
• be registered for online banking through your bank’s website

We also accept all Debit MasterCard ® and Visa ® Debit cards. If your card has the Visa Debit logo on it, alone or with the INTERAC ® Online logo, select Visa Debit as your payment method.

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