Family reunification: the sponsorship checklist in 8 steps

To sponsor, you must be at least 18, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and living in Canada (citizens sponsoring a spouse may live abroad if they show an intention to return). Several situations make a sponsor ineligible: undischarged bankruptcy, social assistance other than for disability, default on a past sponsorship undertaking, certain convictions.

This early check avoids building a file on a fragile foundation: if the sponsor is not eligible, the whole application fails.

Spouse, common-law partner (continuous union for at least one year), conjugal partner, dependent child: each category has its legal definition and expected evidence. The parents and grandparents program follows a separate process based on invitations and income conditions.

The category determines the forms and the expected proof. Choosing the wrong category can lead to the application being returned.

By sponsoring, the sponsor signs an undertaking with the government: they must provide for the sponsored person's basic needs for a set period (for example three years for a spouse or partner). The undertaking holds even if the relationship breaks down.

This is a real legal obligation: any social assistance received by the sponsored person during that period can be claimed back from the sponsor.

The genuineness of the relationship is at the heart of the assessment. Marriage or common-law union, the officer looks for a genuine and continuing relationship: marriage certificate, proof of cohabitation, dated photos, correspondence, travel records, joint accounts, statements from relatives.

A genuine but poorly documented relationship can be refused: organize the evidence chronologically, from the first meeting to today.

The application combines the sponsor's forms (sponsorship application, undertaking) and the applicant's forms (permanent residence application, background, declarations). Filing is done online through IRCC's permanent residence portal.

Consistency across forms is essential: relationship dates, addresses, jobs and travel must match from one form to another and with the documents.

Government fees (sponsorship, application processing, right of permanent residence, biometrics) are paid online at filing. The exact amount is listed on the IRCC website and can be revised: check it when you pay.

An incomplete application can be returned: use the official document checklist for your category before submitting.

After filing, IRCC acknowledges receipt and will generally request biometrics, a medical exam and police certificates from the applicant. Requests for clarification or an interview may follow if the officer has questions about the relationship.

Every IRCC request has a deadline: responding quickly and completely avoids months of delay.

Processing times vary by category and responsible office: the official processing times tool gives an up-to-date estimate. If the applicant already lives in Canada, some cases allow an open work permit application during processing.

After approval, the confirmation of permanent residence is issued and the landing (or confirmation in Canada) finalizes the status.