Reunite With Your Family In Canada

Reuniting with family in Canada is a gratifying process that can bring you and your loved ones together in a new and welcoming environment. Canada offers several pathways for family reunification, allowing spouses, children, parents, and grandparents to join their family members who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents. The immigration process can seem complex, but understanding the eligibility requirements and necessary steps can simplify your journey. Every step is crucial to ensuring a smooth transition from gathering the proper documentation to completing application forms.

Thinking of reuniting with your family in Canada? Then, look at our guide below, which offers pathways for bringing your loved ones together in Canada using the Family Sponsorship Visa.

Sponsor Your Spouse, Partner Or Dependent Children

How Can I Reunite With My Family in Canada?

Family reunification is a priority for many people who have loved ones living in Canada. The process can vary depending on your circumstances, but here are some general steps for Family Sponsorship Visa. To sponsor your spouse, partner, or dependent child to Canada, you must be at least 18, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or registered under the Canadian Indian Act. If you live outside Canada, you must plan to return once your family becomes permanent residents. You cannot sponsor if you’re a permanent resident living abroad or receiving social assistance, except for disability.

You must demonstrate you can support your family financially and sign a sponsorship agreement, committing to provide for their needs and repay any provincial assistance they receive. Quebec residents must also meet provincial requirements. Certain conditions, like being recently sponsored or in financial trouble, may affect your eligibility.

How to Apply to Sponsor Your Spouse, Partner Or Dependent Children

Ready to bring your spouse, partner, or child to Canada? Here’s how to make it happen:

  • Apply to Sponsor: Download and complete the necessary forms, then digitally sign them. The sponsoring person will also upload these forms and sign them electronically.
  • Complete the Permanent Residence Application: Create an account on the Permanent Residence online portal. Fill out and submit all required digital forms and ensure you meet photo specifications.
  • Pay Fees and Biometrics: Book a biometrics appointment and pay processing, right of permanent residence, and biometrics fees online.
  • Submit Additional Information: During processing, provide medical exams, police certificates, and updated documents if circumstances change.
  • Submit Your Application: Ensure all forms are completed and signed, and fees are paid before submission.
  • Stay Updated: Track your application’s progress online and follow up on any additional requests.

For Quebec permanent residents or citizens, check specific provincial requirements.

Sponsor Your Adopted Child

To sponsor your adopted child to come to Canada, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and plan to live in Canada when the child becomes permanent. You should also be at least 18 years old. Certain conditions can affect your eligibility, such as failing to meet previous sponsorship agreements, defaulting on court-ordered support, or having a conviction for a violent crime. You must also comply with provincial sponsorship requirements if you live in Quebec.

Intercountry adoptions usually occur in the child’s home country, and each country has its own rules. Ensure the adoption is legal in both the child’s home country and your province and meets all requirements, including a home study and medical exams. Check with your provincial or territorial government and licensed adoption agencies for specific guidelines and procedures.

How to Apply to Sponsor Your Adopted Child

To bring your adopted child from abroad and reunite with them in Canada, you must follow the application process outlined below.

Step 1: Apply to Sponsor

First, download and complete the Document Checklist — Sponsor [IMM 5287]. Use this checklist to ensure you have all the necessary forms and documents, then upload them with your online application. Select the appropriate visa office based on your area and include any required documents.

Step 2: Application Forms

You and the person you’re sponsoring need to digitally sign the Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement, and Undertaking [IMM 1344], along with other required forms. If the child is under 18, you may sign on their behalf.

Step 3: Sponsored Person’s Steps

Your prospective sponsored adopted child must create a permanent residence online application account, complete the necessary digital forms, and upload their signed documents.

Step 4: Using a Representative

If you have an immigration representative, complete and upload the Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] form. They can assist with preparing documents and answering questions but need help signing or submitting the application for you.

Step 5: Photo and Biometrics

Provide one photo for each person on the application and follow the instructions to upload it. Children over 14 need to give biometrics, so pay the biometric fee and complete the process within 30 days of receiving the request.

Step 6: Submit the Application

Before submitting, double-check that all questions are answered, the application is electronically signed, and all fees are paid. Contact Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) via their web form for assistance if you face any technical issues.

Sponsor Your Relatives

Under specific conditions, you can only sponsor certain relatives, such as a brother, sister, aunt, or uncle. If your family member doesn’t fit these criteria, check out our Come to Canada tool to explore other programs they might qualify for. We take a look at how it works.

Orphaned Relatives

You can sponsor an orphaned brother, sister, nephew, niece, or grandchild if they’re under 18, single, and both parents have passed away. They must also be related to you by blood or adoption. You cannot sponsor them if any parent is alive missing or if someone else is caring for them.

Other Relatives

You may sponsor one relative of any age if you don’t have any closer living relatives who could be funded, such as a spouse, child, or parent. The relative you wish to sponsor must be related to you by blood or adoption and not be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian under the Indian Act.

Here are some examples of how eligibility works for family sponsorship of your relatives.

  • Eligible Aunt: Veronica, a permanent resident with no other close relatives, can sponsor her aunt Betty and her family.
  • Eligible Cousin: Sam, an only child and Canadian permanent resident, can sponsor his cousin from the U.S. because he has no other close relatives to sponsor.
  • Not Eligible Aunt by Marriage: Aba cannot sponsor her aunt by marriage, as they are not blood-related.

How to Apply to Sponsor Your Relative

Applying online became mandatory as of September 23, 2002. If an online application isn’t possible due to a disability or other reasons, you can request the application in a different format, like paper or large print. Here are the steps you must follow.

Before submitting your application, double-check that you’ve answered all questions, signed electronically, and included all documents and fees.

Sponsor Your Parents And Grandparents

If they qualify, you can sponsor your parents or grandparents to come to Canada if they are:

  • Your biological or adopted parents and grandparents,
  • The dependent children of your parents and grandparents, including your siblings, half-siblings, or step-siblings, and their dependent children, and
  • If your parents or grandparents are divorced, their current spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner.

For divorced parents, submit separate applications for each. If they are separated but not divorced, submit a single application since they are still legally married. When your parents and grandparents apply for permanent residence, they must provide all required forms and documents, such as medical exams, police certificates, and biometrics.

Here are some of the scenarios where you have the opportunity to sponsor your parents or grandparents.

Sponsoring Parents Together

You can sponsor both parents if they are a couple. Choose one as the principal applicant and the other as a dependent. Once submitted, you cannot change the principal applicant.

Sponsoring a Parent and Step-Parent

You can sponsor your parent, their spouse (your step-parent), and their child (your half-sibling). Your parent must be the principal applicant; the step-parent will be listed as a dependent. Half-siblings can only be included if they qualify as dependent children.

Sponsoring Grandparents and Parents

Submit two separate applications, one for your grandparents (with one designated as the principal applicant) and one for your parent (with your parent as the principal applicant).

Please take note that you may not sponsor your:

  • your spouse or common-law partner’s parents or grandparents (your in-laws). However, you can co-sign their application if your spouse or partner receives their invitation.
  • You cannot transfer your invitation to another person to sponsor their parents or grandparents, and
  • You cannot sponsor anyone inadmissible to Canada.

How to Apply to Sponsor Your Parents or Grandparents

To sponsor your parents or grandparents, you must first receive an invitation. If you’re invited, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Two Applications Needed

You must apply to become a sponsor, and your parents or grandparents must apply for permanent residence. The principal applicant (the person being sponsored) must submit both applications online via the Permanent Residence (PR) Portal. If a paid representative is used, they will use the Representative PR Portal.

Step 2: Separate Accounts for Multiple Applicants

If more than one parent or grandparent is applying as a principal applicant, each must create their portal account and submit their own application.

Step 3: Use an Immigration Representative

Complete and sign the Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] form and upload it with your application. They can help with forms and communicate with IRCC but need help opening or signing into your portal account. You must electronically sign your application yourself.

Step 4: Complete the Required Application Forms

Download and complete the required forms using the Instruction Guide [IMM 5772]. Ensure all documents are included and signed. Each applicant must upload a photo. Follow the instructions to scan and upload both sides of the photo.

Step 5: Submit Your Application and Pay the Required Fees

Before submitting your application, Ensure all questions are answered, forms are signed, fees are paid, and documents are uploaded. Include a copy of your letter of invitation to apply (ITA). Pay processing and biometrics fees online. Additional fees may apply for medical exams and police certificates. After submission, you can track and update your application status. Be prepared to provide further information, such as medical exams, police certificates, and biometrics, when requested.

Can a Sponsored Family Member Work or Study in Canada?

Can a Sponsored Family Member Work or Study in Canada?

Yes, sponsored family members can work or study in Canada if they qualify for an open work permit. This applies to:

  • Spouses,
  • Common-Law Partners,
  • Conjugal Partners, and
  • Dependent Children.

When applying for your open work permit, make sure to be in a genuine relationship, have proof of permanent residence application, and an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) letter showing that your application is being processed.

If you're a dependent child seeking an open work permit, you must be:

  • Be accompanying the principal applicant,
  • Be living with them and their sponsor in Canada, and
  • Ensure you and the principal applicant meet all open work permit requirements.

Currently, you cannot apply for an open work permit if your permanent residence application has been refused, withdrawn, or returned. You intend to apply for your work permit at a port of entry. Ensure you meet all the criteria and follow the correct application process to maximize this opportunity to work while you await your Canadian permanent residency.

Now that you have a better understanding of how you can reunite with your family in Canada, you can begin the process of doing so with the assistance of a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).

FAQs

FAQs

What if My Family Member’s Application for Sponsorship is Refused?

If your family member's application for sponsorship is refused, you will receive a detailed explanation of the decision. You can appeal the decision or reapply, addressing any issues highlighted in the refusal. Review the reasons for refusal carefully to strengthen your next application.

Can I Sponsor a Family Member if I Live Outside Canada?

No, you cannot sponsor a family member if you are living outside Canada. To be eligible to sponsor, you must be a resident of Canada, whether you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident. You must also maintain your residency status throughout the sponsorship process.

Are There Any Age Limits For Sponsored Family Members?

Yes, there are age limits for sponsored family members. Dependent children must be under 22 years old and not married or in a common-law relationship. Other family members, like parents or grandparents, do not have age limits but must meet specific eligibility criteria.