image-4-1024x393 Sponsor your family members

Sponsor your spouse, partner or child: about the process

About the process

If you’re eligible, you can sponsor your spouse, partner or dependent children to become permanent residents of Canada.

If you do, you must be able to:

  • support them financially
  • make sure they don’t need social assistance from the government

Fees

Sponsor a spouse, partner from $1,205, or a child from $170

Processing time ?

Check application processing times

The persons you sponsor may need to give biometrics after they apply. This processing time includes the time they need to give their biometrics.

Who is eligible to sponsor their spouse, partner or child

You can sponsor your spouse, partner or dependent child if:

  • You’re at least 18 years old
  • You’re a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act
    • If you’re a Canadian citizen living outside Canada, you must show that you plan to live in Canada when the persons you want to sponsor become permanent residents.
    • You can’t sponsor someone if you’re a permanent resident living outside Canada.
  • You’re able to prove that you’re not receiving social assistance for reasons other than a disability
  • you can provide for the basic needs of any persons you want to sponsor

If you live outside Quebec

To become a sponsor, you must promise to financially take care of the persons you are sponsoring for a period of time. We call this promise an undertaking.

The undertaking commits you to:

  • providing financial support for your sponsored family members, starting when they become permanent residents
  • repaying any provincial social assistance your sponsored family members get during that time

Also, you and your sponsored family members need to agree to certain responsibilities during the undertaking period. We call this the sponsorship agreement.

The sponsorship agreement means that:

  • you’ll provide for the basic needs of your sponsored family members
  • the person you sponsor will make every effort to support themselves and their family members

When you apply, you’ll have to complete and sign a form that includes the undertaking and the sponsorship agreement.

Income requirement

In most cases, there isn’t an income requirement to sponsor your spouse or partner or dependent child. You only need to show that you have enough money to meet the income requirements if:

  • you’re sponsoring a dependent child that has 1 or more dependent children of their own, or
  • you’re sponsoring a spouse or partner that has a dependent child, and their dependent child has 1 or more children of their own.

The Financial Evaluation form instructions explain how much money you’ll need and how to fill out the form.

You’ll get the form when you download your application package.

If you live in Quebec

You must meet Quebec’s immigration sponsorship requirements after we approve you as a sponsor. You must sign an undertaking with the province of Quebec.

The Quebec ministry in charge of immigration will assess your income.

Who can’t sponsor their spouse, partner or child

You can’t sponsor your spouse, partner or child if:

  • you’re less than 18 years old
  • you won’t live in Canada when the persons you want to sponsor become permanent residents
  • you’re not a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act
  • you’re a temporary resident, that is you’re visiting, studying or working in Canada on a visa or permit
  • your permanent residence application is still in process
    • You must have permanent resident status at the time you submit your sponsorship application.
  • you don’t have enough money to support the persons you want to sponsor (if applicable)

You may not be eligible to sponsor your spouse, partner if you:

  • were sponsored by a spouse or partner and you became a permanent resident less than 5 years ago
  • are still financially responsible for a previous spouse or partner that you sponsored. This means you’re still bound by the 3 year undertaking to take care of this person.

You may not be eligible to sponsor your spouse, partner or child if you:

  • you have already applied to sponsor the spouse, parent or child you are currently seeking to sponsor and a decision on that application hasn’t been made
  • are in jail, prison, or a penitentiary
  • didn’t pay back:
    • an immigration loan
    • a performance bond
    • court-ordered family support payments such as alimony or child support (not applicable if you live in Quebec)
  • didn’t give the financial support you agreed to when you signed a sponsorship agreement to sponsor someone else in the past (not applicable if you live in Quebec)
  • declared bankruptcy and are not discharged (not applicable if you live in Quebec)
  • receive social assistance for a reason other than a disability
  • you were convicted of attempting, threatening to commit or committing a violent criminal offence, any offence against a relative or any sexual offence inside or outside Canada
  • can’t legally stay in Canada and must leave the country because you received a Removal Order

There may be other reasons that make you ineligible to sponsor your spouse, partner or child. If we determine you’re not eligible to sponsor, we’ll tell you why.

Read more about eligibility requirements in the complete instruction guide.

Who you can sponsor

You can sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner or dependent children.

Your spouse

Your spouse can be either sex and must be:

  • legally married to you
  • at least 18 years old

Your common-law partner

Your common-law partner:

  • isn’t legally married to you
  • can be either sex
  • is at least 18 years old
  • has been living with you for at least 12 consecutive months, meaning you’ve been living together continuously for 1 year in a conjugal relationship, without any long periods apart
    • Any time spent away from each other should have been
      • short
      • temporary

If you or your common-law partner choose to end the relationship, we consider the relationship to be over.

You’ll need to give proof of your common-law relationship.

Your conjugal partner

Your conjugal partner:

  • isn’t legally married to you or in a common-law relationship with you
  • can be either sex
  • is at least 18 years old
  • has been in a relationship with you for at least 1 year
  • lives outside Canada
  • can’t live with you in their country of residence or marry you because of significant legal and immigration reasons such as
    • their marital status (for example, they’re still married to someone else in a country where divorce isn’t possible)
    • their sexual orientation (for example, you are in a same-sex relationship, and same-sex relationships are not accepted, or same-sex marriage is illegal where they live),
    • persecution (for example, your relationship is between different religious groups which is not accepted and they may be punished legally or socially)

You’ll need to give proof that you could not live together or get married in your conjugal partner’s country (for example, proof of refused long-term stays in each other’s country).

Dependent children

Children qualify as dependants if they meet both of these requirements:

  • they’re under 22 years old
  • they don’t have a spouse or common law partner

Children 22 years old or older qualify as dependants if they meet both of these requirements:

  • they are unable to financially support themselves because of a mental or physical condition
  • they have depended on their parents for financial support since before the age of 22

With the exception of age, your dependent child must continue to meet these requirements until we finish processing your application.

Use our online tool to check if a child qualifies as a dependant.

If they qualify as a dependent child, you can sponsor

  • your own child
    • If you’re a Canadian citizen, your child may also be a Canadian citizen, even if they weren’t born in Canada. You can’t sponsor your child for permanent residence if they’re Canadian citizens already. Check if your child is already a Canadian citizen.
    • If you’re sponsoring just your child, without sponsoring your spouse or partner, you’ll name your child as the principal applicant in the application. You’ll have to show that the other parent or legal guardian agrees to your child immigrating to Canada. See your checklist for what you’ll need to provide.
    • If the child you want to sponsor has a child of their own (your grandchild), you’ll include your grandchild as a dependant in the application.
    • If you want to sponsor your adopted child or an orphaned family member, follow the instructions to sponsor your adopted child or orphaned family member instead.
  • your spouse or partner and their child
    • If you’re sponsoring your spouse or partner and a child (either their own child or a child you’ve had together), you’ll name your spouse or partner as the principal applicant and the child as the dependant in the application.
    • If the child you want to sponsor has a child of their own, you’ll include the grandchild as a dependant in the application.

Eligibility of the people you’re sponsoring

To show they meet the eligibility requirements, your spouse, partner, dependent child and their dependent children (if applicable) must provide:

  • all required forms and documents with their application
  • any additional information we request during processing, including

You can’t sponsor someone who is inadmissible to Canada. This means they’re not allowed to come to Canada.

How to apply

You must now apply online

As of September 23, 2022, you must apply online for this program. 

If you can’t apply online, and require accommodations, including for a disability, you can ask for the application in another format (paper, braille or large print). 

To apply to sponsor your spouse, partner or child, there are 2 applications:

  1. You must apply to become a sponsor.
  2. Your spouse, partner or child must apply for permanent residence.

If you want to sponsor your adopted child or an orphaned family member, follow the instructions to sponsor your adopted child instead.

If you live in Quebec, find out the steps to take to sponsor your spouse, partner or child in Quebec.

There are 4 steps to sponsor your spouse, partner or child:

1. Apply to sponsor

The sponsor must

  • download and complete the PDF forms in the application package
  • digitally sign, along with the person you’re sponsoring (principal applicant) 

The person you’re sponsoring (principal applicant) will

  • upload them to their online application
  • electronically sign for the entire application, including those of any other family members

Get the application package

The application package includes the:

  • document checklist for you and the persons you want to sponsor
  • forms you and the persons you want to sponsor need to fill out
  • instruction guide to help you and your family members fill out the forms correctly

Read the guide carefully before you complete the application form. The sponsorship application fee for processing your application can’t be refunded.

Helping your spouse, partner or child with their application?

There are certain steps you need to complete if you want to:

  • prepare your family members’ application for them (this would mean that you’d be acting as their representative)
  • check on their application status

You have to request permission and provide the right forms with your application.

Find out how to act as a representative or access your family members’ information.

2. Apply to be sponsored (permanent residence)

Sign in or create a Permanent residence online application portal account.

You must fill out these digital forms online

  • Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008) 
  • Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
  • Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
  • Supplementary Information – Your travels (IMM 5562)

Photo specifications

You need one photo for each person on your application.

Follow the instructions in the online application to scan and upload both sides of your photo.

Working in Canada

If you already have a work permit, you can keep working as long as the permit is valid.

If you don’t have a work permit, you may be eligible for an open work permit if you meet both of these requirements:

  • You live in Canada with the person sponsoring you.
  • You got an acknowledgement of receipt that says your permanent residence application is being processed.

You can’t apply for your open work permit in the Permanent Residence Portal. We’ll refuse your work permit application if you do.

You must apply for your work permit through your IRCC secure account. If you’re using a representative to apply, they’ll use the Authorized Paid Representative portal.

Find out how to apply for your open work permit as a sponsored spouse or common-law partner.

Technical issues

Using an immigration representative

3. Pay your application fees

Your fingerprints and photo (biometrics)

Book your biometrics collection appointment as soon as you can to avoid processing delays. Find out how to give biometrics.

In most cases, your fees will include:

You have to pay your fees online (opens in a new tab).

Biometrics fee

In most cases, you must pay a biometrics (fingerprints and photo) fee when you submit your application. Otherwise you may experience delays. The biometrics fee covers the cost of collecting fingerprints and a digital photo.

Third-party fees

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

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

4. Send us additional information during processing

During processing, we’ll ask the person you’re sponsoring to submit their:

  • medical exams
  • police certificates
    • You need to include police certificates when you apply.
    • You need them for the person being sponsored and each family member 18 or older (who isn’t already a Canadian citizen or permanent resident).
    • Police certificates are generally valid for 1 year from the date they’re issued.
      • Depending on processing times, we may ask you for new certificates.
  • biometrics
    • When the biometrics fee is paid, we’ll send your family members a letter asking them to give their biometrics.
    • Your family members must show this letter when they give their biometrics.
    • They have 30 days to give their biometrics in person at their closest collection point.

We’ll send instructions and let your family members how much time they have to send us this information.

You must tell us of any change in circumstances, such as:

  • birth or adoption of children
  • marriage or divorce or separation
  • death of an applicant or a dependant

5. Submit your online application

Before you submit your application, make sure you:

  • answer all questions
  • electronically sign your application (type your full name exactly as shown on your passport)
  • include your processing fee receipt
  • upload all the supporting documents

If your application is incomplete, we’ll reject it. You’ll have to fix any errors and then re-submit it.

6. Get updates about your application online

If you and the person you are sponsoring meet the eligibility requirements, we will mail or email you a request to link your application to an online account.

Find out how to link your application to your account after you create an account or sign in.

Due to mailing delays caused by COVID-19, we’ll now return incomplete applications by email if we’ve made a digital copy. Otherwise, we’ll mail it back to you.

Be sure to check the email you gave us when you submitted if you

  • are waiting to hear about your application or
  • think there may be forms or documents missing

On this page

Processing your application

Processing time 

Check application processing times

You’ll get an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) after we receive your application and check that it’s complete.

In line with Canada’s immigration and privacy laws

  • we may use electronic methods to help process applications and make decisions, including on your application
    • Methods could include computer analytics, automation and others.
  • we may use personal information we collect on an application and supporting documents to support electronic processing
    • This could include research, statistics, evaluating programs and policy, internal audits, compliance, risk management, developing computer analytics, strategy development and reporting.

Find out more about how we use electronic systems.

We’ll review your sponsorship application and return it to you if

  • it’s incomplete
  • fees are missing

If we begin to process your application, we’ll

  • send you an
    • application number
    • acknowledgment of receipt
  • assess your eligibility as a sponsor
  • assess if the person you’re sponsoring is eligible for permanent residence

Your spouse or partner may be able to join you in Canada sooner

After you submit a permanent residence (PR) application to sponsor your spouse or partner, they could benefit from faster processing for a visitor visa.

Your spouse or partner may be eligible for faster processing if you

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

When you receive the AOR for your spousal sponsorship application, your spouse or partner can apply for a visitor visa. If they’re eligible, their application will automatically receive faster processing. You don’t need to request it.

Your spouse or partner must still meet all of the requirements to be eligible for a visitor visa.

If your spouse or partner is approved for a visitor visa, they can apply for an open work permit when they arrive in Canada.

If we refuse you as a sponsor

If we refuse you as a sponsor, you can choose to have us continue processing the application for permanent residence for your family members.

  • If you choose to withdraw your application, you won’t get the CAN$85 sponsorship fee back. You’ll get all other fees back.
  • If you want us to continue processing, you won’t get any fees back.

If you’re approved as a sponsor

We’ll assess the eligibility of the person(s) you want to sponsor.

Your family members can link their application to their online account

When we start processing their application, we’ll send your family members a letter with their application number.

After they get this letter, they can link their application to their online account. This way, they can communicate with us quickly and securely and get updates and messages about their application online.

Find out how to create an online account and link an application.

You (the sponsor) can link their application for them if you’re handling your family members’ application and you’re designated as their representative.

See the top questions about linking an application.

The people you’re sponsoring must send us supporting documents

Your fingerprints and photo (biometrics)

Book your biometrics collection appointment as soon as you can to avoid processing delays. Find out how to give biometrics.

During processing, we’ll ask the people you’re sponsoring to submit their:

We’ll send instructions and let your family members know how much time they have to send us this information.

You must tell us of any change in circumstances, such as:

  • birth or adoption of children
  • marriage or divorce or separation
  • death of an applicant or dependant

If you live in Quebec

You must do the following steps before we assess the eligibility of your family members:

If the Government of Quebec approves your undertaking application, they’ll send us the information we need to process your family members’ permanent resident application.

If we approve your family members’ permanent residence application

To finish processing their application, your spouse, partner and child, and their dependants who are immigrating to Canada with them (if applicable), will have to send us:

  • their passports, or photocopies of their passports (we’ll let you know which one they should send)
  • 2 photos
  • proof of payment for the right of permanent residence fee, if you haven’t sent it to us already.

We’ll let them know where to send this information.

Documents your family members will get

If your family members are outside Canada

We’ll send them these documents once we finish processing their application:

  • a document confirming they have been approved to become Canadian permanent residents
    • We call this document the Confirmation of Permanent Residence.
  • a permanent resident visa, if required
    • If the persons you’re sponsoring are from countries whose citizens need a visa to travel to Canada, we’ll give them a permanent resident visa in their passport. We’ll do this even if they’re already in Canada.

Once your family members receive these documents, they can travel to Canada. Make sure to check the expiry dates on the permanent resident visa and Confirmation of Permanent Residence. Your family members must meet an officer at a Canadian port of entry before their documents expire. The officer will make the final decision to allow your family members to enter Canada as permanent residents.

Find out more about how your family members can prepare for arrival.

If your family members are inside Canada

They have to meet an immigration officer to receive their Confirmation of Permanent Residence.

We’ll send them a letter to schedule their appointment and we’ll let them know what documents to bring. The officer will make the final decision to allow your family members to stay in Canada as permanent residents.

If we refuse your family members’ permanent residence application

If we refuse their permanent residence application, we’ll let you know:

  • Why we refused it.
  • How to appeal the decision, if you’re sponsoring a spouse, partner or child from outside Canada.
    • You can’t appeal our decision if you’re sponsoring a spouse or partner who’s inside Canada.

Track and update your application

During processing, track your application and make sure it’s up to date by:

Check the status of your application

If you’re a sponsor

You can use the Application Status tracker (opens in a new tab) 

  • to find out where we are with your application
  • only after you get an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) letter or email
    • You’ll get an AOR after we receive your application and check that it’s complete.

Due to COVID-19, it’s taking us longer to

  • check that your application is complete
  • send you an AOR letter or email with your application number

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.

If you’re being sponsored

You can check your application in 2 ways:

In your online account

Follow these steps:

  1. Get the application number. You’ll receive this by mail when we’ve started processing your application.
  2. Create an online account.
  3. Link your application to the account.
In the Application Status Tracker

You can also use the Application Status tracker (opens in a new tab) .

If your processing time has passed

If your application is complex, it may take us longer than normal processing times to process it.

Do not contact us about your application status if you don’t have an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) letter.

Keep your information up to date

To avoid delays in processing, make sure your contact information and your application details are up to date.

Tell us about changes in your application, such as:

  • marriage or divorce or separation
  • birth or adoption of a child
  • death of an applicant or dependant
  • contact information updates, including
    • email
    • phone number
    • mailing address

Don’t mail us changes for your contact or application information. If you do, we won’t acknowledge your request and we won’t update your application. This could lead to a delay in processing your application.

If you change your contact information, make sure you check your old contact information until we update your application.

Add or change a representative or get access to your family member’s information

Even as the sponsor, you don’t automatically get access to your family members’ information. You have to request it.

If you want to handle your spouse’s, partner’s or child’s application for them

You’ll be acting as a representative if you want to

  • fill out and submit your family member’s application for them
  • communicate with us on their behalf

To become a representative for your spouse, partner or child, complete, sign and save the form to appoint or change a representative. The person(s) you’re sponsoring must also sign the form, unless they’re under 18. Include the form with your application.

If you’ve already submitted your application, send it to us through our web form.

In your request, include your

  • full name
  • date of birth
  • country of birth
  • application number (if you know it)
  • relative’s client ID number (UCI) (if you know it)

Upload the form after you’ve completed all the required fields.

If you want to check on your spouse’s, partner’s or child’s application status

As the sponsor, you may want to access your family members’ information without being in charge of their application. For example, you may want to check their application status on their behalf, but not act as their representative.

To protect their privacy, they need to give us their written consent before we’ll share any of their personal information with you or give anyone access to their application information.

Find out how the persons you’re sponsoring can give you access to their information.

Withdraw your sponsorship application

You can withdraw your sponsorship application any time before the person you’re sponsoring becomes a permanent resident of Canada.

You may be able to get a refund if we haven’t started processing your application.

Use our Web form to request the withdrawal of your sponsorship application.

In your request, include your

  • full name
  • date of birth
  • country of birth
  • application number (if you know it)
  • relative’s client ID number (UCI) (if you know it)
  • signed withdrawal request letter

Submit your right of permanent residence fee or request a refund

The right of permanent residence fee must be paid before the people you’re sponsoring can become permanent residents. If it wasn’t paid, we’ll contact them to explain how they can pay the right of permanent residence fee online.

You can request a refund for the right of permanent residence fee if:

  • you’re withdrawing your sponsorship
  • your family member was refused
    • We can only issue refunds once you decline your right of appeal.

Sending proof of payment or requesting a refund

Use our web form. In your request, include the following:

  • full name
  • date of birth
  • country of birth
  • application number (if you know it)
  • relative’s client ID number (UCI) (if you know it)
  • copy of the official receipt
  • copy of signed right of appeal letter (if you have one)
  • letter of explanation (if you’re requesting a refund)

Don’t send the same request more than once. It’ll delay the processing of your application.

Be prepared. Know what to expect if your application is approved.

If your family members are already in Canada

We’ll contact your family members with instructions on how to confirm their permanent residence status online through the Permanent Residence Portal.

In some cases, your family members may need to meet with an immigration officer for an in-person interview. If an interview is required, we’ll tell them what documents to bring and the time and place of their interview.

Services to help them get settled

You and your family members can contact a service provider organization in Canada to get free newcomer services. These organizations offer services such as

  • help finding a job
  • language assessment or training
  • help signing up kids for school
  • help connecting with others in your community

Find newcomer services near you

Enter your postal code, city, province, territory or full address to find free services near you (required)

If your family members are outside Canada

Before they arrive in Canada

Even if your family members haven’t arrived in Canada, you and your family can get free in-person and online services to help prepare them for life in Canada. We call these pre-arrival services. These services can help your family

  • find out more about living and working in Canada
  • learn English and French
  • connect with others in your community

Learn more about free pre-arrival services

When they arrive

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
    • This is the document we sent when we approved their application.
  • their valid passport or travel document
  • their valid permanent resident visa (if we issued one)
  • any other document we issued to them and told them to bring

The officer will

  • check that your family members’ permanent resident visa and Confirmation of Permanent Residence haven’t expired
  • ask them to confirm information that they gave in their application

Your family members must tell the officer of any funds they’re bringing into Canada, including

  • cash
  • stocks
  • bonds
  • money orders
  • traveller’s cheques

To help speed up entry into Canada, tell your family members to keep their passport and other documents with them at all times. They shouldn’t pack these documents in their luggage.

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

If they meet the requirements to enter Canada

If the officer finds that your family members are admissible to Canada, the officer will

Open work permit: Applying as a sponsored spouse or common-law partner in Canada

Who can apply

You can apply for an open work permit if you’re one of the following:

  • a spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner living in Canada who’s being sponsored for permanent residence
  • an accompanying dependent child of the principal applicant

Principal permanent residence applicants

When you apply for your open work permit, you must also be

  • in a genuine relationship with your sponsor
  • included in an application for permanent residence, and have an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) letter confirming that your permanent residence application is being processed
    • The AOR must be for your permanent resident application. You can’t use the AOR your sponsor received when they applied to sponsor you.
  • living in Canada with your sponsor

Minimum age to work

Before your dependent child works in Canada, check the minimum age required to work in the province/territory and in the job type they plan to work in. Canadian employers are responsible for meeting the requirements of the provincial labour laws.

Open work permit holders must also comply with federal, provincial or territorial labour laws to work.

If you’re an accompanying dependent child

To be eligible for an open work permit as a dependent child, both of the following criteria must be met:

  • The principal applicant you’re accompanying must be
    • in a genuine relationship with their sponsor
    • included in an application for permanent residence, and have an AOR letter confirming that their permanent residence application is being processed
    • living in Canada with their sponsor
  • You must be living with your family member (the principal applicant) and their sponsor.

Who can’t apply at this time

You can’t apply for an open work permit under this public policy if either

  • your application for permanent residence has been refused, withdrawn or returned
  • you plan to apply for your work permit at a port of entry

How to apply for an open work permit

For the main steps to apply, check How to apply for a work permit. Below are extra steps that depend on your situation.

Immigration process — Intercountry adoption: About the process

There are 2 processes that you must go through when you sponsor your adopted child from another country: the adoption process and the immigration process.

The immigration process has 2 parts:

  1. the application for sponsorship
  2. the application for permanent residence for the child

After your child arrives in Canada as a permanent resident, you can apply for citizenship on the child’s behalf. However, the adoption must be finalized before the child can be granted citizenship.

Learn more about applying for a grant of citizenship for your child.

Fees

Sponsor an adopted child: $170

Processing time ?

Varies by country

Check application processing times

Eligibility

Requirements to sponsor a child

To sponsor a child from another country for adoption, you must:

  • be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident (if you do not currently reside in Canada, you must do so when the adopted child becomes a permanent resident);
  • live in Canada; and
  • be at least 18 years old.

You may not be eligible to sponsor in some cases, such as:

  • if you did not meet the requirements of a previous sponsorship agreement;
  • if you defaulted on a court-ordered support order, such as alimony or child support;
  • if you have been convicted of a violent criminal offence—depending on the nature of the offence, when it occurred and whether a record suspension was granted; or
  • if you do not live in Canada now and do not plan to live full-time in Canada when the child becomes a permanent resident.

If you live in Quebec, you must also meet Quebec’s immigration sponsorship requirements.

Not sure which process to use? Read about the differences between the citizenship and the immigration processes for adoption.

Requirements for intercountry adoption

Most intercountry adoptions will take place in the child’s home country. Each country has different laws and procedures covering adoption by foreigners. For instance, some countries allow adoptions outside the child’s home country, while others only permit adoption inside the country. Not all countries allow adoptions.

If you are adopting a child who is related to you, different rules from the provinces and territories and/or the country of origin may apply.

The immigration process allows two types of adoptions of children under 18. Depending on the law of the child’s home country, the intercountry adoption must either:

  • be completed outside of Canada; or
  • be completed in Canada.

For Canadian immigration purposes, all intercountry adoptions must:

  • be legal in the child’s home country and in the province or territory where you live;
  • end the legal relationship between your adopted child and his or her biological parents;
  • meet the requirements of your province or territory, including a home study;
  • create a genuine parent–child relationship between you and the child;
  • be in the best interests of the child;
  • not be primarily to gain permanent resident status for the child in Canada.

Children adopted outside Canada may be sponsored to come to Canada if:

  • informed consent has been given by both of your child’s biological parents (if they are living).
  • your child has been legally adopted outside Canada.
  • the requirements of the Hague Convention have been met, if they apply.

Medical requirements

Adopted children must complete a medical exam before being issued a permanent resident visa. Your province or territory or a licensed adoption agency will tell you how and when it will take place. You must also sign a statement that you have obtained information regarding any medical conditions the child may have.

Intercountry adoption is complex. Other requirements may apply depending on the country from which you are adopting and your home province or territory. Your provincial or territorial government office will be able to tell you about adoption requirements.

Provinces and territories are responsible for adoptions in Canada. You should contact your provincial or territorial adoption authority to find out if you’re eligible to adopt and the requirements you’d have to meet. First, you should read the information in this section to know what to expect.

You can apply to sponsor your child once

  • the adoption process is in progress and
  • the province or territory has sent you a
    • Letter of Agreement
    • Letter of No Objection OR
    • Letter of No Involvement

After that, you can apply for a permanent resident visa for your child to come to Canada.

If you’re adopting using the immigration process, you may apply for citizenship for the child after they

  • arrive in Canada and
  • have permanent resident status

The adoption must be finalized before we can grant citizenship.

Sponsoring your adopted child

You may leave the name of the child blank on the sponsorship forms if you haven’t yet been matched with a child.

When you apply to sponsor a child for adoption, remember that you’re committing yourself to provide the necessary care and support for that child. You’re bound to this agreement for 10 years or until the child reaches the age of 25—whichever comes first.

If you live in Quebec, you must also meet Quebec immigration sponsorship requirements.

Sponsoring more than one child

You must submit a separate application for each child you adopt. This applies even if the children are siblings.

Sponsorship application process

You must now apply online

As of September 23, 2022, it is now mandatory to apply online. 

If you can’t apply online, and require accommodations, including for a disability, you can ask for the application in another format (paper, braille or large print).

The Instruction Guide (IMM 5196), will help you fill out the forms properly.

You may be able to sponsor a child as soon as you decide to adopt, if you know the country you plan to adopt from. Check with your provincial or territorial adoption authority.

By signing your application you are also signing an agreement that commits you to supporting your adopted child for a specific period of time.

1. Apply to sponsor

You need a Document Checklist — Sponsor [IMM 5287] (PDF, 821.91 KB) 

  • Use your checklist to make sure you include all the forms and documents you need.
  • Upload the checklist with your online application

Your visa office may also require additional documents.

  • Choose the visa office that serves your area.
  • If you are not sure which one to use, see our list of countries and which offices serve them.
  • Upload the visa office instructions and any additional documents with your online application.

Visa office instructions

The sponsor must

The person you’re sponsoring (principal applicant) will

  • upload them to their online application
  • electronically sign for the entire application, including those of any other family members

2. Steps for the sponsored person (or if under 18, their guardian or you on their behalf)

Sign in or create a Permanent residence online application portal account (opens in a new tab).

Fill out these digital forms online

  • Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008) 
  • Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
  • Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)

The person who fills the forms will also need to upload the sponsor’s completed and signed forms.

If the person being sponsored is under 18, you or their guardian can fill out the forms and sign them on their behalf.

Using an immigration representative

If you’re a representative, find out how you can create an account and submit applications on behalf of your clients.

If you want to appoint someone to do business with us on your behalf, you must

An immigration representative (an immigration consultant or lawyer) can give you advice and help you with your application for a fee. But they can’t

  • open a portal account on your behalf
  • electronically sign the application for you
  • sign into the portal using your username and password

A representative can fill out forms and communicate with us on your behalf through their own account. They can also

  • help you prepare the documents you need to upload
  • answer questions about the forms

After you read the declaration, you must be the one who types your name. This is the legal requirement for your application to be considered “signed,” according to Canada’s immigration law.

Photo specifications

You need one photo for each person on your application.

Follow the instructions in the online application to scan and upload both sides of the photo.

Technical issues

If you’re having technical issues applying, contact us using the web form

  • under type of application/enquiry, choose technical difficulties from the drop-down menu
  • in the text box, specify the program you’re applying under
  • upload screenshots from your account that show us
    • the page where you’re having problems
    • the error message(s) you get

If you need to upload a number of images, find out how to combine them into 1 document.

Get fingerprints and photo taken

Adopted children over 14 years old need to give fingerprints and photo (biometrics) for every application for permanent residence.

  • The biometric fee must be paid when the application is submitted. Otherwise you may experience delays.
  • Get this done as soon as you get the letter from us that tells you to give biometrics.
  • You have 30 days to do this from the date on the letter.

Pay fees online

Find out how to pay fees.

Submit the online application

Before you submit the application, make sure you:

  • answer all questions
  • electronically sign your application (type your full name exactly as shown on your passport)
  • include your processing fee receipt
  • upload all the supporting documents

Processing your application

Processing time ?

Various by country

Check application processing times

After you apply to sponsor an adopted child to come to Canada, there are several more steps.

Application processing times

When the application for permanent residence is sent to the Canadian visa office overseas, our Call Centre no longer has access to the file. If you have questions about the child’s application at that point, you must contact the visa office. Check the website for processing times for sponsorship of adopted children processed by visa offices outside Canada.

Issuing the permanent resident visa for your child to come to Canada

You will be notified when your child has met the immigration requirements and is ready to be issued a permanent resident visa.

To avoid unnecessary expense and disappointment, you should not plan to return to Canada with the adopted child until you know with certainty that all immigration requirements have been met.

While this process may seem long and complicated, it is necessary for the child’s protection.

Your child’s passport to travel to Canada

You must obtain the child’s passport from the child’s home country. You must present the passport to the Canadian visa office serving the child’s home country in order for the child to receive a permanent resident visa. The visa and the child’s passport must be shown to Canada Border Services officers when the child arrives in Canada.

The adoption agency in your province or territory may be able to advise you where to apply to get the child’s passport. Make sure to get this information some time before you plan to bring the child to Canada.

Health care, travel health and adoption

Find information on

  • the health needs of adopted children
  • travel health for adoptive parents and children

Be prepared. Know what to expect if your application is approved.

If your child is already in Canada

We’ll contact you with instructions on how to confirm your child’s permanent residence status online through the Permanent Residence Portal.

In some cases, your child may need to meet with an immigration officer for an in-person interview. If an interview is required, we’ll tell you what documents to bring and the time and place of their interview.

Services to help them get settled

You can contact a service provider organization in Canada to get free newcomer services for your child. These organizations offer services such as

  • language assessment or training
  • help signing children up for school
  • help connecting with others in your community

If your child is outside Canada

Before they arrive in Canada

Even before your child arrives in Canada, you and your child can get free in-person and online services to help prepare them for life in Canada. We call these pre-arrival services. These services can help your child

  • find out more about living and working in Canada
  • learn English and French
  • connect with others in your community

Learn more about pre-arrival services.

When they arrive

When you arrive with your child at the port of entry to Canada, you must show the border services officer

  • their Confirmation of Permanent Residence
    • This is the document we sent when we approved their application.
  • their valid passport or travel document
  • their valid permanent resident visa (if we issued one)
  • any other document we issued to them and told them to bring

The officer will

  • check that your child’s permanent resident visa and Confirmation of Permanent Residence haven’t expired
  • ask you to confirm information given in their application

If you’re travelling without the child’s second adoptive parent (if there is one), make sure you have the required documents, such as letters of permission for children travelling with only one legal guardian.

To help speed up entry into Canada, keep your child’s passport and travel documents with you at all times. Don’t pack these documents in your luggage.

Get more information on the documents your child needs and on the interview process when crossing the Canadian border.

If they meet the requirements to enter Canada

If the officer finds that your child is admissible to Canada, the officer will

After your child becomes a permanent resident in Canada, you can apply for citizenship on the child’s behalf.

Health care, travel health and adoption

See International adoption – Travel health for information on

  • travel health for adoptive parents and children
  • the health needs of adopted children

Sponsor your relatives: About the process

You may be able to sponsor certain relatives to immigrate to Canada under the Family Class if you’re at least 18 years old and a:

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

If you sponsor a relative to come to Canada as a permanent resident, you must:

  • support your relative financially when they arrive
  • be able to meet basic needs for yourself and your relative, such as:
    • food
    • shelter
    • clothing
  • make sure your relative doesn’t need social assistance

Fees

Sponsor a child: from $170

Sponsor an adult (22 years or older): from $1,205

Processing time ?

Varies by country

Check application processing times

Sponsoring an eligible relative

You can sponsor certain relatives if you’re 18 years of age or older and a:

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

You must live in Canada to sponsor eligible relatives unless you:

  • are a Canadian citizen who lives abroad and
  • plan to return to Canada when your relatives immigrate and
  • are sponsoring your:
  • spouse or
  • common-law or conjugal partner or
  • dependent children who have no dependent children

If you live in Quebec, you must also meet Quebec’s conditions to be a sponsor after we approve you as a sponsor. This includes signing an “undertaking” with the province. This is a contract that binds your sponsorship.

Your responsibilities

When you sponsor a relative to become a permanent resident of Canada, you must:

  • meet set income guidelines
  • agree in writing to give financial support to your relative and any other eligible relatives coming with them:
    • beginning on the date they become a permanent resident
    • for up to 20 years (depending on their age and how you’re related)

The person you sponsor must sign an agreement saying they will make the effort to support themselves. This includes sponsored dependent children 18 or older. Dependent children under 19 don’t have to sign this agreement.

Who isn’t eligible to sponsor a relative

You may not be able to sponsor a relative if you:

  • are in prison
  • have not paid your alimony or child support payments
  • have declared bankruptcy and haven’t been released from it yet
  • got social assistance for reasons other than being disabled
  • didn’t pay back an immigration loan, made late payments or missed payments
  • sponsored another relative in the past and didn’t meet the terms of the sponsorship agreementwere convicted of a violent crime, any offence against a relative or any sexual offence, depending on details of the case, such as:
    • the type of offence
    • how long ago it was
    • whether a record suspension was issued (formerly called “pardons” in Canada)

Other things not on this list may stop you from being able to sponsor a relative.

You can only sponsor relatives like a brother, sister, aunt or uncle in very specific situations. If your family member doesn’t meet the criteria below, you can use our Come to Canada tool to find out which programs they may be eligible to apply for.

Depending on your situation, there are 2 options for who you can sponsor.

Orphaned brother, sister, nephew, niece or grandchild

You can sponsor an orphaned brother, sister, nephew, niece or grandchild only if they meet all of these conditions:

  • they’re related to you by blood or adoption
  • both their mother and father passed away
  • they’re under 18 years of age
  • they’re single (not married or in a common-law or conjugal relationship)

You can’t sponsor your brother, sister, nephew, niece or grandchild if:

  • one of their parents is still alive
  • no one knows where their parents are
  • their parents abandoned them
  • someone else other than their parents is taking care of them while one or both their parents are alive
  • their parent is in jail or otherwise detained

Other relative

You may sponsor one relative, related by blood or adoption, of any age, if you meet all of these conditions:

  • you (the person who wants to sponsor your relative) don’t have a living relative you could sponsor instead, such as a:
    • spouse
    • common-law partner
    • conjugal partner
    • son or daughter
    • parent
    • grandparent
    • orphaned brother or sister
    • orphaned nephew or niece
    • orphaned grandchild
  • you (the potential sponsor) don’t have any relatives (aunt or uncle or any of the relatives listed above), who is a:
    • Canadian citizen
    • permanent resident
    • registered Indian under the Indian Act

If the relative you want to sponsor has a spouse, partner, or dependent children who will come with them to Canada, you must include them on the same sponsorship application.

Examples of who you can sponsor

See the examples below to better understand who you can sponsor.

Example 1: Eligible to sponsor an aunt

Veronica doesn’t have a spouse or a common-law partner. She has no children, and lives in Canada as a permanent resident. Her parents and grandparents have all passed away and she doesn’t have any relatives in Canada who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents or registered Indians. Veronica would like to sponsor her aunt Betty, who she is very close with. Her aunt Betty is married and has a daughter.

Veronica meets the requirements to sponsor her aunt because she doesn’t have:

  • a close living relative she could sponsor instead (such as a spouse, partner, child, orphaned sibling, parent or grandparent) and
  • any other relative such as an aunt who is a citizen, permanent resident or registered Indian of Canada.

On the application, Betty will be designated as the principle applicant and her husband will be designated as a dependant.

Betty’s daughter can be included on the application only if she qualifies as a dependent child. If her daughter is older than the age limit or she doesn’t meet all the requirements, she can’t be added to Betty’s application and will have to immigrate to Canada on her own.

Example 2: Eligible to sponsor a cousin

Sam is an only child. His parents and grandparents have passed away. He was raised in the United States by his only cousin.  He immigrated to Canada as a permanent resident. He’s single (doesn’t have a spouse or a common-law partner). Sam doesn’t have any relatives in Canada who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents or registered Indians. Sam wants to sponsor his American cousin. His cousin is single (doesn’t have a spouse or a common-law partner).

Sam meets the requirements to sponsor his cousin to come to Canada because he doesn’t have:

  • a close living relative he could sponsor instead (such as a spouse, partner, child, sibling, parent or grandparent) and
  • any other relative who is a citizen, permanent resident or registered Indian of Canada.

Example 3: Not eligible to sponsor an aunt by marriage

Aba is a Canadian citizen. The only family she had in Canada was her mother, who passed away. Aba has always been close to her mother’s only brother and his wife. Aba’s uncle recently passed away, and Aba would like to sponsor his wife (her aunt by marriage) to come to Canada. Aba does not meet the requirements to sponsor her aunt, because they’re not related by blood.

Who you can’t sponsor

You can’t sponsor someone who is inadmissible to Canada. This means they’re not allowed to come to Canada.

There are two stages in the process for your eligible relatives to become permanent residents.

  1. You apply to sponsor your relatives.
  2. Your family members must apply for permanent residence.

You must send both your sponsorship application and the permanent residence application for your relatives at the same time.

To apply as a sponsor, you must be at least 18 years of age and a:

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

We’ll process your application to sponsor and write you to tell you if we approve your application.

How to apply

You must now apply online

As of September 23, 2022, it is now mandatory to apply online. 

If you can’t apply online, and require accommodations, including for a disability, you can ask for the application in another format (paper, braille or large print). 

The Instruction Guide (IMM 5196), will help you fill out the forms properly.

1. Apply to sponsor

You need a Document Checklist — Sponsor [IMM 5287] (PDF, 821.91 KB) 

  • Use your checklist to make sure you include all the forms and documents you need.
  • Upload the checklist with your online application

Your visa office may also require additional documents.

  • Choose the visa office that serves your area.
  • If you are not sure which one to use, see our list of countries and which offices serve them.
  • Upload the visa office instructions and any additional documents with your online application.

Visa office instructions

The sponsor must

The person you’re sponsoring (principal applicant) will

  • upload them to their online application
  • electronically sign for the entire application, including those of any other family members

2. Steps for the sponsored person (or if under 18, their guardian or you on their behalf)

Sign in or create a Permanent residence online application portal account (opens in a new tab).

Fill out these digital forms online

  • Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008) 
  • Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
  • Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)

The person who fills the forms will also need to upload the sponsor’s completed and signed forms.

Using an immigration representative

If you’re a representative, find out how you can create an account and submit applications on behalf of your clients.

If you want to appoint someone to do business with us on your behalf, you must

An immigration representative (an immigration consultant or lawyer) can give you advice and help you with your application for a fee. But they can’t

  • open a portal account on your behalf
  • electronically sign the application for you
  • sign into the portal using your username and password

A representative can fill out forms and communicate with us on your behalf through their own account. They can also

  • help you prepare the documents you need to upload
  • answer questions about the forms

After you read the declaration, you must be the one who types your name. This is the legal requirement for your application to be considered “signed,” according to Canada’s immigration law.

Photo specifications

You need one photo for each person on your application.

Follow the instructions in the online application to scan and upload both sides of the photo.

Technical issues

If you’re having technical issues with the permanent residence online application portal, contact us using the web form

  • under type of application/enquiry, choose technical difficulties from the drop-down menu
  • in the text box, specify that you’re applying under the Parents and Grandparents Program to make sure you get a fast response
  • upload screenshots from your account that show us
    • the page where you’re having problems
    • the error message(s) you get

If you need to upload a number of images, find out how to combine them into 1 document.

Get fingerprints and photo taken

If you’re between 14 and 79 years old, you may need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics).

Find out if you need to give your biometrics

  • The biometric fee must be paid when the application is submitted. Otherwise you may experience delays.
  • Get this done as soon as you get the letter from us that tells you to give biometrics.
  • You have 30 days to do this from the date on the letter.

Pay fees online

Find out how to pay fees.

Submit the online application

Before you submit the application, make sure you:

  • answer all questions
  • electronically sign your application (type your full name exactly as shown on your passport)
  • include your processing fee receipt
  • upload all the supporting documents

Application assessment process

We’ll review your sponsorship application and return it to you if:

  • it’s incomplete
  • the sponsorship and processing fees are missing

If we begin to process your application, we’ll:

  • send you an acknowledgment of receipt letter with an application number,
  • assess your eligibility as a sponsor, and
  • assess if the person you are sponsoring meets the permanent residence requirements.

Processing time ?

Varies by country

View current processing times to find out how long it will take us to process your application.

If we refuse you as a sponsor

Your relative can still apply for permanent residence. Their application may not be approved.

If we approve you as a sponsor

We’ll assess if the person you want to sponsor meets the permanent residence requirements. If their permanent residence application is refused, we’ll let you know why the application was refused and how to appeal the decision.

Your relative can link their application to their online account

When we start processing your family member’s application, we’ll send them a letter with their application number.

After they get this letter, the principal applicant can link their application to their online account. This way, they can communicate with us quickly and securely and get updates and messages about their application online.

Find out how to create an online account and link an application.

You (the sponsor) can link their application for them if you’re handling your family member’s application and you’re designated as their representative.

See the top questions about linking your application.

Check the status of your application

For sponsors

Sponsors can check the status of their application by using our online tool.

As the sponsor, if you want to check on your family member’s application status, you must first request access to their information.

For the persons being sponsored

The persons you’re sponsoring can check their application in 2 ways. They can either

If your processing time has passed

If the normal processing time for your application has passed, you can contact us using our web form.

Change in contact information or in personal circumstances

To avoid delays in processing, make sure your contact information and your application details are up to date.

Use our web form to tells us about changes in your application, such as

  • the birth or adoption of a child
  • a marriage or a divorce
  • contact information updates, including
    • email
    • phone number
    • mailing address

Keep checking your old contact methods until we update your application.

Do not contact us by mail if you have changes to your contact information or your application. We will not acknowledge your request and your application will not be updated. This could lead to a delay in processing your application.

Withdraw your sponsorship application

You can withdraw your sponsorship application any time before the relative you’re sponsoring becomes a permanent resident of Canada.

You may be able to get a refund if we haven’t started processing your application.

Use our web form to request the withdrawal of your sponsorship application. In your request, include your

  • full name
  • date of birth
  • country of birth
  • application number (if you know it)
  • relative’s client ID number (UCI) (if you know it)
  • signed withdrawal request letter

Add or change a representative or get access to your family member’s information

Even as the sponsor, you don’t automatically get access to your family member’s information. You have to request it.

If you want to handle your family member’s application for them

You’ll be acting as what we call a representative if you want to

  • fill out and submit your relative’s application for them
  • communicate with us on their behalf

To become your family member’s representative, complete, sign and save the form to appoint or change a representative (IMM 5476). The people you’re sponsoring must also sign the form unless they’re under 18.

Include the form with your application. If you’ve already submitted your application, send it to us through our web form.

In your request, include your

  • full name
  • date of birth
  • country of birth
  • application number (if you know it)
  • relative’s client ID number (UCI) (if you know it)

You can upload the form after you’ve completed all the required fields.

If you want to check on your family member’s application status

As the sponsor, you may want to have access to your relative’s information without being in charge of their application. For example, you may want to check their application status on their behalf, but not act as their representative.

To protect their privacy, they need to give us their written consent before we’ll share any of their personal information with you or give anyone access to their application information.

Find out how the persons you’re sponsoring can give you access to their information.

Submit your right of permanent residence fee or request a refund

Use our web form if

  • the visa office has instructed your relative to pay the right of permanent residence fee or
  • you want a refund for the right of permanent residence fee

You can only get a refund once you’ve declined your right of appeal.

In your request, include your

  • full name
  • date of birth
  • country of birth
  • application number (if you know it)
  • relative’s client ID number (UCI) (if you know it)
  • copy of the official receipt
  • signed right of appeal letter
  • letter of explanation (if you’re requesting a refund)

Do not send more than one request. This will delay the processing of your application.

Be prepared. Know what to expect if your application is approved.

If your family members are already in Canada

We’ll contact your family members with instructions on how to confirm their permanent residence status online through the Permanent Residence Portal.

In some cases, your family members may need to meet with an immigration officer for an in-person interview. If an interview is required, we’ll tell them what documents to bring and the time and place of their interview. 

Services to help them get settled

You and your family members can contact a service provider organization in Canada to get free newcomer services. These organizations offer services such as

  • help finding a job
  • language assessment or training
  • help signing up kids for school
  • help connecting with others in your community

If your family members are outside Canada

Before they arrive in Canada

Even if your family members haven’t arrived in Canada, you and your family can get free in-person and online services to help prepare them for life in Canada. We call these pre-arrival services. These services can help your family

  • find out more about living and working in Canada
  • learn English and French
  • connect with others in your community

Learn more about free pre-arrival services

When they arrive

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
    • This is the document we sent when we approved their application.
  • their valid passport or travel document
  • their valid permanent resident visa (if we issued one)
  • any other document we issued to them and told them to bring

The officer will

  • check that your family members’ permanent resident visa and Confirmation of Permanent Residence haven’t expired
  • ask them to confirm information that they gave in their application

Your family members must tell the officer of any funds they’re bringing into Canada, including

  • cash
  • stocks
  • bonds
  • money orders
  • traveller’s cheques

To help speed up entry into Canada, tell your family members to keep their passport and other documents with them at all times. They shouldn’t pack these documents in their luggage.

If they meet the requirements to enter Canada

If the officer finds that your family members are admissible to Canada, the officer will

Sponsor your parents and grandparents

What it means to be a sponsor

Being a sponsor means you commit to support the people you’re sponsoring (your parents and grandparents and their accompanying family members, if applicable) for a period of time, even if your situation changes.

To become a sponsor, you must sign an undertaking and a sponsorship agreement.

The undertaking

To become a sponsor, you must sign an undertaking. In the undertaking, you’ll commit to

  • financially supporting the people you’re sponsoring for a period of time, called the undertaking period
    • The undertaking period to sponsor your parents and grandparents is 20 years. If you live in Quebec, it’s 10 years.
    • The undertaking period starts the day the people you’re sponsoring become permanent residents.
  • making sure the people you’re sponsoring won’t need to ask the government for social assistance
    • If they receive social assistance during the time you’re responsible for them, you’ll have to re-pay the amount. You won’t be able to sponsor anyone else until you’ve re-paid it.

Once your sponsored family members become permanent residents, there is no way to cancel or shorten the undertaking period.

You’re responsible for the people you’re sponsoring for the entire 20-year (or 10 in Quebec) period, even if

  • the people you’re sponsoring become Canadian citizens
  • your relationship with the people you’re sponsoring changes
  • you or the people you’re sponsoring move to another province or country
  • you have financial problems (for example, job loss or debt)
  • you sent us a request to withdraw your sponsorship application and we received it after the people you’re sponsoring became permanent residents

You can only withdraw your sponsorship application before the people you’re sponsoring become permanent residents of Canada.

Learn more about the undertaking for residents of Quebec.

The sponsorship agreement

You and the people you’re sponsoring must agree to certain responsibilities during the undertaking period. We call this the sponsorship agreement.

In the sponsorship agreement, you’ll agree to provide for the basic needs of the people you’re sponsoring. These include

  • food, clothing, shelter and other needs for everyday living
  • dental care, eye care and other health needs that aren’t covered by public health services

The people you’re sponsoring will agree to make every effort to support themselves and their family members.

Check if you’re eligible

If you’re eligible, you can sponsor your parents and grandparents, related by blood or adoption.

Who can sponsor their parents and grandparents

You can sponsor your biological or adopted parents and grandparents if

  • you’re invited to apply
  • you’re at least 18 years old
  • you live in Canada
    • Your primary residential address must be in Canada when you submit your application and until we make a decision on your application.
  • you’re a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act
  • you have enough money to support the people you want to sponsor
    • to show that you have enough, you’ll have to provide your proof of income
    • you may have a spouse or common-law partner co-sign the application to combine your incomes
  • you meet all other requirements under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations

You must also commit to support the people you’re sponsoring by signing a sponsorship agreement called an undertaking.

If you live in Quebec

If we approve your sponsorship application, we’ll ask you to submit an undertaking application to the Quebec ministry in charge of immigration. You must also meet Quebec’s immigration sponsorship requirements.

Don’t submit your undertaking application to Quebec until we tell you to do so. If you don’t wait for our confirmation, Quebec won’t process your application.

Who can’t sponsor their parents and grandparents

You may not be eligible to sponsor your parents and grandparents if you

  • are in jail, prison or penitentiary
  • didn’t pay back
    • an immigration loan
    • a performance bond
    • court-ordered family support payments such as alimony or child support Footnote*
  • didn’t provide the financial support you agreed to when you signed a sponsorship agreement to sponsor someone else in the pastFootnote*
  • declared bankruptcy and are not discharged Footnote*
  • receive social assistance for a reason other than a disability
  • were convicted of a violent criminal offence, any offence against a relative or any sexual offence inside or outside Canada
  • can’t legally stay in Canada and must leave the country because you received a Removal Order

There may be other reasons that make you ineligible to sponsor your parents and grandparents. If we determine you’re not eligible to sponsor, we’ll tell you why.

Income requirements for the sponsor

To be a sponsor, you must have enough money to support all of the people you’ll be financially responsible for, including yourself. We call this your “family size.”

To show that you have enough money, you’ll have to prove you meet the income requirements for each of the 3 tax years before the date you apply.

If you don’t meet the income requirements by yourself, your spouse or common-law partner can co-sign your application to combine your incomes.

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Income required for the 3 tax years before you apply (if you’re applying for the 2024 intake)

Family size202320222021
2 people$44,530$43,082$32,898
3 people$54,743$52,965$40,444
4 people$66,466$64,306$49,106
5 people$75,384$72,935$55,694
6 people$85,020$82,259$62,814
7 people$94,658$91,582$69,934
If more than 7 people, for
each additional person, add:		$9,636$9,324$7,120

Income requirement for the 2021 tax year

Since many sponsors and co-signers were affected financially by the COVID-19 pandemic, the income requirement for the 2021 tax year was reduced to the minimum necessary income, instead of the minimum necessary income plus 30%.

Sponsors and co-signers can also count these benefits in their income calculation for the 2021 tax year:

  • regular Employment Insurance benefits (rather than just special Employment Insurance benefits)
  • any Canada Emergency Response Benefits issued under the
    • Employment Insurance Act, or
    • Canadian Emergency Response Benefit Act
  • other temporary COVID-19 -related benefits as long as they’re not part of provincial or territorial social assistance programs

Note: This doesn’t apply to the income requirements for the 2023 and 2022 tax years, which are the minimum necessary income plus 30%.

If you live in Quebec

You must meet Quebec’s income requirements.

Family size

To count the number of people you’ll be responsible for, include the following:

  • The people in your family. This includes
    • yourself (the sponsor)
    • your spouse (even if you’re separated, in most cases) or common-law partner
      • If your spouse or common-law partner is co-signing your application, include them for all 3 years.
      • If they aren’t co-signing, only include them for the years they meet the definition of a spouse or common-law partner.
    • your dependent children, the dependent children of your spouse or common-law partner and any dependent children of the dependent children (if they have any)
      • Only include children for the years they meet the definition of a dependent child.
    • any other person you and your co-signer (if you have one) sponsored or co-signed, for whom an undertaking is still in effect
      • Include the family members (for example, spouse, common-law partner, or dependent children) of the person you sponsored or co-signed for, whether or not they were included in the undertaking.
  • The people you want to sponsor and their family. This includes
    • the person you’re sponsoring (principal applicant)
    • the principal applicant’s spouse or common-law partner
      • Include their separated spouse unless either the principal applicant or their spouse is in a common-law relationship with another person.
    • the principal applicant’s dependent children, the dependent children of their spouse or common-law partner and any dependent children of the dependent children (if they have any)

You must include all the principal applicant’s family members, even if they

  • aren’t coming to Canada
  • are permanent residents of Canada or Canadian citizens

Examples of how to calculate your family size

Proof of income

To prove you meet the income requirements, you must provide a notice of assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for each of the 3 tax years before the date you apply.

There are 2 ways you can do this:

  1. Give us permission to get your tax information directly from CRA
  2. Send us the paper copies of your notices of assessment

Who you can sponsor

If they’re eligible, you can sponsor:

  • your own parents and grandparents, related by blood or adoption
  • the dependent children of your parents and grandparents (for example, your siblings, half-siblings, or step-siblings) and their dependent children
  • if your parents or grandparents are divorced, their current spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner
    • You’ll need to submit separate applications for your divorced parents.
    • If your parents or grandparents are separated and not divorced, you’ll need to submit one application for them because they’re still married.

When they apply for permanent residence, your parents and grandparents (and their dependants) must provide

Examples of who you can sponsor

Sponsoring your biological or adopted parents, together as a coupleSponsoring your biological or adopted parent, your step-parent and their childSponsoring your grandparents, your parent and your step-parent

Who you can’t sponsor

You can’t sponsor

  • your spouse or common-law partner’s parents and grandparents (your in-laws)
    • However, if your spouse or partner receive their own invitation to apply, you can be a co-signer on your in-laws’ application.
    • You can’t transfer your invitation to another person, including your spouse or partner, for them to sponsor their parents and grandparents.
  • someone who is inadmissible to Canada (someone who isn’t allowed to come to Canada)

Submit your interest to sponsor form

Status: Closed

The interest to sponsor form is currently closed. You cannot submit a new form at this time.

If you submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020

If you submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020, you were given a confirmation number. We asked you to save this number so you can use it later.

We also sent you an email with your confirmation number to tell you we received your interest to sponsor form. You were able to use this number to find out if you were invited to apply for the 2024 intake.

Find out if you’re invited to apply

2024 intake Closed

Starting May 21, 2024, we randomly invited potential sponsors who submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020 to apply for the 2024 intake.

We sent 35,700 invitations over the course of approximately 2 weeks. Our goal is to accept up to 20,500 complete applications.

The last day to apply was August 2, 2024. We’re no longer accepting applications for the 2024 intake.

If you were invited to apply

We sent your invitation to the email address you put on your 2020 interest to sponsor form.

If you were not invited to apply

If you’d like your parents and grandparents to come to Canada, they may be eligible to apply for a super visa, which lets them stay in Canada for 5 years at a time.

Parents and grandparents visiting on a super visa can also apply for 2-year extensions to their stay while they’re still in Canada.

Apply for a super visa

How to apply

Follow these steps to sponsor your parents or grandparents.

If you live in Quebec, find out how to sponsor your parents and grandparents in Quebec.

  1. Get an invitation to applyWe randomly select and invite potential sponsors who submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020 to apply to sponsor their parents and grandparents.Don’t start filling out your application unless you’re invited to apply. You can only apply if you get an invitation. If you apply without being invited, we’ll return your application.2024 intake ClosedStarting May 21, 2024, we randomly invited potential sponsors who submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020 to apply for the 2024 intake.We sent 35,700 invitations over the course of approximately 2 weeks. Our goal is to accept up to 20,500 complete applications.The last day to apply was August 2, 2024. We’re no longer accepting applications for the 2024 intake.
  2. Apply online using the Permanent Residence PortalIf you’re invited to apply to sponsor your parents and grandparents, there are 2 applications:
    1. You must apply to become a sponsor.
    2. Your parents and grandparents must apply for permanent residence.
    The principal applicant (the person you’re sponsoring) will submit both the sponsorship application and the permanent residence application online at the same time using the Permanent Residence (PR) Portal. If they’re using a paid representative, the paid representative will use the Representative Permanent Residence (PR) Portal.If more than 1 parent or grandparent is applying on their own as a principal applicant, they must create their own portal account and submit their own application.Sign in to the PR portal or create an account
    • If you can’t apply online and need accommodations
    • If you want to use an immigration representative
    Fill out your formsUse the Instruction Guide [IMM 5772] to help you fill out the forms properly.PDF forms you’ll uploadYou (the sponsor) must download and fill out these PDF forms:You’ll need to give these forms to the person you’re sponsoring (principal applicant). The person you’re sponsoring will
    • upload the forms to their online application
    • electronically sign the entire application in the portal, including for their family members
    Tips for downloading and filling out the PDF forms
    • Make sure you have Adobe Reader 10 or higher and JavaScript is turned on. If you have trouble downloading, right-click the link and choose “Save target as…”
    • Fill out the form on your computer instead of by hand. It’s easier and reduces mistakes that can cause delays. Printing can reduce the quality of the forms, which can also cause delays.
    • Complete, sign and date your application forms.
    If you need help applyingUpload your photosThe principal applicant and their family members each need to give 1 photo.Follow the instructions in your online application to scan and upload both sides of your photo.Give proof of your Canadian citizenshipIf you’re a Canadian citizen, to sponsor your parents or grandparents, you’ll have to give usHow to find your Canadian citizenship informationTo find the date and the number, check the back of your citizenship certificate.If you don’t have your citizenship certificate, you can apply urgently for aIf you can’t get proof of your citizenship by the deadline in your invitation to apply letter, you can include a letter with your application explaining
    • why you don’t have it
    • what steps you’ve taken to get it
  3. Pay your application feesFees: from $1,205You have to pay your fees online(opens in a new tab) .Processing feesYou need to pay processing fees for you, the people you’re sponsoring and their dependants.Right of permanent residence feeYou need to pay the right of permanent residence fee before your application is approved.Biometrics feeIn most cases, you’ll pay a biometrics fee when you submit your application. If you don’t, your application may be delayed.This fee covers the cost of collecting fingerprints and a digital photo.Third-party feesDepending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties forThe instruction guide can help you understand which fees apply to you.
  4. Submit your online applicationCheck processing timesBefore you submit your application, make sure you
    • answer all questions on the forms
    • electronically sign your application (type your full name exactly as shown on your passport)
    • include your processing fee receipt
    • upload all the supporting documents
      • Upload a copy of your invitation to apply letter for the 2024 intake in the “Required documents” section of your online application
    If your application is incomplete, we’ll send you a letter asking you to submit any missing documents. You’ll have 30 days to follow the instructions in this letter and submit the documents.If your application is still incomplete after 30 days, we’ll return the application to you and we won’t process it.Get updates about your applicationAfter you’ve submitted your application, you can track and update your application.
  5. Send us additional information during processingAfter you submit your application, we’ll ask the principal applicant and their family members to submit the following:Medical examsAfter you submit your complete application for permanent residence, we’ll send the people you’re sponsoring instructions on how to get their medical exams done.Police certificatesThe people you’re sponsoring need to give police certificates if
    • they’re 18 years of age or older
    • they aren’t already a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
    Police certificates are generally valid for 1 year from the date they were issued. Depending on how long it takes us to process your application, we may ask for new certificates.BiometricsOnce you pay the biometrics fee, we’ll send the people you’re sponsoring a letter asking them to give their biometrics (fingerprints and photos) if they’re between the ages of 14 and 79.They should get this done as soon as they receive this letter. They have 30 days from the date of the letter to go to a biometric collection site.They must bring the letter and their passport with them when they give their biometrics.If they can’t give their biometrics within 30 days, use the web form to tell us why they need more time.

After you apply

Check processing times

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Keep your information up to date

To avoid delays in processing, make sure your contact information and your application details are up to date.

Use our web form to tell us of changes in your application, such as

  • a change in relationship status (for example, marriage, divorce, new common-law relationship)
  • the birth or adoption of a child
  • the death of an applicant or dependant
  • contact information updates, including
    • email
    • phone number
    • mailing address

Don’t mail us changes to your contact or application information. If you do, we won’t acknowledge your request and we won’t update your application. This could lead to a delay in processing your application.

If you change your contact information, make sure you check your old contact information until we update your application.

How we process your application

We’ll review your sponsorship application and return it to you if

  • it’s incomplete
  • fees are missing
  • you weren’t invited to apply
  • we didn’t get it before the deadline in your invitation to apply

If we begin to process your application, we’ll

  • send you
    • an application number
    • an acknowledgment of receipt
  • assess your eligibility as a sponsor
  • assess if the person you’re sponsoring (and their dependants, if applicable) is eligible for permanent residence
  • If you’re approved as a sponsor
  • If we refuse you as a sponsor
  • If we approve your parents’ and grandparents’ permanent residence application
  • If we refuse your parents’ and grandparents’ permanent residence application

Track and update your application

During processing, track your application and make sure it’s up to date by

Check the status of your application

For sponsors

Sponsors can check the status of their application by using our online tool. You can do this after we start processing your application and we’ll send you a letter with your application number. This can also take several weeks or even months. Unfortunately, we can’t give an exact time because every case is different.

Our telephone and social media agents also won’t be able to tell you the date you’ll get the letter with your application number. They don’t have this information.

If you want to manage your parents’ and grandparents’ application for them

As the sponsor, if you want to check on your parents’ and/or grandparents’ application status, you must first request access to their information.

To protect your parents’ and grandparents’ privacy, they need to give us their written consent before we’ll share any of their personal information with you, or give anyone access to their application information.

Find out how the people you’re sponsoring can give you access to their information.

You can ask for permission just to check their status, or you can ask to act as what we call a “representative” if you want to

  • fill out and submit your parents’ and grandparents’ application for them
  • communicate with us on their behalf

To become your parents’ and grandparents’ representative, you must complete, sign and save the use of a representative form (PDF, 264 KB) to add or change a representative and include it with your application. The people you’re sponsoring must also sign the form.

If you’ve already submitted your sponsorship application, send it to us through our web form. Include your

  • full name
  • date of birth
  • country of birth
  • application number (if you know it)
  • UCI (if you know it)

Upload the form after you’ve completed all the required fields.

For the people being sponsored

The people you’re sponsoring can check their application in 2 ways. They can

Linking the parent and/or grandparent application to an online account

When we start processing your family members’ application, we’ll send them a letter with their application number.

It can take several weeks or even months to get this letter. Unfortunately, we can’t give an exact time because every case is different. Our telephone and social media agents also won’t be able to tell you the date when your family member(s) will get the letter.

After they get this letter, the principal applicant can link their application to their online account. This way, they can communicate with us quickly and securely and get updates and messages about their application online.

Find out how to create an online account and link an application.

You (the sponsor) can link their application for them if you’re managing your family members’ application and you’re designated as their representative.

See the top questions about linking your application.

If your processing time has passed

If the normal processing time for your application has passed, you can contact us using our web form.

Withdraw your sponsorship application

You can withdraw your sponsorship application any time before the person you’re sponsoring becomes a permanent resident of Canada.

You may be able to get a refund if we haven’t started processing your application.

Use our web form to request the withdrawal of your sponsorship application.

In your request, include your

  • full name
  • date of birth
  • country of birth
  • application number (if you know it)
  • UCI (if you know it)
  • signed withdrawal request letter

Submit your right of permanent residence fee or request a refund

The right of permanent residence fee must be paid before the people you’re sponsoring can become permanent residents. If it wasn’t paid at the time of application, we’ll contact the people you’re sponsoring to explain how they can pay the right of permanent residence fee online.

You can request a refund for the right of permanent residence fee if

  • you’re withdrawing your sponsorship
  • your parent or grandparent was refused
    • We can only issue refunds once you decline your right of appeal.

To send us the proof of payment or to request a refund, use our web form. In your request, include your

  • full name
  • date of birth
  • country of birth
  • application number (if you know it)
  • UCI (if you know it)
  • copy of the official receipt
  • copy of signed right of appeal letter (if you have one)
  • letter of explanation if you’re requesting a refund

Don’t send the same request more than once. It’ll delay the processing of your refund.

Prepare for arrival

Be prepared. Know what to expect if your application is approved.

If your family members are already in Canada

We’ll contact your family members with instructions on how to confirm their permanent residence status online through the Permanent Residence Portal.  

In some cases, your family members may need to meet with an immigration officer for an in-person interview. If an interview is required, we’ll tell them what documents to bring and the time and place of their interview. 

Services to help them get settled

You and your family members can contact a service provider organization in Canada to get free newcomer services. These organizations offer services such as

  • help finding a job
  • language assessment or training
  • help signing up kids for school
  • help connecting with others in your community

If your family members are outside Canada

Before they arrive in Canada

Even if your family members haven’t arrived in Canada, you and your family can get free in-person and online services to help prepare them for life in Canada. We call these pre-arrival services. These services can help your family

  • find out more about living and working in Canada
  • learn English and French
  • connect with others in your community

Learn more about free pre-arrival services

When they arrive

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
    • This is the document we sent when we approved their application.
  • their valid passport or travel document
  • their valid permanent resident visa (if we issued one)
  • any other document we issued to them and told them to bring

The officer will

  • check that your family members’ permanent resident visa and Confirmation of Permanent Residence haven’t expired
  • ask them to confirm information that they gave in their application

Your family members must tell the officer of any funds they’re bringing into Canada, including

  • cash
  • stocks
  • bonds
  • money orders
  • traveller’s cheques

To help speed up entry into Canada, tell your family members to keep their passport and other documents with them at all times. They shouldn’t pack these documents in their luggage.

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

If they meet the requirements to enter Canada

If the officer finds that your family members are admissible to Canada, the officer will