Family Sponsorship  

Canada’s Family Sponsorship programs allow Canadian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with close family members by sponsoring them for permanent residence. These programs focus on family unity while ensuring sponsors meet financial and legal responsibilities.

Rema Immigration provides professional guidance throughout the sponsorship process, helping families avoid delays, refusals, and compliance issues.

This service covers:

  • Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship

  • Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship

  • Dependent Child Sponsorship

  • Other Eligible Family Members or Relatives

  • Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) Applications

Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship

Eligibility (Who Qualifies)

You may qualify if:

  • You are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

  • Your relationship is genuine and legally valid

  • You meet sponsorship eligibility requirements

  • You agree to financially support your spouse or partner

Both in-Canada and outland sponsorship options are available.

Documents Checklist (Basic)

  • Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residence (sponsor)

  • Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, proof of cohabitation, birth certificates)

  • Identity documents and passports

  • Police certificates (if required)

  • Medical examination results

  • Proof of income (for sponsors, where required)

  • Photos, communication records, and supporting evidence

  • Completed IRCC application forms

Document requirements vary depending on the type of family sponsorship.

Steps / Process Timeline

  1. Sponsorship eligibility assessment

  2. Application strategy (in-Canada, outland, or H&C)

  3. Document collection and application preparation

  4. Application submission to IRCC

  5. Biometrics and medical examination

  6. IRCC review and decision

  7. Permanent residence approval and landing

Fees & Timeline

Government Fees (Subject to Change)

  • Sponsorship processing fees

  • Permanent residence application fees

  • Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)

  • Biometrics fee (if applicable)

Processing Time

  • Varies by application type

Processing times are estimates only and are determined by IRCC.

Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship

Eligibility (Who Qualifies)

You may qualify if:

  • You are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

  • You meet minimum income requirements (LICO)

  • You are selected to apply under the Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP)

  • You commit to a long-term sponsorship undertaking

Documents Checklist (Basic)

  • Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residence (sponsor)

  • Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, proof of cohabitation, birth certificates)

  • Identity documents and passports

  • Police certificates (if required)

  • Medical examination results

  • Proof of income (for sponsors, where required)

  • Photos, communication records, and supporting evidence

  • Completed IRCC application forms

Document requirements vary depending on the type of family sponsorship.

Steps / Process Timeline

  1. Sponsorship eligibility assessment

  2. Application strategy (in-Canada, outland, or H&C)

  3. Document collection and application preparation

  4. Application submission to IRCC

  5. Biometrics and medical examination

  6. IRCC review and decision

  7. Permanent residence approval and landing

Fees & Timeline

Government Fees (Subject to Change)

  • Sponsorship processing fees

  • Permanent residence application fees

  • Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)

  • Biometrics fee (if applicable)

Processing Time

  • Longer processing timelines

Processing times are estimates only and are determined by IRCC.

Dependent Child Sponsorship

Eligibility (Who Qualifies)

You may qualify if:

  • The child meets the definition of a dependent under IRCC rules

  • You are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

  • The child is not inadmissible to Canada

Documents Checklist (Basic)

  • Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residence (sponsor)

  • Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, proof of cohabitation, birth certificates)

  • Identity documents and passports

  • Police certificates (if required)

  • Medical examination results

  • Proof of income (for sponsors, where required)

  • Photos, communication records, and supporting evidence

  • Completed IRCC application forms

Document requirements vary depending on the type of family sponsorship.

Steps / Process Timeline

  1. Sponsorship eligibility assessment

  2. Application strategy (in-Canada, outland, or H&C)

  3. Document collection and application preparation

  4. Application submission to IRCC

  5. Biometrics and medical examination

  6. IRCC review and decision

  7. Permanent residence approval and landing

Fees & Timeline

Government Fees (Subject to Change)

  • Sponsorship processing fees

  • Permanent residence application fees

  • Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)

  • Biometrics fee (if applicable)

Processing Time

  • Varies by application type

Processing times are estimates only and are determined by IRCC.

Other Eligible Family Members or Relatives

Eligibility (Who Qualifies)

You may qualify in limited situations if:

  • You have no other eligible relatives in Canada

  • You are sponsoring an orphaned sibling, niece, nephew, or grandchild

  • You meet all sponsorship requirements

Documents Checklist (Basic)

  • Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residence (sponsor)

  • Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, proof of cohabitation, birth certificates)

  • Identity documents and passports

  • Police certificates (if required)

  • Medical examination results

  • Proof of income (for sponsors, where required)

  • Photos, communication records, and supporting evidence

  • Completed IRCC application forms

Document requirements vary depending on the type of family sponsorship.

Steps / Process Timeline

  1. Sponsorship eligibility assessment

  2. Application strategy (in-Canada, outland, or H&C)

  3. Document collection and application preparation

  4. Application submission to IRCC

  5. Biometrics and medical examination

  6. IRCC review and decision

  7. Permanent residence approval and landing

Fees & Timeline

Government Fees (Subject to Change)

  • Sponsorship processing fees

  • Permanent residence application fees

  • Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)

  • Biometrics fee (if applicable)

Processing Time

  • Varies by application type

Processing times are estimates only and are determined by IRCC.

Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) Applications

Eligibility (Who Qualifies)

You may qualify if:

  • You do not meet standard immigration requirements

  • There are compelling humanitarian reasons to remain in or come to Canada

  • Factors such as establishment, hardship, or best interests of a child apply

H&C applications are discretionary and assessed case-by-case.

Documents Checklist (Basic)

  • Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residence (sponsor)

  • Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, proof of cohabitation, birth certificates)

  • Identity documents and passports

  • Police certificates (if required)

  • Medical examination results

  • Proof of income (for sponsors, where required)

  • Photos, communication records, and supporting evidence

  • Completed IRCC application forms

Document requirements vary depending on the type of family sponsorship.

Steps / Process Timeline

  1. Sponsorship eligibility assessment

  2. Application strategy (in-Canada, outland, or H&C)

  3. Document collection and application preparation

  4. Application submission to IRCC

  5. Biometrics and medical examination

  6. IRCC review and decision

  7. Permanent residence approval and landing

Fees & Timeline

Government Fees (Subject to Change)

  • Sponsorship processing fees

  • Permanent residence application fees

  • Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)

  • Biometrics fee (if applicable)

Processing Time

  • No standard processing time

Processing times are estimates only and are determined by IRCC.

FAQs

Can I sponsor my spouse if I am unemployed?

In many cases, yes. Minimum income requirements generally do not apply to spousal sponsorships.

Does sponsoring a family member guarantee approval?

No. IRCC assesses eligibility, admissibility, and relationship genuineness before approval.

Can sponsored family members work or study while waiting?

Some applicants may be eligible for open work permits or study authorization while applications are in process.

Are H&C applications guaranteed to succeed?

No. H&C decisions are discretionary and depend on the strength of humanitarian factors presented.

Start Your Journey to Canada Today

Contact us to explore your immigration options and receive personalized support tailored to your needs. Your Canadian dream is just a conversation away!