Bring Your Family to Canada with Spouse and Child Sponsorship
By Canada Visa & PR Immigration Pathway Guides, , , ,

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or dependent children to become permanent residents of Canada. This is one of the most common and family-focused immigration pathways available.

🧾 What Type of Visa is Spouse and Child Sponsorship?

This is a family sponsorship program that leads to permanent residency for your partner or child. It allows families to reunite and live together in Canada.

🏠 What You Get With Spouse and Child Sponsorship

  • Permanent residency for your spouse, partner, or child
  • The right for them to live, work, and study in Canada
  • Access to public health care, education, and other benefits
  • A pathway to Canadian citizenship in the future

⏱️ Spouse and Child Sponsorship Processing Time

Spouse or common-law partner applications are usually processed within 12 months
Dependent child applications typically take up to 24 months depending on the visa office

💰 Spouse and Child Sponsorship Costs and Fees

Spouse or common-law partner

  • CAD $1,205
  • CAD $85 biometrics fee

Dependent child

  • CAD $175 per child
  • CAD $85 biometrics fee per child

Additional costs may apply for medical exams, document translation, and police certificates

✅ Who is Eligible to Sponsor a Spouse or Child?

You must:

  • Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be living in Canada or planning to return when your family member arrives
  • Not be receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability
  • Be able to support your sponsored family member financially for 3 years (for spouses) or 10 years (for children)

The person being sponsored must:

  • Pass background, medical, and security checks
  • Prove the relationship is genuine
  • Be legally married, in a common-law partnership, or a dependent child under the age limit

📈 How Competitive is the Sponsorship Process?

This process is not competitive. If you meet the eligibility requirements and submit a complete application with all supporting documents, your chances of success are high. Most delays happen because of missing paperwork or unclear evidence of the relationship.

👤 Who Should Apply for Spouse and Child Sponsorship?

This program is ideal for:

  • Couples who are legally married or in a common-law partnership
  • Parents who want to bring their dependent child to Canada
  • Canadian citizens or PRs currently living abroad with their family and planning to return
  • Families separated by distance who want to reunite in Canada

⚠️ Who Might Need to Consider Other Options?

You may need another option if:

  • You cannot provide enough proof that the relationship is genuine
  • You are not able to meet the financial support requirement
  • You are still going through a divorce or custody dispute
  • You are barred from sponsoring due to a previous sponsorship default or criminal record

📌 Next Steps for Spouse and Child Sponsorship

  • Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria
  • Gather documents that show your relationship is genuine
  • Complete the correct sponsorship and permanent residence application forms
  • Submit your application to IRCC and pay the required fees
  • Prepare for biometrics and medical exams as requested

💬 Got Questions About Sponsoring a Spouse or Child?

If you’re unsure where to start or want to make sure your relationship qualifies, feel free to ask in the comments below. We’re here to support you every step of the way.