Overview

If you're a Canadian citizen or permanent resident aged 18 or older, you may be eligible to sponsor a spouse, partner, child, parent, or other eligible relative to come to Canada. At Ayodele Law in Toronto, we provide expert legal guidance to help you navigate the Family Class Sponsorship process with clarity and compassion.

Requirements to Sponsor a Family Member to Canada

To sponsor a relative under the Family Class program, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian under the Indian Act

• Live in Canada (or intend to return once your relative arrives)

• Support your relative financially

• Meet basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter for yourself and your family

• Ensure your relative does not need social assistance from the government

Who You Can Sponsor Under the Family Class

You may be eligible to sponsor:

• Your spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner

• Your dependent children (under 22 years of age and unmarried)

• Your parents

• Your grandparents

• Certain orphaned close relatives

• One other relative in limited circumstances

1) How to Sponsor a Spouse, Partner or Child to Canada

A Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is at least 18 years old can sponsor a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner, or dependent children.

You must:

• Agree in writing to support your relative financially if needed

• Support a spouse or partner for 3 years after they become a permanent resident

• Support a dependent child for up to 10 years, or until they turn 25, whichever comes first

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

• Failed to meet the terms of a past sponsorship agreement

• Owe alimony or child support under a court order

• Receive government financial assistance for reasons other than disability

• Were convicted of:

  • A sexual offence

  • A violent crime

  • An offence against a relative that caused bodily harm

  • Or attempted/threatened any such offence

• Were sponsored as a spouse/partner and became a permanent resident less than 5 years ago

• Defaulted on an immigration loan or missed payments

• Are currently in prison or undischarged from bankruptcy

2) How to Sponsor a Parent or Grandparent to Canada

A Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada who is at least 18 years of age can sponsor a parent or grandparent.

You must:

• Sign a sponsorship agreement that confirms you will provide financial support

• Ensure the sponsored person also agrees to make efforts to support themselves

• Commit to financially supporting them and any accompanying relatives for 3 to 20 years, depending on their relationship and age

You may not be eligible if you:

• Defaulted on a previous sponsorship agreement

• Owe court-ordered alimony or child support

• Receive government financial assistance (except for disability)

• Were convicted of a violent or sexual offence, or an offence against a relative

• Failed to repay immigration loans

• Are in prison or not discharged from bankruptcy

3) Sponsoring an Orphaned Close Relative or Other Eligible Relatives

A Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada who is at least 18 years of age can sponsor an orphaned close relative or other eligible relatives.

Requirements to sponsor:

• Meet minimum income guidelines

• Agree in writing to provide financial support for up to 10 years, depending on age and relationship

You may not be eligible if you:

• Failed to meet a past sponsorship agreement

• Are in default on support payments

• Receive government financial aid (not related to disability)

• Were convicted of a violent or sexual offence or offence against a relative

• Defaulted on immigration loan payments

• Are currently incarcerated or not released from bankruptcy

Option 1 – Orphaned close relatives

You may sponsor orphaned siblings, nephews, nieces, or grandchildren if all the following apply:

• They are orphaned of both parents

• They are under 18 years old

• They have no spouse or partner

Option 2 – Other relative

You may sponsor one relative of any age related by blood or adoption if:

• You do not have a spouse, child, parent, or other close relative you can sponsor

• None of your close relatives are:

  • Canadian citizens

  • Permanent residents

  • Registered Indians under the Indian Act

Ready to Bring Your Loved One to Canada?
Book a 15 minute consultation with immigration lawyer Tracy Ayodele.
We’ll help you prepare your spousal or family sponsorship application the right way — from start to finish., please contact our office.