An eligible Canadian citizen or permanent resident may be able to sponsor a spouse, partner or dependent child for permanent residence. The application must establish both the sponsor's eligibility and the relative's eligibility, including the qualifying relationship and admissibility. A marriage certificate or job offer alone does not answer every question in the file.
First identify the correct family category
IRCC distinguishes spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners and dependent children. Each category has its own definition and evidence requirements. The available application class can also depend on where the applicant lives and other circumstances. Do not choose a category based only on which application appears faster or easier.
For a spouse or partner, a clear application explains how the relationship developed and how the couple lives or maintains their life together. Relevant evidence may include shared residence, finances, communication, travel and family history. The evidence should fit the relationship and the couple's actual circumstances, not follow a generic photo checklist.
What the sponsor promises
The sponsor signs an undertaking to support the sponsored family member for the period set by IRCC. The obligation can continue even if the relationship, finances or place of residence change. The sponsor's own status, residence, earlier sponsorships and any restrictions also need checking before filing.
Disclose all family members accurately, including those who are not accompanying the principal applicant. Previous marriages, children and changes in family composition can affect forms and admissibility checks.
Parents and grandparents are a different route
The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) has separate rules and intake. As of October 10, 2026, IRCC has paused new PGP applications and interest-to-sponsor forms until further notice; existing applications continue to be processed. If the immediate goal is a long visit rather than permanent residence, explore the Super Visa and check the current PGP status directly with IRCC.
Questions families ask
Is there always a minimum income for sponsoring a spouse?
There is generally no minimum income requirement for most spouse, partner and dependent-child cases, but the sponsor must still meet eligibility rules and sign the undertaking. Some family circumstances have different requirements.
Does a recent marriage prevent sponsorship?
There is no simple rule that a marriage must be a certain age. IRCC examines whether the relationship is genuine and meets the category's requirements.
Review the family file
Bring status documents, relationship history, prior marriages and sponsorships, children's details and any previous IRCC decisions. We can identify the category and evidence questions before a full application. An initial consultation is $180 plus applicable provincial taxes, separate from representation. Consultations are available in English and Russian.