Family Sponsorship
Reunite your family in Canada — sponsor your spouse, children, parents, and grandparents
What is Family Sponsorship?
Canada's Family Reunification Program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor eligible family members for permanent residence. The goal is to keep families together while Canada grows its population.
As a sponsor, you make a legal commitment (undertaking) to financially support your sponsored family member for a period ranging from 3 to 20 years depending on the relationship. This is a serious legal obligation that continues even if circumstances change.
Family sponsorship applications have specific eligibility requirements on both the sponsor side and the sponsored person side. Working with RCIC-IRB Mohamed Aboud ensures your application is complete, correctly structured, and maximizes approval chances — especially in complex cases involving prior refusals, gaps, or unique circumstances.
Who Can You Sponsor?
Spouse / Partner
Legally married spouse, common-law partner (12+ months cohabitation), or conjugal partner (12+ months relationship where cohabitation is impossible).
Learn moreDependent Children
Biological or adopted children under age 22, or children 22+ who are financially dependent due to physical or mental condition.
Learn moreParents & Grandparents
Through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). Limited spots per year — also consider the Super Visa for long-stay visits (up to 5 years).
Learn moreOther Eligible Relatives
In specific circumstances: orphaned siblings, nieces/nephews under 18; or one relative of any age if you have no other eligible relatives in Canada.
Learn moreSponsor Eligibility Requirements
- Canadian citizen or permanent resident aged 18 or older
- Must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for parents/grandparents sponsorship
- No prior sponsorship defaults (previously sponsored person became dependent on social assistance)
- Not receiving social assistance (except persons with disabilities)
- No criminal convictions for violent or sexual offences
- If outside Canada: must intend to live in Canada when sponsored person arrives
Approximate Processing Times
| Sponsorship Category | Approximate Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Spousal / Common-Law (In-Canada) | ~12 months |
| Spousal / Common-Law (Overseas) | ~12 months |
| Dependent Children | ~12 months |
| Parents & Grandparents (PGP) | ~24–36 months |
| Super Visa (Alternative) | ~8 weeks |
Processing times are estimates based on current IRCC data and may vary. Subject to change without notice.
FAQs
Yes — the In-Canada Spousal Sponsorship stream allows you to sponsor a spouse or common-law partner already living in Canada on a valid status. Your partner can apply for an open work permit while the sponsorship is processing, allowing them to work legally in Canada during the wait.
A refused sponsorship can be appealed to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) of the IRB. Mohamed Aboud is authorized to represent clients before the IAD, including full appeal hearings. The IAD can overturn a refusal if the refusal was incorrect on the facts or law, or on humanitarian and compassionate grounds. Contact us urgently — appeal deadlines are strict (typically 30 days).
Yes. IRCC will assess whether your relationship is genuine (not entered primarily for immigration purposes). You need to provide extensive evidence including communication records, photos, financial ties, family knowledge, and potentially attend an interview. Mohamed Aboud guides you through exactly what evidence strengthens your case.
Reunite Your Family in Canada
Mohamed Aboud | RCIC-IRB has reunited hundreds of families. Let us guide your sponsorship to approval.