Sponsor Your Family Members, Spouse, Child, or Partner to Canada in 2025 (Open for Applications)

If you’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, few things are more rewarding than reuniting with your loved ones in your new home. Thankfully, Canada has one of the most generous family reunification policies in the world. In 2025, sponsoring your spouse, common-law or conjugal partner, or dependent children is possible under the Family Class Sponsorship program run by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Here’s a complete and well-structured guide to help you understand the eligibility criteria, who you can sponsor, required documents, the application process, and special options available in 2025.

Who Can Sponsor Family Members to Canada?

To be eligible as a sponsor in 2025, you must:

• • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a person registered
  • Reside in Canada (or show intent to live in Canada once the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident, if you’re a citizen living abroad)
  • Not be receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability
  • Be financially capable of supporting your sponsored family member(s)
  • Not have defaulted on any previous sponsorships or immigration loans
  • Not be in prison, bankrupt, or convicted of certain offenses.

Who Can You Sponsor in 2025?

You may sponsor the following family members:

1# Spouse: Legally married to you and at least 18 years old.

2# Common-law Partner: Has lived with you continuously in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 months.

3# Conjugal Partner: Has been in a committed relationship with you for at least one year but cannot live with or marry you due to legal or immigration reasons (often in countries where same-sex or interfaith relationships are not recognized).

4# Dependent Children: Biological or adopted children who:

• • Are under 22 years of age and not married or in a common-law relationship
  • Are 22 or older but have depended substantially on their parents for financial support since before 22 and have a mental or physical condition.

Documents Needed to Sponsor Family, Child, Spouse or Partner to Canada

Some of the key documents include:

• • Identity and civil status documents (passports, birth certificates, marriage certificate, etc.)
  • Proof of relationship (photos, chat logs, communication history, shared bills)
  • Completed and signed sponsorship and permanent residence application forms
  • Police certificates and medical exam results
  • Proof of income and financial capacity (optional for spouse and children, mandatory for parents/grandparents)

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Download the Correct Forms: You must complete both the sponsorship application and the permanent residence application for your family member.

Step 2: Pay the Application Fees:The total fee to sponsor a spouse or partner starts from CAD $1,205, which includes the sponsorship fee, principal applicant processing fee, and the right of permanent residence fee. If you’re sponsoring a dependent child, the cost begins at CAD $170 per child.

Step 3: Submit the Application Online: All applications must be submitted through the Permanent Residence Portal or the [Representative Portal] if you’re working with an immigration consultant.

Step 4: Wait for Acknowledgment and Further Instructions: Once your application is received, IRCC will send an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR). Your spouse/partner/child may be asked to submit biometrics or attend a medical examination.

Step 5: Interview or Additional Documents (if required): Sometimes IRCC may request an interview or more evidence of a genuine relationship. Be prepared.

Can My Spouse or Partner Work While Waiting?

Yes. If your spouse or partner is applying from within Canada, they may be eligible for an Open Work Permit while their sponsorship application is being processed. To qualify, the applicant must:

• • Be living in Canada with you
  • Have valid temporary resident status (visitor, student, or worker)
  • Have submitted a complete application for permanent residence
  • Receive an AOR from IRCC

Special Note for Quebec Residents Sponsors

If you live in Quebec, there are additional requirements:

• • You must sign a separate undertaking with the Quebec government.
  • You must meet Quebec’s income requirements.
  • Processing times may be longer. For example, in Quebec, spousal sponsorships can take up to 34 months compared to approximately 12 months in other provinces.

How Long Does the Sponsorship Process Take in 2025?

• • Spouse/Partner Sponsorship: Around 12 months (outside Quebec)
  • Dependent Child: 10–12 months
  • Common-law/Conjugal Partner: 12–18 months
  • Quebec Residents: Up to 34 months

Processing times may vary based on application completeness, country of origin, and background checks.

Call for Invitation: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/family-sponsorship/spouse-partner-children.html.

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