What is the Family sponsorship
Family Sponsorship: Bringing Loved Ones to Canada
What Is Family Sponsorship?
Family Sponsorship is a program that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor eligible family members to come to Canada as permanent residents. Sponsored individuals can then live, study, and work in Canada.
Who Can Be Sponsored?
Spouse, Common-Law Partner, Conjugal Partner, or Dependent Child
You can sponsor:
- Your spouse (legally married), common-law partner (lived together for at least 12 months), or conjugal partner
- Your dependent child
Eligibility includes being at least 18, a citizen or PR living in Canada, and committing to financial support. Most applicants do not have income requirements unless complex family situations apply.
Parents and Grandparents (PGP Program)
You may sponsor your parents or grandparents if:
- You’re at least 18 and reside in Canada
- You receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) under the annual program
- You meet the income requirements and sign a sponsorship undertaking
New in 2025: IRCC began issuing invitations for the 2025 PGP starting July 28, 2025, with invited sponsors required to submit complete applications by October 9, 2025 (11:59 p.m. ET).
Other Relatives (in Rare Situations)
In limited cases, you may sponsor:
- An orphaned sibling, nephew, niece, or grandchild (under age 18 and single) if both parents are deceased
- One other relative of any age—but only if you do not have other closer family members in Canada to sponsor
How It Works: Application Steps
For Spouses, Partners, or Children:
- Check eligibility (age, status, relationship, financial responsibilities).
- Apply online through the Permanent Residence (PR) Portal. Both you (sponsor) and your family members (applicants) must apply together.
- After Applying: IRCC will inform you if you’re approved as a sponsor and whether your family member’s PR application is approved. You’ll be asked for passports, photos, and visa documentation if applicable.
For Parents and Grandparents:
- Submit an interest-to-sponsor form in the designated intake period.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)—then submit both the sponsorship and PR applications via the PR Portal.
- Complete and submit your application by the deadline (for 2025, by October 9).
After Submission:
- If approved, your sponsored family members receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and possibly a PR visa to enter Canada. They’ll present these at the border.
- If any applications are refused, IRCC will explain the reason and possible recourse.
Quick Overview Table
| Sponsorship Category | Who Can Sponsor? | Key Notes |
| Spouse, Partner, Child | Citizen or PR, 18+, living in Canada | Apply via PR Portal; generally no income proof required |
| Parent or Grandparent (PGP) | Citizen or PR, invited to apply | ITA required; 2025 deadline: Oct 9, 2025 |
| Other Relatives (Rare Cases) | Citizen or PR, no close eligible relatives | Specific eligibility rules apply |
Why Choose True Pearl Visa Services Inc.?
- Navigate eligibility assessments with ease
- Prepare and submit accurate, complete online applications
- Track deadlines (like the PGP window in 2025)
- Manage documentation after approval: COPRs, visas, landing steps
- Provide guidance on complex cases—like rare relative sponsorship or Quebec-specific rules


