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ImmiflowsImmigration & Visas
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Canada

Family Sponsorship

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouse, partner and dependent children for permanent residence. These applications depend on proving a genuine relationship, so careful documentation matters. We guide both the sponsor and the applicant through every form.

Overview

What you need to know

Family reunification is a core part of Canada's immigration system. Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner and dependent children to become permanent residents.

Spousal applications can be filed from outside Canada or, if the couple lives together in Canada, from inside Canada. Either way, the key question is whether the relationship is genuine and was not entered into mainly for immigration. Officers look at how you met, your communication history, your wedding and your life together.

Arranged marriages are common and fully recognised — but they need to be documented carefully. We help you put together clear evidence and explanations so your relationship is presented honestly and completely.

Toronto waterfront with the CN Tower

How we help

Our Family Sponsorship services

Spousal sponsorship

Sponsor your husband or wife, from outside Canada or within Canada.

Common-law partner

For couples who have lived together in a genuine relationship.

Dependent children

Bring your dependent children to live with you in Canada.

Parents & grandparents

Guidance on the parents and grandparents program when intake opens, and the super visa as an alternative.

Relationship evidence

Photos, communication, joint documents and wedding proof organised properly.

Interview preparation

Help preparing for an interview if one is requested.

Step by step

How it works with Immiflows

  1. 01

    Eligibility check

    We confirm both the sponsor and the applicant meet the requirements.

  2. 02

    Relationship evidence

    We help you gather photos, communication, wedding proof and joint documents.

  3. 03

    Forms for both partners

    We prepare the sponsor and applicant forms so every detail matches.

  4. 04

    Submission & biometrics

    We submit the application and guide you through biometrics and medicals.

  5. 05

    Follow-up

    We respond to requests from IRCC and help you prepare if an interview is scheduled.

General eligibility

  • Sponsor is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, 18 or older
  • Genuine and ongoing relationship with the applicant
  • Sponsor signs an undertaking to financially support the sponsored family members
  • Applicant meets medical, security and background requirements

Common documents

  • Passports of both partners
  • Marriage certificate
  • Wedding photos & proof
  • Communication history
  • Sponsor's status proof
  • Police certificates

The exact checklist depends on your profile. We give you a personalised list after your assessment.

Avoid refusals

Common mistakes to avoid

Many refusals come from avoidable errors. These are the ones we see most often — and help our clients avoid.

  • Too little evidence of ongoing communication and contact
  • Dates or details that don't match between the sponsor's and applicant's forms
  • Not explaining cultural context, such as an arranged marriage or short engagement
  • Sponsor not meeting eligibility rules, such as a previous sponsorship default

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Can my spouse work while the sponsorship is in process?

In some inland cases, an open work permit may be available. We check eligibility for your situation.

We had a small wedding. Is that a problem?

No. The size of the wedding doesn't matter — the genuineness of the relationship does. We help you present it properly.

Can I sponsor my parents?

Parents and grandparents sponsorship works through limited invitation rounds. The super visa is often a faster option for visits.

Can a sponsor live outside Canada?

Permanent residents must live in Canada to sponsor. Canadian citizens living abroad can sponsor a spouse or partner if they show they will live in Canada once the person becomes a permanent resident.

Ready to start your Canada journey?

Take the first step toward your move — your first assessment is free.