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Family Sponsorship in Canada

Bringing Families Together

Family reunification is an important part of Canada's immigration system. Canadian citizens and permanent residents may be able to sponsor certain family members for permanent residence, allowing families to build their lives together in Canada.

At Tabula Rasa Immigration Services, we help families understand their sponsorship options, assess eligibility, prepare their applications, and navigate the process from beginning to end.

Family members welcoming one another at an airport

Who Can You Sponsor?

Depending on your circumstances and the applicable program requirements, family sponsorship may include:

Spouse or Partner

You may be able to sponsor your legally married spouse, common-law partner or, in qualifying circumstances, a conjugal partner.

Dependent Children

Eligible dependent children may be sponsored for permanent residence. Dependent children may also be included in certain family sponsorship applications.

Parents and Grandparents

Canada's Parents and Grandparents Program provides a pathway to sponsor eligible parents and grandparents when the program is available and the sponsor meets the applicable requirements.

IRCC currently lists this program as paused. Check the current program status with IRCC.

Adopted Children

There are specific family sponsorship processes for children adopted outside Canada or being brought to Canada through an eligible adoption process.

Orphaned Family Members

In specific circumstances, an orphaned brother, sister, nephew, niece or grandchild may be sponsored if they meet IRCC's requirements, including requirements relating to age, relationship and marital status.

Other Relatives — Sometimes Called the “Lonely Canadian” Provision

In very limited circumstances, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident may be able to sponsor one other relative, regardless of age or relationship. Strict conditions apply, including rules concerning other relatives the sponsor could sponsor and relatives already in Canada.

Every Family Is Different

Family sponsorship is more than completing forms. Eligibility, family relationships, previous immigration history, financial obligations, dependants and supporting documentation can all affect how an application should be prepared.

We take the time to understand your family circumstances, identify potential concerns and help you prepare a complete and well-supported application.

How We Can Help

Tabula Rasa can assist with assessing sponsor and applicant eligibility, preparing and reviewing documentation, completing and submitting the application, responding to IRCC requests, and providing representation throughout processing.

IRCC — Family Sponsorship ↗

Ready to Bring Your Family Closer?

Whether you are hoping to reunite with your spouse, partner, child, parent, grandparent or another eligible relative, the first step is understanding which family sponsorship provisions apply to your circumstances.

Book a Consultation →