Canada Family Sponsorship is important for family reunification because it has long been one of the three main pillars of Canada’s immigration system, alongside economic immigration and refugee protection. In 2026, Canada continues to welcome tens of thousands of newcomers through family sponsorship each year, even as the government works to manage overall immigration levels more sustainably.
According to the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada plans to admit approximately 84,000 permanent residents under the Family Class in 2026. This includes about 69,000 spouses, partners and dependent children, and 15,000 parents and grandparents. While these numbers remain significant, recent policy changes — particularly the pause on new Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) applications — have reshaped the options available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents hoping to bring loved ones to Canada.
Current News and Key Developments
Several important updates have affected family sponsorship this year:
Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) Intake was Paused in July 15, 2026
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced it is no longer accepting new “interest to sponsor” forms or issuing new invitations to apply under the PGP. The department will continue processing the large existing inventory (estimated at over 50,000 applications) and aims to approve up to 15,000 people for permanent residence through this stream in 2026. Officials cited the need to reduce processing times and manage demand that far exceeds available spaces.
Super Visa Remains Fully Open
While permanent residence through the PGP is restricted, the Super Visa program continues without interruption. Recent changes have made the income and medical insurance requirements more accessible, allowing parents and grandparents to stay for up to five years at a time on a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years.
Spousal and Partner Sponsorship Continues
Applications for spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners, and dependent children remain open. Processing times have lengthened in some categories, with inland applications (sponsored person already in Canada) generally taking longer than outland applications.
Focus on Existing Temporary Residents
The government has also prioritized transitioning some temporary residents already in Canada to permanent status through special one-time initiatives, while keeping family reunification as a stated priority.
These changes reflect Canada’s broader effort to balance family reunification with housing, infrastructure, and economic pressures.
Who Can Be a Sponsor?
To sponsor a family member for permanent residence, you must generally meet the following requirements:
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person registered under the Indian Act
- Be at least 18 years old
- Live in Canada (Canadian citizens living abroad may sponsor in some cases if they plan to return)
- Not be in default of a previous sponsorship undertaking, receiving social assistance (except for disability), or under a removal order
- Sign a sponsorship undertaking promising to provide financial support for the sponsored person’s basic needs
If you live in Quebec, you must also meet the province’s additional sponsorship requirements through the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI).
Who Can You Sponsor?
The main categories are:
1. Spouse, Common-Law Partner, or Conjugal Partner
You can sponsor:
- Your legally married spouse
- Your common-law partner (you have lived together in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 continuous months)
- Your conjugal partner (in exceptional cases where you cannot live together due to circumstances beyond your control, such as immigration barriers or persecution)
The relationship must be genuine. IRCC carefully examines applications for evidence of a real relationship.
2. Dependent Children
A child is generally considered dependent if they are under 22 years of age and not married or in a common-law relationship. Children 22 or older may still qualify if they have depended on their parents for financial support since before turning 22 due to a physical or mental condition.
3. Parents and Grandparents
Permanent residence sponsorship under the PGP is currently paused for new applications. Existing applications continue to be processed. As an alternative, many families use the Super Visa.
4. Other Relatives (Limited Cases)
In rare situations, you may be able to sponsor another relative (such as a sibling, niece, nephew, or aunt/uncle) if you have no spouse, partner, child, parent, or grandparent you could otherwise sponsor, or if you have adopted the person and they meet the definition of a dependent child.
Financial Requirements and the Sponsorship Undertaking
When you sponsor someone, you sign a legal undertaking that makes you responsible for their basic needs (food, shelter, clothing, and health care not covered by public services). The length of the undertaking is:
| Sponsored Person | Length of Undertaking (outside Quebec) |
|---|---|
| Spouse, common-law or conjugal partner | 3 years |
| Dependent child under 22 | 10 years or until age 25 (whichever comes first) |
| Dependent child 22 or older | 3 years |
| Parent or grandparent | 20 years |
| Other relative | 10 years |
Quebec has its own slightly different periods. The undertaking remains in effect even if your relationship ends, the sponsored person becomes a Canadian citizen, or your financial situation changes. If the sponsored person receives social assistance during the undertaking period, you may be required to repay the government.
For sponsoring parents, grandparents, or certain dependent children with their own dependents, you must also meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement, proven through Canada Revenue Agency Notices of Assessment. Your spouse or partner can co-sign to help you meet the income threshold.
Inland vs Outland Spousal Sponsorship
- Inland sponsorship: The person you are sponsoring is already in Canada (usually on a temporary status). They may be eligible for an open work permit while the application is processed, allowing them to work for any employer. Processing times are generally longer.
- Outland sponsorship: The person lives outside Canada. Processing is often faster, and they can usually visit Canada while the application is in progress (subject to visa requirements).
Both routes lead to permanent residence if approved.
Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents
With the PGP paused, the Super Visa has become an important option. Key features include:
- Multiple entries over up to 10 years
- Ability to stay for up to 5 years on each entry
- Possibility to apply for extensions from within Canada
- Requirement for private medical insurance covering at least $100,000
- Proof that the inviting child or grandchild meets the minimum income requirement
General Sponsor Eligibility
- Age Requirement: Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Status: Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered under the Canadian Indian Act.
- Residency: Must live in Canada, or prove a plan to return to Canada if a citizen living abroad (permanent residents living abroad cannot sponsor).
- Financial Undertaking: Must sign an agreement to cover the basic needs of the sponsored family member.
- Disqualifications for Sponsors
- Incarceration: Being in prison or a correctional facility.
- Bankruptcy: Having an undischarged bankruptcy.
- Previous Defaults: Failing to pay back immigration loans, court-ordered family support, or prior sponsorship undertakings.
- Criminal Offenses: Having convictions for violent or sexual offenses, or offenses against a relative.
Undertaking Durations (Financial Responsibility)
- Spouse, Partner, or Conjugal Partner: 3 years.
- Dependent Child: 10 years or until age 25, whichever comes first.
- Parents and Grandparents: 20 years
How to Apply
- Confirm eligibility for both the sponsor and the person being sponsored.
- Gather supporting documents (identity documents, proof of relationship, financial evidence, police certificates, medical exams, etc.).
- Complete and submit the sponsorship forms and permanent residence application together through the IRCC online portal.
- Pay the required fees (sponsorship fee, processing fee, right of permanent residence fee, and biometrics fee where applicable).
- Provide biometrics when requested and respond promptly to any additional document or interview requests.
Applications that are incomplete are usually returned without processing, so careful preparation is essential.
Final Notes
Family sponsorship continues to help thousands of families reunite in Canada every year. In 2026, the strongest and most reliable pathways are sponsoring a spouse, partner, or dependent child. Parents and grandparents face restricted permanent residence options due to the PGP pause, but the Super Visa offers a practical temporary alternative.
Rules, processing times, and program availability can change. Always verify the latest information, forms, and fees on the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website (canada.ca). Consulting a licensed immigration representative can also help ensure your application is complete and accurate.
Family reunification remains a valued part of Canada’s immigration system — even as the government works to keep overall numbers sustainable.