How to Apply for a Canada Family Visa (Family Sponsorship for Permanent Residence)

Introduction "Family visa" typically means sponsoring family for permanent residence (PR) through Family Class immigration. Canad...

Introduction

"Family visa" typically means sponsoring family for permanent residence (PR) through Family Class immigration. Canadian citizens/PRs can sponsor spouses, partners, children, parents/grandparents, or other relatives under specific conditions.

Main streams: Spousal/Common-law/Conjugal Partner, Dependent Children, Parents/Grandparents Program (PGP – lottery-based).

This is for permanent immigration, not temporary visits (use visitor visa for visits).

Eligibility for Sponsor

• 18+ years old.
• Canadian citizen, PR, or registered Indian.
• Meet Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for most (except spouses/children).
• Sign undertaking to support for 3-20 years.
• No defaults on previous sponsorships.

Process for Spousal Sponsorship (Most Common)

1. Prepare Forms Sponsor: IMM 1344 (Sponsorship Agreement). Applicant: IMM 0008 Generic, schedules.
2. Documents
   • Relationship proof: Marriage certificate, photos, chats, joint finances.
   • For common-law: 12 months cohabitation proof.
   • Police certificates, medical exam.
3. Submit Online/Paper Fee: $1,085 (sponsorship $75, principal $550, right of PR $515, biometrics $85).
4. Biometrics and Medical Required.
5. Interview if Needed To verify genuineness.
6. Approval COPR, land as PR.

PGP: Lottery entry, then full application.

Processing: 12 months for spouses (outside Canada), longer for PGP.