Family sponsorship

You can sponsor certain relatives to come to Canada if you are a citizen or permanent resident of Canada and at least 18 years old. If your relatives become permanent residents, they can live, study and work in Canada.

If you are a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, you can sponsor your:

• spouse,
• common-law or conjugal partner, or
• dependent children

to immigrate to Canada.

If you sponsor a family member to immigrate to Canada, you must provide proof that you can:

• meet basic needs—such as food, clothing and shelter—for yourself and your family,
• support your relative financially and
• make sure your spouse or relative does not need to ask for financial help from the government.