Who You Can Sponsor

You may be eligible to sponsor the following family members:

• Spouse, Common-Law, or Conjugal Partner

• Dependent Child – A child under 22 years of age who is not married or in a common-law relationship

• Parents and Grandparents

• Orphaned Relatives – A brother, sister, niece, nephew, grandson, or granddaughter who is under 18, not married or in a common-law relationship, and has lost both parents

• Other Relatives – Only individuals with no close family members living in Canada (known as “Lonely Canadians”) may sponsor another relative

Eligibility Requirements for Sponsors

To be eligible to sponsor a family member, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada

• Sign a Sponsorship Agreement with the person you are sponsoring. This agreement confirms your financial support and that the sponsored person will make every effort to support themselves

• Agree to a financial commitment:

  • 3 years for a spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner

  • 10 years or until age 25 (whichever comes first) for a dependent child

Understanding Family Relationships

• Spouse: Legally married to the sponsor

• Common-law Partner: Lived together in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 continuous months

• Conjugal Partner: A relationship where legal or personal circumstances beyond your control prevent cohabitation (e.g., immigration barriers)

• Dependent Child: Must be under 22 and unmarried, or over 21 and financially dependent due to a mental or physical condition

Important Update: Children under 22 years old became eligible for sponsorship under updated regulations effective November 11, 2017.

Sponsorship Obligations

As a sponsor, you must sign a legal Undertaking with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), committing to support your family member from the day they become a permanent resident. This includes reimbursing any social assistance they may receive during the period of obligation. Obligations remain in force even in cases of divorce, separation, or financial hardship.

• Spouse/Common-law/Conjugal Partner: 3-year obligation

• Dependent Child under 19: 10 years or until age 25 (whichever comes first)

• Dependent Child over 19: 3-year obligation

• Parents and Grandparents: 20-year obligation

• Other Relatives: 10-year obligation

The Supreme Court of Canada has upheld that sponsorship obligations may be deferred under certain conditions but cannot be eliminated.

Sponsors Residing Outside Canada

• Canadian Citizens Abroad: May sponsor a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner, or dependent children, provided they can prove their intention to return to Canada once their family member obtains permanent residence

• Permanent Residents: Must be physically residing in Canada to sponsor; they cannot initiate sponsorship applications from outside the country

• Spouses/Common-law Partners in Canada: In-Canada sponsorship applications are allowed only if the couple is cohabiting. Otherwise, an overseas sponsorship process through a visa office must be used

Family Sponsorship in Quebec

If you reside in Quebec, you must meet additional provincial requirements. As a sponsor (also known as a guarantor in Quebec), you may sponsor eligible relatives provided you:

• Are at least 18 years of age

• Are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident residing in Quebec

• Have not been convicted of a violent offence involving bodily harm

• Satisfy Quebec’s financial and legal prerequisites for sponsorship

Why Choose Odogwu

Navigating Canada’s family sponsorship process can be complex. At Odogwu, our team of Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) brings expert knowledge and personalized guidance to support your sponsorship application from start to finish. We help you understand your obligations, compile accurate documentation, and avoid costly delays or errors.