Sponsor Spouse, Partner and Children

If you are a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, and additionally, 18 years or older; you can sponsor the following relatives under this category to migrate to Canada:

• Spouse,
• Common-Law Or Conjugal Partner, Or
• Dependent Children (A Dependent Child Must Be Under 19 Years Of Age)

Your Responsibility:

• Meet Basic Needs—Such As Food, Clothing, And Shelter—For Both Yourself And Your Family,
• Support Your Relative Financially And Must Agree In Writing To Give Financial Support To Your Relative, If They Need Itfor A Spouse Or Partner, This Lasts For Three Years From The Date They Become A Permanent Resident, Andfor A Dependent Child, This Lasts For 10 Years, Or Until The Child Turns 25, Whichever Comes First.
• Make Sure Your Spouse Or Relative Does Not Need To Ask For Financial Help From The Government.

You May Not Be Eligible To Be A Sponsor If You:

• Did Not Meet The Terms Of A Sponsorship Agreement In The Past,
• Did Not Pay Alimony Or Child Support Even Though A Court Ordered It,
• Get Government Financial Help For Reasons Other Than Being Disabled,
• Were Convicted Of An Offense Of A Sexual Nature, A Violent Crime, An Offense Against A Relative That Resulted In Bodily Harm, Or An Attempt Or Threat To Commit Any Such Offenses, Depending On The Details Of The Case.
• Were Sponsored As A Spouse, Common-Law Or Conjugal Partner In The Past And Became A Permanent Residents Of Canada Less Than Five Years Ago
• Did Not Pay Back An Immigration Loan, Made Late Payments Or Missed Payments,
• Are In Prison Or
• Have Declared Bankruptcy And Have Not Been Released From It Yet.

If you live in Quebec, Citizenship and Immigration Canada must approve you as a sponsor first. Then you must also meet Quebec’s conditions to be a sponsor.

On or after March 2, 2012, if a spouse or partner sponsored you, you now cannot sponsor a new spouse or partner within five years of becoming a permanent resident.