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Canada's family reunification system allows eligible citizens and permanent residents to sponsor certain close family members for permanent residence. Eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents may bring a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner or dependent child to Canada through the family reunification framework, provided the relevant sponsorship and immigration criteria are satisfied.
The Canada spouse sponsorship route combines a sponsorship undertaking with permanent residence. Rules differ according to the relationship and location.
Canadian citizens, permanent residents and people registered under the Canadian Indian Act may be able to sponsor an eligible family member, provided they are at least 18 years old and satisfy the other sponsorship conditions. The sponsor must normally live in Canada and sign an undertaking accepting financial responsibility for the sponsored family member.
Living outside Canada does not automatically prevent a Canadian citizen from sponsoring a family member. They must, however, show that they intend to return to Canada once the sponsored person obtains permanent residence. This option is not available to permanent residents who are residing abroad.
Certain circumstances can make a person ineligible. These may include specific criminal convictions, imprisonment, unresolved sponsorship obligations, unpaid family-support orders, certain immigration debts or receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability.
Quebec has additional requirements and a separate undertaking process.
The marriage must be legally recognised, both partners must be at least 18 years old, and the relationship must be genuine rather than entered into primarily to obtain Canadian permanent residence.
A common-law relationship applies where the couple is not legally married but has lived together in a conjugal partnership for a continuous period of at least 12 months. Evidence should demonstrate a genuine shared life.
A conjugal partner category applies in more limited circumstances. The partner generally lives outside Canada, the relationship has existed for at least one year and significant legal, immigration, social, cultural or similar barriers have prevented the couple from marrying or living together.
A dependent child is generally below 22 years of age and must not have a spouse or common-law partner. Someone aged 22 or older can still qualify where a physical or mental condition prevents financial self-sufficiency and financial dependence on the parents has existed since before age 22.
The relationship must be genuine and not established primarily to obtain Canadian permanent residence. IRCC may request additional evidence where clarification is needed.
The person being sponsored must also be admissible to Canada. This can involve medical, criminality and security checks. Police certificates, biometrics and a medical examination may therefore be required.
Outside Quebec, the financial undertaking for a spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner generally lasts three years after permanent residence is granted. For a dependent child under 22, it generally lasts 10 years or until the child turns 25, whichever comes first.
The checklist varies according to the relationship, country of residence and individual circumstances. Common records include:
Evidence of the relationship may take various forms, such as photographs, correspondence between the couple, records of trips taken together, shared financial commitments or documents showing a common household.
Documents issued in languages other than English or French generally require an appropriate translation in line with IRCC requirements.
Every family member must be declared where required, including certain non-accompanying family members. Omissions can create complications later.
The Canada spouse sponsorship process is completed online and involves both the sponsorship and permanent residence components.
Where the spouse or partner is living can determine which sponsorship category applies. A spouse or common-law partner already residing in Canada may be eligible under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class, while those living abroad will generally be assessed under the Family Class.
The sponsor and principal applicant complete the prescribed forms and assemble the documents listed in the relevant checklist. Country-specific instructions should be reviewed because requirements can differ.
The sponsorship and permanent residence applications are filed together online through the Permanent Residence Portal. Every required form and supporting document should be included, as an incomplete submission may be returned without being processed.
| Fee item | CAD | Approx. INR |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsoring a spouse or partner (incl. Right of Permanent Residence Fee) | $1,260 | ₹85,000 |
| Sponsoring a spouse or partner (without Right of Permanent Residence Fee) | $660 | ₹44,500 |
| Dependent child (per child) | $180 | ₹12,000 |
| Biometrics — individual | $85 | ₹5,700 |
| Biometrics — family applying together | up to $170 | up to ₹11,500 |
From 30 April 2026, the listed fee for sponsoring a spouse or partner, including the sponsorship fee, processing fee and Right of Permanent Residence Fee, is CAD $1,260 (approximately ₹85,000). This INR figure is indicative and can change with exchange rates.
The fee without the Right of Permanent Residence Fee is CAD $660 (approximately ₹44,500). A dependent child costs an additional CAD $180 (approximately ₹12,000) per child. Biometrics may add CAD $85 (approximately ₹5,700) for an individual or up to CAD $170 (approximately ₹11,500) for a family applying together.
IRCC reviews the sponsor's eligibility alongside the permanent residence application. Depending on the circumstances, applicants may also be asked to provide biometrics, undergo a medical examination, obtain police certificates, attend an interview or submit additional evidence.
If the requirements are met, IRCC proceeds with permanent residence finalisation and provides instructions for the next stage. Processing times vary, so applicants should consult the official processing-time tool rather than rely on a fixed estimate.
In most cases, there is no minimum income requirement when sponsoring a spouse, common-law partner or dependent child. An income requirement can apply in specific circumstances, such as where the dependent child being sponsored has dependent children of their own.
Quebec has separate financial requirements. The sponsor should therefore check the rules applicable to the province where the family intends to settle.
The undertaking remains legally binding for its full duration.
The Canada dependent visa is widely used in online searches, but it is not the official name of one Canadian immigration programme.
A dependent child may qualify for permanent residence through family sponsorship or be included in another eligible permanent residence application. The route depends on the family relationship and principal applicant's category.
An application can face difficulties where the relationship is not adequately established, information is inconsistent, forms are incomplete or required evidence is missing.
Inadmissibility can also affect the outcome. Criminality, security concerns and certain medical or immigration issues may require additional assessment.
Previous relationships and family members must be disclosed where required. Misrepresentation can have serious consequences under Canadian immigration law.
Family sponsorship is a permanent residence pathway rather than a temporary visitor route. A strong submission should establish the qualifying relationship, demonstrate the sponsor's eligibility, satisfy admissibility requirements and contain the required documentary evidence.
Before filing, applicants should review the latest IRCC forms, fees, checklist and instructions. Where circumstances are complicated, professional advice may be worthwhile. Anyone choosing the best immigration consultant in India should verify the representative's credentials, experience and service terms before making a decision.
Yes. An eligible Canadian citizen or permanent resident can generally use Canada spouse sponsorship for a spouse who satisfies the relationship, sponsorship and admissibility requirements.
Canada family sponsorship can cover eligible spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners and dependent children. Other relatives have separate categories and conditions.
Yes. A permanent resident may sponsor an eligible spouse provided the sponsor meets the relevant conditions and lives in Canada.
Yes. A spouse living outside Canada can generally be sponsored through the Family Class, subject to the applicable requirements.
Common records include identity documents, relationship evidence, civil-status records, prescribed forms, photographs and police or medical documentation where required.
There is no single processing period for every case. IRCC processing times can change and depend on the application, verification requirements and other circumstances.
