Canadian family
Family Reunification

Family Class Sponsorship

Sponsor your dependent children, adopted children, or other eligible relatives to become Canadian permanent residents. Family reunification is a core part of Canadian immigration.

Processing

12 months (dependent children), 24+ months (adoption)

Total Fees

$150 per child

Undertaking

10 years

Include

Dependents

Program Overview

About Family Class Sponsorship

Family class sponsorship covers several categories beyond spouses and parents. Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor dependent children, adopted children, and in some cases, other relatives.

Dependent children must be under 22 years old and not married or in a common-law relationship. There is no age limit if the child depends substantially on the parent due to a medical condition.

International adoption requires additional steps including provincial approval and compliance with the Hague Convention if the child's country is a signatory. Lone relative sponsorship applies when you have no other family in Canada and want to sponsor a relative like a sibling, niece, or nephew.

Free Assessment

Find out if you qualify to sponsor your family member. Our RCIC consultants will review your case.

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RCIC License: R515110

Eligibility

Who Can Sponsor & Be Sponsored

Who Can Sponsor

  • Canadian citizens or permanent residents
  • At least 18 years old
  • Living in Canada (for most categories)
  • Able to provide for the sponsored person
  • Not convicted of certain offenses

Who Can Be Sponsored

  • Dependent children under 22
  • Dependent children 22+ with medical dependency
  • Adopted children (international or domestic)
  • Orphaned relatives under 18 (siblings, nieces, nephews, grandchildren)
  • Lone relative (if you have no family in Canada)
Documentation

Required Documents

Dependent Child Sponsorship

  • Child must be under 22 years old
  • Child must be unmarried and not in common-law
  • Child must not have their own dependents
  • Proof of parent-child relationship

International Adoption

  • Provincial approval letter
  • Home study by licensed agency
  • Hague Convention compliance (if applicable)
  • Adoption finalized before or in Canada

Orphaned Relatives

  • Both parents deceased
  • Under 18 years old
  • Unmarried
  • Related by blood or adoption

Documentation

  • Birth certificates
  • Custody documents (if applicable)
  • Police certificates (if 18+)
  • Medical exam
  • Photos meeting specifications
Application Process

How to Apply

1

Confirm Eligibility

Verify your child or relative meets the definition of dependent child, orphaned relative, or lone relative.

2

Provincial Process (Adoption)

For international adoption, complete your province home study and obtain approval before immigration steps.

3

Gather Documents

Collect identity documents, relationship proof, and any required police certificates or medical exams.

4

Submit Application

Apply online through the IRCC portal. Include all supporting documents and pay fees.

5

Biometrics and Interview

If required, attend biometrics appointment. Some cases require an interview at a visa office.

6

Decision and Travel

Once approved, coordinate travel to Canada or confirm PR landing if already in country.

Costs

Government Fees

Sponsorship Fee$75
Principal Applicant$75 (child under 22)
Dependent Child$75 per additional child
Total Estimate$150 per child + Right of PR Fee $515 (if 22+)

Fees are subject to change. Check IRCC website for current fee schedule. Additional costs may include medical exams, police certificates, and translation services.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is family sponsorship closed in Canada?
Family class sponsorship is open in 2026, though intake varies by category. Spousal and dependent child sponsorship process continuously with a 12-month service standard. PGP runs annual invitations from the existing interest-to-sponsor pool with reduced quotas. Other family sponsorships such as orphaned siblings and last remaining relative continue under standard rules. The fee for spousal, dependent child, parent, and grandparent sponsorships is $1,080. The Super Visa offers an alternative for parents. Go Far Global RCICs review which family stream fits during a $100 paid consultation.
Can I get PR with 470 CRS score?
A CRS score of 470 sits above many recent Express Entry general draw cut-offs in 2025 and 2026, especially in category-based draws for healthcare, French speakers, trades, education, and STEM. General all-program draws have ranged between 481 and 549 in recent rounds, while category-based draws have gone as low as 410. Profile improvements through language scores, education credentials, and Canadian work experience can push the score higher. Provincial nominations add 600 points. Go Far Global RCICs assess your CRS during a $100 paid consultation with our licensed RCIC.
How long does family class sponsorship take?
Spousal sponsorship targets 12 months in 2026 for inland and outland streams. Dependent child sponsorship runs similar timelines. PGP processing varies because invitations come on an annual cycle, with the application phase taking roughly 20 to 24 months after invitation. Other family class categories such as orphaned siblings or last remaining relative typically take 12 to 24 months. The fee is $1,080 for most family streams. Filing a complete application reduces delays. Go Far Global RCICs prepare strong family sponsorship files during a $100 paid consultation.
What is the family class program in Canada?
The family class is the IRCC immigration category that lets Canadian citizens and PRs sponsor close family members for permanent residence. Eligible relationships include spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners, dependent children, parents and grandparents, orphaned siblings, nieces, nephews, grandchildren under 18 who are unmarried, and a last remaining relative under specific conditions. Sponsorship undertakings range from 3 to 20 years depending on the relationship. The fee is typically $1,080. Go Far Global RCICs handle all family class streams during a $100 paid consultation with our licensed RCIC.
What is the family class sponsorship program in Canada?
Family class sponsorship lets Canadian citizens and PRs sponsor spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, parents, grandparents, and certain other relatives for permanent residence. The sponsor signs a binding undertaking ranging from 3 years for spouses to 20 years for parents and grandparents. Income tests apply to PGP at 1.3 times LICO. Spousal and dependent child sponsorship usually has no income test. The fee is $1,080 for most streams. Service standards vary from 12 months for spousal to 20 to 24 months for PGP. Go Far Global RCICs prepare sponsorship files for $100.
How to get family sponsorship in Canada?
Confirm the relationship qualifies under family class rules: spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, dependent child, parent, grandparent, or other eligible relative. Check that the sponsor meets eligibility (age 18, citizen or PR, not in default, not bankrupt, not receiving prohibited social assistance). For PGP, meet 1.3 times LICO for 3 years. File IMM 1344 and IMM 0008, pay the $1,080 fee, attach proof of relationship, and submit medicals and police certificates. Go Far Global RCICs prepare family sponsorship files during a $100 paid consultation.
Who is eligible for family sponsorship in Canada?
Sponsors must be Canadian citizens, PRs, or registered Indians under the Indian Act, age 18 or older, residing in Canada (with some exceptions for citizens abroad sponsoring spouses), not in default of past undertakings, not bankrupt, not receiving social assistance other than for disability, and not subject to certain criminal convictions. Sponsored persons must be eligible family members: spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, parents, grandparents, or specific other relatives. The fee is $1,080. Go Far Global RCICs verify eligibility during a $100 paid consultation with our licensed RCIC.
How much does a family of 3 need for Canada PR?
Express Entry settlement funds for a family of 3 in 2026 sit around $30,690 CAD, updated annually. The figure does not apply when applying through the Canadian Experience Class with valid Canadian work or to applicants with a valid job offer. Family sponsorship has no settlement funds requirement. Quebec applicants meet provincial financial settlement targets through MIFI. Beyond settlement funds, count the $1,080 family sponsorship fee or roughly $2,300 for Express Entry processing per family. Go Far Global RCICs review costs during a $100 paid consultation with our licensed RCIC.

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Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Immigration laws and policies change frequently. Each case is unique and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) before making immigration decisions.