Persons who may be sponsored
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
As a member of the family class
- spouse, common-law or conjugal partner
- dependent child (including children adopted overseas)
- father or mother
- grandfather or grandmother
- a sponsor’s orphaned sibling, niece, nephew or grandchild who is under 18
- child under age 18 to be adopted in Canada
- one relative, regardless of age or relationship, subject to specific conditions
A Canadian citizen residing abroad may sponsor a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner provided that the sponsor and applicant will be residing together in Canada when the applicant becomes a permanent resident [R130 (2)].
Under the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class
Members of the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class must meet all of the following:
- be the spouse or common-law partner of sponsor, and live in Canada with sponsor
- have valid temporary resident status in Canada (this regulatory requirement may be waived under the spousal public policy)
- be the subject of a sponsorship application