Infographic: A guide to sponsor your spouse, partner or child
Here are the 5 steps you need to take to sponsor your spouse, partner, or child.
Download the PDF version (653 KB)
1. Check your eligibility
2. Submit an application
Follow the document checklist, make sure your application is complete and submit your application.
If your application is incomplete, we’ll return it to you without processing it.
3. We process your application
Processing time
New applications are expected to take 12 months until a decision is made.
This includes a 2-3 month wait period for us to make sure your application is complete and ready for processing
Application status
You can track and update your application online.
Biometrics
We may ask the person you’re sponsoring for their biometrics. They have 30 days to give their biometrics.
COVID 19: Biometrics deadline
Some biometrics collection sites are closed. If the site closest to you is closed, we’ll extend your deadline to give your biometrics. Find out how COVID 19 is affecting biometrics.
Interviews
We may ask for more information or an in-person interview at any time.
Medicals
We’ll ask your family members to do medical exams. They have 30 days to do the exam.
4. We make a decision
We let you know if we approved or refused your application. Processing time ends.
We’ll send instructions to your family members about the next steps to become permanent residents.
5. Your family prepares to come to Canada
Your family members must meet an officer in Canada before their documents expire.
After they arrive, they get their permanent resident card in the mail and they can use settlement services.
