Family Sponsorship
For Canadian citizens and permanent residents who want to bring a spouse, partner, child, or parent to Canada on a genuine relationship — not a shortcut around other programs.
Family Class sponsorship lets eligible citizens and permanent residents sponsor a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner, dependent child, or, when the program is open, a parent or grandparent. IRCC assesses both the sponsor’s eligibility and whether the relationship is genuine. Inland and outland routes have different travel and work-permit consequences. We prepare the evidence; we do not coach a story.
Spousal processing
Often 12–24 months
IRCC times change by office and inland vs outland.
Spousal income floor
No LICO minimum
You still sign a three-year undertaking.
Parents (PGP)
Intake is periodic
LICO and a randomized intake often apply.
Inland work
Open work permit possible
Only in eligible inland spousal cases.
Sponsoring a spouse or partner
For sponsor requirements, inland and outland options, relationship evidence, forms, and common refusal risks, read our spouse sponsorship eligibility and process guide.
Who this is for
- You are 18+ and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- You can document a genuine marriage, common-law, or conjugal relationship
- You want to sponsor a dependent child
- You are planning a Super Visa or watching for a PGP intake
Who this is not for
- You are in default on a previous sponsorship undertaking
- The relationship cannot be documented beyond a recent ceremony
- You need a visitor visa only — start with Visitor Visa
- You are looking for an appeal of a refusal without the 30-day (or JR) deadline in view
What RSTM handles
- Sponsor and applicant eligibility check
- Relationship-evidence plan (photos, travel, finances, communication)
- Inland vs outland route advice
- Complete sponsorship and PR forms
- Interview preparation if IRCC requests one
- Appeal or judicial-review discussion if a Family Class file is refused
How this program works
- 1
Eligibility and route
We confirm the sponsor can undertake and whether inland or outland is the safer route for your travel and work needs.
- 2
Evidence
We build a relationship package that an officer can follow — not a stack of unsorted screenshots.
- 3
File the package
We complete IMM 1344, the PR forms, and the supporting index so names, dates, and addresses match.
- 4
After filing
We track IRCC requests, prepare you for an interview if one is scheduled, and advise on an inland open work permit where it applies.
Documents and requirements
- Sponsor is 18+ and a citizen or PR (citizens abroad must show intent to return)
- Sponsor is not barred, bankrupt, or in default on a prior undertaking
- Relationship is genuine and not entered into primarily for immigration status
- Applicant is admissible (medical, criminal, security)
Checklist
- Passports and status documents for sponsor and applicant
- Marriage certificate or IMM 5409 / conjugal evidence
- Photos, travel, communication, and joint financial records
- Police certificates and IRCC medical exam
- IMM 1344, IMM 0008, IMM 5406, and related forms
- Proof of government fee payment
Robert Makkar, RCIC · CICC licence R508785 · Toronto, Ontario
Advice specific to your circumstances is given in a paid consultation with a licensed RCIC — not by an automated score.
Verify licence with CICC“Robert and the RSTM team made our Express Entry journey so smooth. From the initial assessment to receiving our ITA, we always felt in good hands.”
“Exceptional service for my LMIA-based work permit. The team was responsive, thorough, and delivered on every promise.”
“RSTM helped me sponsor my husband. The process was complex but Robert guided us every step of the way.”
Frequently asked questions
This page is preliminary information only. It is not legal advice, not a confirmation of eligibility, and not a guarantee of an invitation, approval, or any particular outcome. Advice specific to your circumstances is provided in a paid consultation with a licensed RCIC.
Ready to explore your Canadian immigration options?
Start with a free preliminary assessment or book a paid consultation for personalized advice from a licensed RCIC.