Family Sponsorship (spouse, partner, parents and grandparents)
Family sponsorship allows a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor certain family members: spouse, common-law partner or partner, dependent children, an adopted child and certain other relatives. According to IRCC (page of July 15, 2026), sponsorship of parents and grandparents is currently paused.
Parents and grandparents: sponsorship paused
According to the official IRCC page (updated July 15, 2026), sponsorship of parents and grandparents is currently "paused". The page does not explain why or when it might resume. The other sponsorship categories remain described on their respective pages.
Main conditions
- ✓Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and at least 18 years old
- ✓Meet the sponsor requirements specific to the category (income, undertaking): they vary by family relationship
- ✓The sponsored person must be medically and security admissible
- ✓For a spouse, common-law partner or partner: prove the relationship is genuine and ongoing
- ✓Parents and grandparents: sponsorship is paused, check the program's status before taking any step
Countries of origin
Open to candidates from most countries, unless otherwise stated or subject to specific consular restrictions.
Understanding the program
Who can be sponsored
According to IRCC, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident can sponsor their spouse, common-law partner or partner, dependent children, an adopted child and certain other relatives. Each category has its own guide, with its conditions and forms.
Sponsorship of parents and grandparents appears in the list, but is currently marked as paused.
The sponsor's role and responsibilities
The sponsor commits to supporting the sponsored person for a period set by the sponsorship category. The conditions (minimum age, status, income, undertaking) vary depending on the family relationship: read the guide for the relevant category before starting.
If you live in Quebec, additional steps apply with Quebec's immigration ministry: consult both governments.
The path of an application
IRCC provides a separate guide for each sponsorship category, as well as a portal to submit the application online, by the sponsor or by a representative. IRCC's processing-time tool gives current times by category: they vary and change regularly.
For spousal or partner sponsorship, the relationship must be genuine and ongoing; prepare concrete proof of shared life rather than simple statements.
The case of parents and grandparents
Sponsorship of parents and grandparents is paused according to the official page. You should therefore not plan a project around a reopening whose date is unknown. The Super Visa is a visitor visa distinct from sponsorship: if you are considering it, check its current rules with IRCC.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I sponsor my parents right now?
- According to the official IRCC page (July 15, 2026), sponsorship of parents and grandparents is "paused". Check that page to see whether the situation changes.
- How long does sponsorship take?
- Times vary by category. IRCC publishes an updated processing-time tool: use it rather than a figure found elsewhere.
- Is sponsorship different in Quebec?
- Yes, additional steps apply with Quebec's immigration ministry. Consult Quebec's pages in addition to IRCC's.
Information checked against official pages on October 12, 2026.