How to Qualify as a Sponsor for Family Class
You can sponsor a family member from abroad to come to Canada as a permanent resident if they are:
Your spouse, common-law or conjugal partner (over 16)
Parent
Grandparent
Dependent children (under 22 and not married or financially dependent due to a disability or full time education)
Brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces and orphaned grandchildren (all must be under 18 and not married)
Sponsoring Spouses
If you are sponsoring your spouse the marriage must have taken place in Canada or be recognised by Canadian law and the country it took place in. If it is a same-sex marriage it must have been conducted in Canada.
Sponsoring Common-law Partners
You can sponsor a common-law partner of the opposite or same sex if you have been living together in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 months. Joint ownership of accounts, bills and items and supporting documentation is essential to proving the relationship.
Sponsoring Conjugal Partners
A conjugal partner sponsorship is possible if the relationship doesn't qualify as a common-law union. It must be more than a physical relationship and have significant evidence of permanency.
The Sponsor
You must be at least 18 years old and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor a foreign national to come into Canada under the family class immigration category. You must also promise to support them for a period of 3 to 10 years.
