Canadian citizens and permanent residents may sponsor close relatives for permanent resident status in Canada under the "Family Class".

Spouses, common-law partners and same-sex partners may be sponsored by their spouse/partner in Canada. Dependent children may be sponsored by their parents. Canada no longer has a "Fiancé" category.

There is in general no distinction between Canadian citizens and permanent residents in terms of ability to sponsor a relative - unlike in the U.S. where the distinction is very relevant. However, the sponsor must normally be residing in Canada and must meet certain eligibility criteria. Canadian citizens currently residing abroad (not permanent residents) may sponsor spouses/partners and children to Canada, if they can demonstrate their intention is to return to Canada together with their spouse/partner and/or children once permanent resident status is achieved.

Family Class applications for spouses and dependent children are typically processed in 7 - 9 months.. If the relative is already in Canada it may be possible to process the application entirely from within Canada. If applying under the Inside Canada process, there is currently a pilot project allowing for an interim open work permit while the process is underway.

Parents and grandparents, and in limited circumstances other relatives, may also be sponsored for permanent residence under the Family Class. There is an annual quota for parents and grandparents and a lottery system requring the filing of an "Expression of Interest"in January each year to have a chance of being selected in that calendar year to proceed with the sponsorship. For those who are eligible sponsors but did not get selected in the lottery, the so-called "SuperVisa" option for long term visitor status in Canada for parents and grandparents may be an option.

Chris Morrison is an experienced licensed immigration consultant and Family Immigration Team Lead at the firm. Please contact him at chris@immsolutionslaw.com or by telephone (905) 829-3888 ext 104 for more information about the options and approach that might best fit your circumstances. You may also visit our Getting Started page and register and complete our free on-line questionnaire.