Spousal and Dependent Child Sponsorship | Reuniting Families in Canada

One of the fastest and most widely used pathways for family reunification in Canada is the Spousal and Dependent Child Sponsorship Program. This program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents (PR holders) to sponsor their spouse, common-law/conjugal partner, and dependent children for permanent residence in Canada.

Who Can Sponsor Their Spouse or Children?

You may be eligible to sponsor your spouse or children if you:

• Are at least 18 years old
• Are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Currently live in Canada (or intend to return upon your family’s arrival if you’re a citizen)
• Are not in default of any government financial assistance
• Have no record of domestic violence or serious criminal offense

Who Qualifies as a Spouse or Partner?

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recognizes the following relationships:

• Legal Spouse: Marriage registered in Canada or abroad
• Common-law Partner: Lived together in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 consecutive months without long separations
• Conjugal Partner: In a committed relationship where marriage or cohabitation wasn’t possible due to external barriers (e.g., legal or cultural restrictions)

📌 Note: Engagement or dating relationships without cohabitation or legal marriage are not eligible for sponsorship.

Who Is Considered a Dependent Child?

You can sponsor your biological or adopted children, or those of your spouse/partner, if they:

• Are under 22 years old and unmarried,
• Or are 22 or older but financially and physically dependent on their parents due to a documented medical condition.

Step-by-Step: How Sponsorship Works

1. Eligibility Review: Assess whether the sponsor meets IRCC’s requirements.
2. Document Preparation: Gather official proof of relationship (marriage certificates, joint documents, etc.).
3. Submit Applications: File both sponsorship and PR applications simultaneously.
4. Security & Medical Checks: IRCC verifies the genuineness of the relationship and performs background checks.
5. Permanent Residence Issuance: Once approved, your family member(s) receive their PR.

Processing Time

Most spousal and dependent child sponsorship applications are processed within 8 to 12 months, depending on the applicant’s location and the type of relationship.

Financial Undertaking

As a sponsor, you agree to provide financial support for:

• 3 years from the date your spouse/partner becomes a PR
• Up to 10 years or until the dependent child turns 25 (whichever comes first)

During this period, the sponsored individuals must not rely on government financial assistance. If they do, the sponsor is legally responsible for repaying the costs.

If you’ve recently become a Canadian permanent resident or citizen and wish to reunite with your family, the Spousal and Dependent Child Sponsorship Program may be your most reliable and compassionate option.

The Samiee Immigration team is here to support you through every step — from eligibility review and documentation to final submission and follow-up.

📞 Contact us today for a free eligibility assessment.
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