Do you live in Canada as a citizen or a Permanent Resident (PR)? Do you want your family members to come and live with you in Canada? This guide for 2026 explains the family sponsorship rules in very easy words. Canada wants to bring more families together. The government is making the process simpler with online steps. Now is a good time to start if you want to sponsor your loved ones.
This guide uses simple English. It tells you about sponsoring a spouse, children, parents, grandparents, and other rules. Read it step by step.
Understanding the Sponsorship Framework
Sponsorship is a big promise. When you sponsor someone, you sign a paper called Undertaking Agreement. This paper says you will pay for their basic needs. Basic needs mean food, clothes, house rent, and other daily costs. You promise they will not ask for help from government social programs.
The promise lasts for different years depending on who you sponsor.
Here is a simple table for 2026:
| Who You Sponsor | Relationship | How Long You Promise | Work or Study Rights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spouse or Partner | Husband, Wife, Common-law | 3 years | Can get Open Work Permit |
| Dependent Child | Your own child or adopted child (under 22) | 10 years (or until they turn 25) | Can study or work |
| Parents / Grandparents | Mother, Father, Grandma, Grandpa | 20 years | Super Visa is another option |
| Other Relatives | Like brother/sister (only special cases) | 10 years | Can apply for PR |
These rules make sure the family is supported when they come to Canada.
Sponsoring a Spouse or Partner in 2026
Many people want to bring their husband, wife, or partner to Canada. In 2026, you must show that your relationship is real. IRCC looks at proof like photos together, messages, bank accounts you share, trips you took, and how you live as a couple.
Outland vs. Inland Spousal Sponsorship
There are two ways to apply:
- Inland Sponsorship This is good if your spouse or partner is already inside Canada. You apply together. They can also ask for an Open Work Permit at the same time. With this permit, they can work while waiting for PR. This helps couples stay together.
- Outland Sponsorship This is for people who live outside Canada. Sometimes this way is faster. In 2026, some people use eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to visit Canada while the PR application is going on. This is allowed because of “Dual Intent” rules.
How to sponsor a common-law partner to Canada 2026
Common-law means you live together like husband and wife but are not married. You must prove you lived together for 12 months without a break. Show proof like same address, shared bills, and daily life together.
If you cannot live together because of big problems (like law or danger), you can use Conjugal Partner rules. This is for very strong relationships that are like marriage.
Processing time is usually around 12 months. Some Inland cases get first approval (Approval in Principle) faster. But it can take 12 to 24 months sometimes. Always check the IRCC website for latest time.
PGP 2026: Parents and Grandparents Program
PGP lets you bring parents and grandparents as Permanent Residents. But in 2026, the program is closed for new applications. There is no new lottery this year. IRCC is only working on old applications from past years. No new forms are accepted right now.
Because of this, many families choose Super Visa instead.
- Super Visa Parents and grandparents can stay in Canada up to 5 years each time. They can come and go many times. This visa is quicker and easier to get.
- PGP This gives full PR status. But it is not open in 2026.
For PGP (when it opens again), you need enough money. This is called Minimum Necessary Income (MNI). It depends on your family size. You must show income above Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) plus 30%. You prove it with tax papers (Notice of Assessment) from last 3 years. Many people get refused because their income is not enough.
Super Visa also needs some income proof, but it is lower and simpler.
Dependent Child Sponsorship Canada 2026
You can sponsor your own child or adopted child if:
- They are under 22 years old, and
- They are not married and not in a common-law relationship.
If the child is 22 or older, there are special cases:
- They are full-time students and depend on you for money, or
- They have a health problem (physical or mental) and depend on you.
This rule helps parents keep their dependent children with them.
The 2026 Digital Workflow: PR Portal
Now all applications are online only. You use the Permanent Residence Portal (PR Portal). No paper forms by mail.
What is easy now:
- Digital Signatures — You sign online. No need to print and post.
- Biometrics — The system books your fingerprint and photo appointment.
- e-CAS Tracking — You see updates online in real time. You know the status of your application.
This online system saves time and makes things faster.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
Can I sponsor my brother or sister in 2026?
Usually no. Only in very special cases:
If you are a “Lonely Canadian” (no other close family in Canada), or
If they are under 18, orphaned, and not married. -
What are the processing times for spousal sponsorship in 2026?
IRCC wants to finish in 12 months. Inland cases with work permit may get quick first approval. But total time can be 12 to 24 months. Outland is often 10 to 12 months. Check canada.ca for current times.
-
What is Medical Inadmissibility in 2026?
If a person has a health condition that costs Canada too much money (for hospital or care), they may not get the visa. But most spouses and children are safe from this rule. They get an exemption.
Canada helps families come together. The rules are mostly for close family like spouse, children, and parents.
If you want to start, go to the official IRCC website soon. Look for any new updates. If you need help with money proof, documents, or your case, use official help or ask trusted people. Share this simple guide with others who need it.
Disclaimer: This is only information to help you understand. Rules can change. Always go to the official website (canada.ca/immigration) and check the latest information before you apply.