Sponsor Your Family Members
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor eligible family members to become permanent residents — reuniting families and building futures together in Canada.
About Family Sponsorship
Canada's family sponsorship programs allow Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor eligible family members to become permanent residents. Reuniting families is one of the core pillars of Canada's immigration system. As a sponsor, you take on a legal responsibility to financially support your sponsored family member after they arrive in Canada.
Who Can Be a Sponsor?
To sponsor a family member, you must meet all of the following general requirements. Additional requirements may apply depending on the specific program:
Additional requirements — including minimum income thresholds — apply for certain programs such as the Parent and Grandparent Program. These are detailed on each program page below.
Programs We Handle
Asteco handles all four family sponsorship streams available under Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA):
Spouse, Partner & Dependent Children
Sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, or dependent children to become permanent residents of Canada.
Varies — check IRCC for current times
Parents & Grandparents
Sponsor your parents and grandparents to become permanent residents through the annual Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP).
Varies — intake is limited annually
Income Requirement: Sponsors must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) threshold for 3 consecutive years prior to application. Income requirements are based on family size.
Adopted Child
Bring your adopted child to Canada as a permanent resident through the immigration process for international adoption.
Varies by country and adoption process
Other Relatives
In limited circumstances, sponsor certain other relatives such as orphaned siblings, nephews, nieces, or grandchildren — or one relative of any age if you have no other eligible relatives.
Varies
Open Work Permit for Sponsored Spouses in Canada
If your spouse or common-law partner is being sponsored for permanent residence and is already living in Canada, they may be eligible to apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP) while their PR application is being processed. This allows them to work for any employer in Canada — without being tied to a specific job or employer — while waiting for their permanent residence to be approved.
Policy Disclaimer
Open Work Permit eligibility rules for spouses are established by IRCC and are subject to change at any time. Significant changes took effect on January 21, 2025, affecting spouses of foreign workers and international students. The information above applies specifically to Pathway 1 (sponsored spouse in Canada with PR in process) and reflects IRCC guidelines as of February 26, 2026. Always consult an RCIC before making any decisions about your OWP application.
Eligibility Conditions — All Must Be Met
Important Notes
Disclaimer: Family sponsorship programs, eligibility requirements, income thresholds, and processing times are set by IRCC and are subject to change without notice. The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Consult our RCIC before making any immigration decisions.
Family Sponsorship Programs
Select the program that applies to your situation:
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