Sponsorship
Family reunification is one of the pillars of Canada's immigration system. Since the end of the Second World War, Canada has sought to welcome immigrants to strengthen its economy, bring families together, and on humanitarian and compassionate grounds. The family class is the second largest category of newcomers welcomed by Canada under its Immigration Levels Plan. Canada is pursuing the highest levels of immigration in its history to support its post-COVID economic recovery. As such, Canada aims to welcome over 400,000 new immigrants per year, of which, over 100,000 immigrants per year fall under the family class.
The country's immigration system is managed by the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada or IRCC for short. The department was previously known as Citizenship and Immigration Canada, or CIC for short. IRCC establishes and administers Canada's family sponsorship program. This entails establishing program criteria, accepting and reviewing family sponsorship applications, and providing permanent and temporary resident visas.
Spousal Sponsorship
Spousal Sponsorship allows a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada, aged 18 or more to sponsor their partner to immigrate to Canada and live permanently.
Parent Sponsorship
Parent Sponsorship allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents outside Quebec to sponsor their parents and grandparents to become permanent residents of Canada.
Family Sponsorship
Family Sponsorship allows a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada, aged 18 or more can sponsor family members to become Canadian permanent residents.