Persons who may be sponsored

• As a member of the family class
• Under the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class

As a member of the family class

• spouse, common-law or conjugal partner
• dependent child (including children adopted overseas)
• father or mother
• grandfather or grandmother
• a sponsor’s orphaned sibling, niece, nephew or grandchild who is under 18
• child under age 18 to be adopted in Canada
• one relative, regardless of age or relationship, subject to specific conditions

A Canadian citizen residing abroad may sponsor a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner provided that the sponsor and applicant will be residing together in Canada when the applicant becomes a permanent resident [R130 (2)].

Under the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class

Members of the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class must meet all of the following:

• be the spouse or common-law partner of sponsor, and live in Canada with sponsor
• have valid temporary resident status in Canada (this regulatory requirement may be waived under the spousal public policy)
• be the subject of a sponsorship application