Apply to sponsor your spouse, partner or children
Canada Post services across Canada may be affected by ongoing delays in service from continued labour negotiations.
Our processes will be unaffected though you may experience delays in:
- sending applications mailed within or to Canada
- receiving mail from us
If you’re planning on traveling to Canada or submitting an application (including for a passport or other travel document), apply early.
Visit Canada Post for more information before sending any application by mail. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more.
You need to give your biometrics
You now need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) when you apply for permanent residence if you are from Europe, the Middle East or Africa.
Find out who needs to give biometrics.
Changes to conditional permanent residence
Sponsored spouses or partners: your permanent residence is no longer dependent on you living with your sponsor for a period of 2 years. Find out more about these changes.
1. Find out how to apply
Find out who can apply to become a sponsor.
Use our basic guide (IMM 5525) to help you with the application steps, including:
- how to prepare and submit your application
- what to expect after you submit your application
Does your spouse or partner want to work while they are living in Canada and waiting for their application to be processed?
If you’re sponsoring your spouse or partner under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in-Canada Class, they may be eligible for an open work permit. Find out how to apply.
When we receive your application, we’ll check your application package to make sure it’s complete.
If documents or fees are missing, we’ll stop processing your application and send it back to you.
If your application has all the required documents and fees, we’ll:
- tell you that we started processing your application by:
- email or
- letter (if you don’t give us your email)
- give you:
- your file number
- information about the next steps
2. Link your application to your online account
When we start processing your application, you’ll receive a letter with your application number.
After you get this letter, you or your representative have the option to link the application to an online account. This way, you can communicate with us quickly and securely and get updates and messages about your application online.
Find out how to create an online account and link your application to your account. If you have an authorized paid representative, they need to link your application to their account.
Having trouble? See the top questions about linking your application in the Help Centre.
3. Send us the additional documents we need
We’ll tell you exactly which documents you need to send us, such as your medical exam receipts.
You’ll get this information by mail, email or through your online account.
4. Track or update your application
During processing, track your application and make sure it's up to date by:
- checking the status of your application
- updating your address or other information, if necessary
- adding or changing your representative, if necessary
- withdrawing your application, if desired
If you want us to release your information to someone else, find out how to give someone else access to your information.
5. Prepare for arrival in Canada
While you’re still overseas, find pre-arrival services to help plan your life in Canada.
To prepare for arrival at the Canadian port of entry:
- find out what documents you’ll need to show border officers
- learn what information you’ll have to provide
Once you arrive, find services and information for new immigrants to help you start your life in Canada.
Top questions about sponsoring your family
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