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First visit? Here's how the map works.

Steps run in order. A dashed step is blocked: something before it has to be finished first.

Check a step off when it's done. Whatever it was blocking unlocks by itself.

Some steps are IRCC's to make, not yours. Those show as waiting and can't be checked off.

Start with step 1: Check you can be a sponsor

Family sponsorshipCheck you can sponsorStep 1 of 9

Not started18+ · living in Canada · RequiredYou are here

1. Check you can be a sponsor

You must be at least 18, live in Canada, and be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a person registered under the Canadian Indian Act.

Open this step

The rest of the pathway, folded up

This view fits the whole pathway on one screen: the step you're on is enlarged, its neighbours are shown small, and everything further out is folded into a summary bar you can open. The idea is borrowed from degree-of-interest trees (Card and Nation, 2002).

Times and fees on this page are rough and change without notice. Check canada.ca before you pay for anything or make a plan around a date.

Step 1 of 9 · RequiredClose

Check you can be a sponsor

Not startedRequired

The authority on this stepSponsor your spouse, partner or child: check if you're eligiblecanada.ca · Government of Canada

IRCC is the only authority here. Our summary is here to help you find your way. If anything below differs from the official page, the official page is right. Requirements, fees and processing times change without notice.

Our plain-language summaryLast reviewed 29 July 2026

You must be at least 18, live in Canada, and be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a person registered under the Canadian Indian Act. A citizen living abroad may sponsor, provided they show they will live in Canada when the application is approved. A permanent resident living abroad cannot sponsor at all.

Why it's required: Several past situations bar you: being sponsored as a spouse yourself less than five years ago, still being inside the three-year undertaking for a previous spouse, being in prison, or being behind on an immigration loan or court-ordered support.

Minimum age18Measured when you apply, not when the relationship began.

PR living abroadCannot sponsorOnly citizens may sponsor from outside Canada, and must intend to return.

Previous sponsorshipCan bar youFive years if you were sponsored; three years if you sponsored a spouse.

Documents you'll need

Proof of your citizenship or permanent residence
Proof you live in Canada, or plan to return if you're a citizen abroad
Records of any previous sponsorship undertaking you signed

Finishing this unlocks: Check who you can sponsor