Family Reunification
Bringing Loved Ones Closer, Faster.
We help you reunite with your family in Canada through expert guidance, faster processing, and end-to-end support.
Spouse Sponsorship
In many cases, couples are separated by borders while navigating the immigration process. Canada’s Spousal Sponsorship Program addresses this challenge by allowing a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for permanent residence, regardless of whether they live inside or outside Canada.
As part of Canada’s commitment to family reunification, most spousal sponsorship applications are processed within 12 months.
Eligibility Requirements for the Sponsor:
To sponsor your spouse or common-law partner, you must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident residing in Canada.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Not have been sponsored as a spouse within the past 5 years.
- Not be in prison, charged with a serious offense, or declared bankrupt.
- Not be under a deportation order (if a permanent resident).
Note: Sponsors residing in Quebec must meet additional provincial requirements.
Eligibility Requirements for the Sponsored Partner:
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must be in a genuine relationship (legal marriage, common-law, or conjugal partnership) recognized by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC).
- Must not be a close blood relative of the sponsor.
Types of Applications:
- Outland Sponsorship: Suitable for couples where the sponsored partner is living outside Canada. Applicants may still travel to and from Canada while their application is in process.
- Inland Sponsorship: For couples living together in Canada. The sponsored spouse may also be eligible for an Open Work Permit, allowing them to work while awaiting a decision.
Spousal or Common-Law Partner Open Work Permit
A Spousal Open Work Permit enables the sponsored individual to work in Canada while their permanent residence application is being processed. This helps couples reduce financial stress and transition smoothly into their new life in Canada.
Canada also recognizes common-law partnerships, allowing couples who have lived together for at least one year in a marriage-like relationship to apply for spousal sponsorship, even if they are not legally married.
Child or Other Dependant Sponsorship
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their biological or adopted children under the age of 22 for permanent residence, provided they are unmarried and have no children of their own.
If dependents were not included in the initial immigration application, they may still be sponsored later through the Child Sponsorship Program, ensuring family unity is preserved.
Parent or Grandparent Sponsorship
Canada’s commitment to family reunification also extends to parents and grandparents through the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program (PGP).
Eligibility Requirements for Sponsors
Sponsors who may not meet permanent sponsorship criteria can consider applying for a Super Visa, which allows multiple entries and long-term stays for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
At Pennworld Immigration Services, we understand that family comes first. Our expert consultants guide you through every form, requirement, and legal detail to help you reunite with your loved ones in Canada quickly, legally, and with care.
- Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Must demonstrate sufficient income to financially support their family, meeting the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for their household size.
- Must agree to financially support their sponsored family members for a defined period.