Canada remains committed to family reunification through its streamlined immigration pathways. In 2025, the Spousal and Dependent Sponsorship Program continues to offer Canadian citizens and permanent residents a meaningful route to bring their loved ones to Canada permanently. Whether you’re sponsoring a spouse, common-law/conjugal partner, or dependent child, understanding your legal and financial responsibilities is essential to avoid delays and rejections.
This legal guide covers critical topics such as eligibility requirements, who you can and cannot sponsor, the online application process, financial obligations, and exemptions under IRPR Section 133. We also highlight Quebec-specific rules, recent policy updates, and the option to apply for open work permits for in-Canada spouses.
If you’re planning to submit a sponsorship application, now is the time to ensure you meet all the requirements and gather the right documentation. A single oversight can result in costly setbacks.