Sponsor your spouse, partner or children: how to apply

As of September 23, 2022, you must apply online for this program.

If you can’t apply online, and require accommodations, including for a disability, you can ask for the application in another format (paper, braille or large print).

To apply to sponsor your spouse, partner or child, there are 2 applications:

1. You must apply to become a sponsor.
2. Your spouse, partner or child must apply for permanent residence.

If you want to sponsor your adopted child or an orphaned family member, follow the instructions to sponsor your adopted child instead.

If you live in Quebec, find out the steps to take to sponsor your spouse, partner or child in Quebec.

There are 4 steps to sponsor your spouse, partner or child:

1. Apply to sponsor

The sponsor must

• download and complete the PDF forms in the application package
• digitally sign, along with the person you’re sponsoring (principal applicant)

The person you’re sponsoring (principal applicant) will

• upload them to their online application
• electronically sign for the entire application, including those of any other family members

Get the application package

• document checklist for you and the persons you want to sponsor
• forms you and the persons you want to sponsor need to fill out
• instruction guide to help you and your family members fill out the forms correctly

Read the guide carefully before you complete the application form. The sponsorship application fee for processing your application can’t be refunded.

Helping your spouse, partner or child with their application?

There are certain steps you need to complete if you want to:

• prepare your family members’ application for them (this would mean that you’d be acting as their representative)
• check on their application status

You have to request permission and provide the right forms with your application.

2. Apply to be sponsored (permanent residence)

You must fill out these digital forms online

• Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
• Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
• Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
• Supplementary Information - Your travels (IMM 5562)

Photo specifications

You need one photo for each person on your application.

Follow the instructions in the online application to scan and upload both sides of your photo.

Working in Canada

If you already have a work permit, you can keep working as long as the permit is valid.

If you don’t have a work permit, you may be eligible for an open work permit if you meet both of these requirements:

• You live in Canada with the person sponsoring you.
• You got an acknowledgement of receipt that says your permanent residence application is being processed.

You can’t apply for your open work permit in the Permanent Residence Portal. We’ll refuse your work permit application if you do.

You must apply for your work permit through your IRCC secure account. If you’re using a representative to apply, they’ll use the Authorized Paid Representative portal.

Technical issues

1. Select your problem.
2. Under Tell us about yourself:
   • If you don’t have a unique client identifier number, enter 1111111111.
   • If you haven’t submitted an application yet, and don’t have an application number, enter 0000000.
3. Under Tell us about your technical issue:
   • Specify the program you’re trying to apply under.
   • Explain any problems that you’re having.
   • Upload screenshots from your account that show us both
     • the page and fields where you’re having problems, and
     • any error messages you’re getting.

If you need to upload a number of images, find out how to combine them into 1 document.

Using an immigration representative

If you want to appoint someone to do business with us on your behalf, you must

• download a Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] (opens in a new tab) or Authority to release personal information to a designated individual form [IMM 5475] (opens in a new tab) – which ever applies

• complete it
• sign it digitally or by hand and get your immigration representative to do so also
• upload it with your application

An immigration representative (an immigration consultant or lawyer) can give you advice and help you with your application for a fee. But they can’t

• open a portal account on your behalf
• electronically sign the application for you
• sign into the portal using your username and password

A representative can fill out forms and communicate with us on your behalf through their own account. They can also

• help you prepare the documents you need to upload
• answer questions about the forms

After you read the declaration, you must be the one who types your name. This is the legal requirement for your application to be considered “signed,” according to Canada’s immigration law.

3. Pay your application fees

Your fingerprints and photo (biometrics)

Book your biometrics collection appointment as soon as you can to avoid processing delays. Find out how to give biometrics.

In most cases, your fees will include:

• processing fees for you, the persons you’re sponsoring and their dependants
• the right of permanent residence fee
• the biometrics fee

Biometrics fee

In most cases, you must pay a biometrics (fingerprints and photo) fee when you submit your application. Otherwise you may experience delays. The biometrics fee covers the cost of collecting fingerprints and a digital photo.

Third-party fees

Depending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties for:

• your medical exam
• a police certificate

The instruction guide can help you understand which fees apply to you.

4. Send us additional information during processing

During processing, we’ll ask the person you’re sponsoring to submit their:

• medical exams
• police certificates
  • You need to include police certificates when you apply.
  • You need them for the person being sponsored and each family member 18 or older (who isn’t already a Canadian citizen or permanent resident).
  • Police certificates are generally valid for 1 year from the date they’re issued.
    • Depending on processing times, we may ask you for new certificates.
    • When the biometrics fee is paid, we’ll send your family members a letter asking them to give their biometrics.
    • Your family members must show this letter when they give their biometrics.
    • They have 30 days to give their biometrics in person at their closest collection point.

    Biometrics fee

    • Individual applicant: CAD $85
    • Families applying at the same time: maximum total fee of CAD $170
    • Groups of 3 or more performing artists and their staff who apply for work permits at the same time: maximum total fee of $CAD 255

    We’ll send instructions and let your family members how much time they have to send us this information.

    You must tell us of any change in circumstances, such as:

    • birth or adoption of children
    • marriage or divorce or separation
    • death of an applicant or a dependant

    5. Submit your online application

    Before you submit your application, make sure you:

    • answer all questions
    • electronically sign your application (type your full name exactly as shown on your passport)
    • include your processing fee receipt
    • upload all the supporting documents

    If your application is incomplete, we’ll reject it. You’ll have to fix any errors and then re-submit it.

    6. Get updates about your application online

    If you and the person you are sponsoring meet the eligibility requirements, we will mail or email you a request to link your application to an online account.

    

    Having trouble? See the top questions about linking your application in the Help Centre.