If you’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada or the United States, and you wish to bring your spouse, partner, children, or parents to live with you in Canada, the Family Sponsorship Program offers a clear pathway.
Canada’s family reunification policy is one of the most compassionate in the world, allowing loved ones to stay together and build their lives in Canada. But when the sponsoring family member or the applicants live in the U.S., certain nuances and timelines come into play.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain how family sponsorship from the U.S. to Canada works, the eligibility requirements, the step-by-step process, and how long it typically takes.
If you want expert help to navigate the process smoothly, Earnest Immigration and Citizenship Services Inc. – a trusted Canadian immigration consultancy based in Windsor, Ontario – can help you prepare a strong and compliant sponsorship application.
1. Understanding Family Sponsorship from the U.S. to Canada
The Family Sponsorship Program is designed to let Canadian citizens and permanent residents sponsor their eligible relatives for permanent residence (PR). This includes:
- Spousal sponsorship (spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner)
- Dependent child sponsorship
- Parent and grandparent sponsorship
If your family members are currently in the U.S., they can be sponsored while staying there, but must complete medical exams, background checks, and biometrics as part of the process.
To explore more about our family sponsorship services, visit our Family Sponsorship page.
2. Who Can Be Sponsored
The Canadian government allows sponsorship of specific family members under clear categories:
a. Spouse or Common-Law Partner
You can sponsor your husband, wife, or common-law partner who lives with you in the U.S. or elsewhere.
Your relationship must be genuine and legally recognized.
b. Dependent Children
You can sponsor biological or adopted children under 22 years old, provided they are not married or in a common-law relationship.
c. Parents and Grandparents
Through the Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP), you can bring your parents or grandparents to Canada as permanent residents. If the intake is closed, they can apply for a Super Visa, allowing them to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time. Learn more about long-stay visas on our Visitor Visa Services page.
3. Sponsor Eligibility Requirements
To be an eligible sponsor, you must:
- Be 18 years or older
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Demonstrate that you can financially support your sponsored family member
- Sign an undertaking committing to support your relative for a specific period (3 to 20 years, depending on the relationship)
- Reside in Canada, or plan to return when your sponsored family member becomes a PR
If you’re currently in the U.S., you can still start the sponsorship process, but you’ll need to prove that you intend to move back to Canada once the PR visa is approved.
4. Documents Needed for Family Sponsorship
Before applying, gather the following documents:
- Proof of Canadian citizenship or PR status
- Marriage certificate or proof of relationship
- Birth certificates for dependent children
- Proof of financial stability (tax returns, employment letter)
- Police clearance certificates for applicants living in the U.S.
- Medical examination results by an approved panel physician
All documents in a language other than English or French must be translated by a certified translator.
5. Income Requirements
Not all family sponsorships require a minimum income. For example, you don’t need to meet financial thresholds to sponsor a spouse or child.
However, to sponsor parents or grandparents, you must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for three consecutive taxation years before applying.
You’ll also be required to provide Notices of Assessment (NOAs) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) as proof of income.
To evaluate your eligibility based on income and sponsorship type, you can book a consultation with Earnest Immigration’s experts.
6. Step-by-Step Process for Sponsorship from the U.S.
The sponsorship process for family members in the U.S. generally follows these steps:
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Confirm that both the sponsor and the applicant meet the eligibility criteria.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Collect all identity, relationship, and financial documents.
Step 3: Complete and Submit the Application
You’ll submit two applications simultaneously:
- The sponsorship application (for the sponsor)
- The permanent residence application (for the family member being sponsored)
These are filed together to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Applications are submitted online, and you’ll receive an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) once IRCC begins processing.
Step 4: Biometrics, Medicals, and Background Checks
Your family member living in the U.S. will be asked to provide biometrics at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in the U.S. and complete medical exams with an IRCC-approved doctor.
Step 5: Application Review and Decision
IRCC will verify relationship genuineness, eligibility, and documentation. If all requirements are met, a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) is issued.
Step 6: Family Member Lands in Canada
Your loved one can then move to Canada and officially become a permanent resident.
7. Processing Time: U.S. to Canada Sponsorship
Processing times vary depending on the relationship category and the country of residence.
For sponsorships from the U.S., the estimated timelines are:
- Spousal or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship: 10-14 months
- Dependent Child Sponsorship: 10-12 months
- Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship: 24-36 months
- Super Visa: Around 6-8 months
Timelines can fluctuate depending on the completeness of the application, background checks, and medical clearance.
At Earnest Immigration, our experienced team ensures your documents are complete and accurate from the start – minimizing the chances of delays or rejections.
8. Outland vs. Inland Sponsorship
If your family member is living in the U.S., the sponsorship is typically considered Outland Sponsorship, since the applicant resides outside Canada.
Outland Sponsorship Advantages:
- Faster processing (especially for U.S. residents)
- The applicant can continue living and working in the U.S. during processing
- Freedom to travel internationally while the application is in progress
However, if your spouse or partner is already living with you in Canada on a temporary visa, you can apply through Inland Sponsorship, which allows them to stay in Canada during processing and even apply for an Open Work Permit.
To understand which option is best for your situation, explore our Spousal Sponsorship page.
9. Key Tips for Successful Sponsorship
- Provide genuine relationship evidence: Photos, joint leases, communication records, and travel history can help prove authenticity.
- Stay organized: Submit all required forms, pay correct fees, and ensure signatures are complete.
- Keep proof of intent to return: If you’re a sponsor living in the U.S., include job offers, housing plans, or school enrolment in Canada.
- Respond quickly: When IRCC requests additional documents, delays in response can prolong processing.
- Work with an RCIC: Licensed consultants like Earnest Immigration ensure that your case is well-prepared and fully compliant with immigration law.
10. Common Reasons for Rejection
Applications may be refused if:
- Relationship authenticity is questioned
- Incomplete or inconsistent documents are submitted
- The sponsor fails to meet eligibility or income requirements
- Criminal or medical inadmissibility issues arise
A rejected application can cause emotional and financial setbacks. Working with a regulated professional from Earnest Immigration can help prevent such outcomes by reviewing your documents before submission.
11. After Approval: What Happens Next
Once the sponsorship is approved and permanent residence is granted, your family member will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and Permanent Resident Visa (if applicable).
After landing in Canada, they will:
- Receive their PR card
- Be eligible for healthcare, education, and employment
- Begin the countdown toward Canadian citizenship (after meeting residency requirements)
For information on transitioning from PR to Citizenship, visit our Canadian Citizenship page.
12. Why Choose Earnest Immigration
At Earnest Immigration and Citizenship Services Inc., we specialize in helping families reunite in Canada through precise, efficient, and compassionate support.
Our RCIC-licensed consultants:
- Evaluate eligibility for family sponsorship
- Prepare strong relationship documentation
- Track applications through IRCC updates
- Provide guidance on medicals, biometrics, and next steps
Whether you’re sponsoring a spouse from the U.S., parents from abroad, or children overseas, our team ensures your case is handled with care and accuracy.
You can learn more about us and our team on our About Us page.
13. Final Thoughts
The Family Sponsorship Program is one of the most meaningful immigration pathways – allowing Canadians to live with their loved ones permanently. If you’re in the U.S. and hoping to reunite with your family in Canada, understanding the requirements, timelines, and documentation is crucial to success.
By preparing carefully and working with trusted professionals like Earnest Immigration and Citizenship Services Inc., you can make your family’s Canadian dream a reality.
