Family pathways are not interchangeable
Spouse / partner / child sponsorship
Focuses on sponsor eligibility, relationship/dependency rules, genuine relationship evidence, admissibility, undertakings and complete disclosure.
Parents & Grandparents Program
A separate permanent-residence sponsorship program with invitation/intake rules and financial requirements that should not be confused with spouse sponsorship.
Super Visa
A temporary-resident option for eligible parents and grandparents, with specific host-income, insurance and other requirements.
Other relatives
Canada does not provide a broad “sponsor any relative” program. Other-relative sponsorship is limited to specific legal situations.
Spouse / partner sponsorship research
- Confirm the legal relationship category and whether the facts meet it.
- Confirm sponsor eligibility and any bars or previous undertakings that matter.
- Build consistent relationship evidence across history, communication, finances, cohabitation/visits and family/social recognition as applicable.
- Disclose prior relationships, children, refusals and immigration history accurately.
- Prepare civil status, identity, police, medical and country-specific requirements.
Inland vs family-class processing
Where and how a spouse/partner application is filed can affect procedural options and work-permit planning. The correct route depends on residence, status, travel needs and current IRCC program rules—not simply a preference for “inland” or “outland.”
After submission
Track completeness, AOR, sponsor assessment, biometrics/medical requests, additional documents, procedural fairness correspondence and final decision. Keep IRCC informed of material changes such as address, marital status or family composition.