Canada Immigration: Family Class

Foreign nationals may be selected as members of the Family Class on the basis of their relationship to a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident. Canadian citizens (including, in certain circumstances, those residing abroad with the intention to return to Canada to reside) and permanent residents (restricted to those residing in Canada, only), age eighteen (18) and over, may sponsor the following members of the Family Class (subject to meeting eligibility requirements) for Canada immigration:

  • their spouse
  • their common-law/same-sex partner
  • their conjugal partner
  • their dependent children under age twenty-two (22)
  • their dependent children age twenty-two (22) and over (if they are full-time (fifteen (15) hours per week or more) students, mentally or physically disabled and dependent on their parents)
  • children adopted or to be adopted by them, or under their guardianship
  • parents
  • grandparents
  • other prescribed family members (i.e. last remaining family member under humanitarian and compassionate grounds where it is warranted).

How to Qualify for Canadian Permanent Residence – Family Class


Canadians citizens and permanent residents living in Canada, 18 years of age or older, may sponsor close family members who want to immigrate to Canada.

If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you can sponsor a relative or family member abroad if he/she is:

  • Your spouse, common-law/same-sex partner or conjugal partner
  • Your dependent children, including adopted children
  • Your grandparents
  • Other family members (i.e. last remaining family member under humanitarian and compassionate grounds where it is warranted)

If you have a family member who is a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, he/she may be eligible to sponsor you.