OA Clarke Immigration Services Inc.
Family Class Sponsorship Guide
Reuniting Families in Canada
To sponsor a family member, you must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident living in Canada, at least 18 years old, and capable of supporting your relative financially.
- Age: Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Status: Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or person registered under the Canadian Indian Act.
- Financial Obligation: Must prove you are not receiving social assistance for reasons other than a disability and promise to support the sponsored family member financially.
| Category | Undertaking | Key Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse / Partner | 3 Years | Genuine marriage or 12+ months cohabitation. No income requirement in standard cases. |
| Dependent Children | 10 Years (or age 25) | Unmarried children under age 22 (or older if dependent due to disability). |
| Parents & Grandparents | 20 Years | Lottery-based intake. Must meet Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for 3 tax years. |
To sponsor parents or grandparents, you must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI + 30%) for the last 3 consecutive tax years for your total family unit size.
| Tax Year | Required MNI (+30%) |
|---|---|
| Tax Year 1 (Most Recent) | $68,358 CAD |
| Tax Year 2 | $68,358 CAD |
| Tax Year 3 | $65,689 CAD |
*Amounts reflect IRCC LIFO + 30% requirements. Income must be proven via CRA Notice of Assessment (NOA).

