Open
Spousal and partner sponsorship
A Canadian citizen or permanent resident sponsors their spouse, common-law or conjugal partner for permanent residence, from inside or outside Canada.
Open all year.
Family
Dependent child sponsorship
A citizen or permanent resident sponsors their dependent child, usually under 22 and not married or in a common-law relationship.
OpenStatus checked Nov 7, 2026
Open all year. Processing time depends on the child’s country.
Key requirements
- The child is usually under 22 and not married or in a common-law relationship.
- Children 22 or older can qualify if they have depended on their parent since before 22 because of a physical or mental condition.
- Often included in a parent’s own application, or sponsored on their own.
- Medical, criminal and security checks apply.
Related pathways
Open with limits
Study permits
Permission to study at a designated learning institution, usually with a provincial or territorial attestation letter.
Open within a national cap: 408,000 study permits in 2026, of which 155,000 are new. Master’s and PhD students at public institutions no longer need an attestation letter.
All pathways
Statuses change, sometimes with little notice. Always confirm on the official page before you apply. This is general information, not legal advice.