Migration Overseas
Reunite with your loved ones abroad. Explore spousal sponsorship, parent visas, and dependent visa options for families of citizens and permanent residents.
Sponsor your spouse or common-law partner for permanent residency
Bring parents through PR or Super Visa
Include children in your application
Different types of family sponsorship programs available worldwide
Sponsor your spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner
Bring your parents or grandparents to live with you
Include your children in immigration applications
Detailed family sponsorship options in top immigration countries
PR for legally married spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner
Processing: see IRCC tool (IRCC goal: closer to 12 months)Intake paused 15 July 2026: no new applications or invitations until further notice
Existing applications only (15,000 admissions target, 2026)10-year multiple entry, stay up to 5 years per visit
Processing: varies by country; see IRCC toolProcessing times and requirements across countries
| Program | 🇨🇦 Canada | 🇦🇺 Australia | 🇺🇸 USA | 🇬🇧 UK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spouse/Partner | See IRCC tool | 24-30 months | 12-18 months | 12-24 weeks |
| Income Requirement | Parents: minimum necessary income plus 30%; usually none for spouse | Sponsorship assurance | 125% poverty line | £29,000/year (since 11 April 2024) |
| Parent PR | PGP paused since 15 July 2026 | 12+ years queue | 12-18 months (IR-5) | Very restricted |
| Parent Visitor | Super Visa (5 yrs stay) | Visitor (12 months) | B-2 (6 months) | Standard Visitor (6 mo) |
| Sponsorship Period | 3-20 years | 2-10 years | 10 years (affidavit) | 5 years to ILR for family of British citizens (B2 English for settlement from 26 March 2027) |
| Child Age Limit | Under 22 | Under 18 (or dependent) | Under 21 | Under 18 |
Common requirements for family sponsorship applications
Find answers to the most common questions about this visa category.
Citizens and permanent residents can typically sponsor: spouses/partners, dependent children, parents and grandparents. Some countries allow sibling and extended family sponsorship.
Times vary significantly by country, category and case, and each government publishes its own estimates (for Canada, IRCC's processing times tool). IRCC has said a 2027 measure aims to bring Canadian spousal waits outside Quebec closer to 12 months, which is a goal and not the current wait. Parent sponsorship can take years where it is open at all, and Canada's Parents and Grandparents Program has been paused for new applications since 15 July 2026.
Sponsors must meet income thresholds (varies by family size and country), sign undertakings of support, and sometimes provide bonds or deposits.
Most countries allow parent sponsorship by citizens/PRs. Canada's Parents and Grandparents Program has been paused for new applications since 15 July 2026, with no invitations until further notice, so the Super Visa is the route open now. Australia has various parent visa streams with long waits or contributory options.
Canada's Super Visa allows parents/grandparents to stay for up to 5 years per visit without applying for permanent residence. Requires private health insurance of at least CAD 100,000 and a host child or grandchild who meets the minimum necessary income.
Evidence includes shared residence history, combined finances, photos together, communication records, relationship timeline, and third-party declarations from family/friends.
Yes, most countries recognize common-law/de facto relationships. Typically need to prove 12+ months of cohabitation or relationship registration.
Approved applicants receive permanent residence and can live/work in the country. They become eligible for citizenship after meeting residence requirements (usually 3-5 years).
In most cases, yes. Spouses typically get work rights immediately. Parents may have restrictions in some countries until they receive PR.
Sponsors commit to financially supporting the immigrant for a period (3-20 years depending on country and relationship). Breaking this commitment has legal consequences.
Get expert guidance on the best family sponsorship pathway. We'll help you navigate the process from start to finish.
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