Nothing checked off yet

First visit? Here's how the map works.

Steps run in order. A dashed step is blocked: something before it has to be finished first.

Check a step off when it's done. Whatever it was blocking unlocks by itself.

Some steps are IRCC's to make, not yours. Those show as waiting and can't be checked off.

Start with step 1: Check you can be a sponsor

Family sponsorshipDecisionStep 8 of 9

BlockedIRCC decides · RequiredYou are here

8. Decision

IRCC assesses whether you qualify as a sponsor and whether the relationship is genuine, then decides the permanent residence application.

Waiting on: Give biometrics, Medical exam with a panel physician, Police certificates

Open this step

The rest of the pathway, folded up

This view fits the whole pathway on one screen: the step you're on is enlarged, its neighbours are shown small, and everything further out is folded into a summary bar you can open. The idea is borrowed from degree-of-interest trees (Card and Nation, 2002).

Times and fees on this page are rough and change without notice. Check canada.ca before you pay for anything or make a plan around a date.

Step 8 of 9 · RequiredClose

Decision

BlockedRequired

The authority on this stepSponsor your spouse, partner or childcanada.ca · Government of Canada

IRCC is the only authority here. Our summary is here to help you find your way. If anything below differs from the official page, the official page is right. Requirements, fees and processing times change without notice.

Our plain-language summaryLast reviewed 29 July 2026

IRCC assesses whether you qualify as a sponsor and whether the relationship is genuine, then decides the permanent residence application. They may ask for more documents or an interview along the way.

Why it's required: Genuineness of the relationship is what these applications turn on. Evidence built up over time reads very differently from evidence assembled the week before applying.

Processing timeCheck the toolIt varies by category and country; IRCC publishes a live figure.

If refusedReasons givenSpeak to a lawyer or an RCIC about your options before reapplying.

Before this step

BlockedGive biometrics BlockedMedical exam with a panel physician BlockedPolice certificates

Finishing this unlocks: They become a permanent resident