Introduction

One of the most meaningful aspects of Canada’s immigration system is its strong focus on family reunification. Through the Family Sponsorship program, Canadian citizens and permanent residents can bring their loved ones to Canada and help them become permanent residents.

Whether you’re looking into spousal sponsorship, sponsoring dependent children, or exploring the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), this guide covers everything you need to know.

What is Family Sponsorship in Canada?

Family Sponsorship is an immigration pathway managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It allows eligible sponsors to commit to supporting their relatives financially, so they can settle in Canada without relying on government assistance.

When approved, the sponsored person receives Canadian Permanent Residency (PR), which includes:

The right to live, work, and study in Canada.

Access to healthcare and most social benefits.

A direct path toward Canadian citizenship.

Who Can You Sponsor in Canada?

Canada’s Family Sponsorship program is designed for close family members. The following categories are eligible:

1. Spouse, Common-Law Partner, or Conjugal Partner

Must be at least 18 years old.

Relationship must be genuine (not solely for immigration).

Two sponsorship options:

Inland Sponsorship → If your spouse/partner is already living in Canada.

Outland Sponsorship → If your spouse/partner lives outside Canada.

Processing time: about 12 months.

Fees: from CAD $1,050.

2. Dependent Children

Must be under 22 years old and unmarried.

Children 22 or older may qualify if financially dependent due to a disability.

Processing time: about 12 months.

Fees: around CAD $150 per child, plus biometrics/medical exams.

3. Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship (PGP)

Managed through a lottery system each year.

If selected, you can submit a full sponsorship application.

Sponsors must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the past 3 years.

Undertaking period: 20 years (you are financially responsible for them).

Alternative: If not selected in the lottery, apply for a Super Visa, which allows long stays of up to 5 years at a time.

4. Other Relatives (rare cases)

Orphaned brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, or grandchildren under 18 (not married or in a relationship).

In some situations, if you have no close family in Canada, you can sponsor one extended relative.

Eligibility Requirements for Sponsors

To sponsor a family member, you must:

Be 18 years or older.

Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.

Live in Canada (citizens abroad must show proof of returning).

Meet income requirements for certain categories (e.g., parents/grandparents).

Sign an undertaking agreement promising financial support.

You cannot sponsor if you:

Are bankrupt or receiving social assistance (except disability).

Have defaulted on previous sponsorship undertakings.

Are in prison or convicted of certain crimes.

Financial Undertaking Period

When you sponsor someone, you are legally responsible for their basic needs: food, shelter, and healthcare not covered by public health.

The commitment period depends on who you sponsor:

Spouse/Partner → 3 years.

Dependent Child → 10 years or until the child turns 22.

Parents/Grandparents → 20 years.

Other Relatives → 10 years.

How to Apply for Family Sponsorship in Canada

Here’s a step-by-step overview of the Family Sponsorship application process:

Check Eligibility – Confirm that both sponsor and applicant meet IRCC requirements.

Gather Documents – Proof of relationship, IDs, financial documents, marriage/birth certificates.

Complete Online Application – Available on the IRCC website.

Pay Fees – Sponsorship fee, processing fee, and biometrics fee.

Submit Application – Upload documents and submit through IRCC’s digital portal.

Medical & Biometrics – Sponsored family member must complete exams.

Wait for Processing – IRCC reviews application (varies by category).

Receive Decision – If approved, family member becomes a Canadian PR.

Processing Times and Fees (2025)
Sponsorship Category Processing Time Fees (approx.)
Spousal Sponsorship ~12 months CAD $1,050+
Dependent Child Sponsorship ~12 months CAD $150+
Parent/Grandparent Sponsorship Several years CAD $1,050+ per parent
Other Relatives Case-specific CAD $1,050+

Additional costs may include:

Biometrics fee: CAD $85 per person.

Medical exam: CAD $200–$300 (varies by country).

Police clearance: Depends on the applicant’s country.

Benefits of Family Sponsorship in Canada

Keep families together in Canada.

Sponsored family member gets permanent residency.

Access to universal healthcare and public education.

The right to work and study anywhere in Canada.

Pathway to Canadian citizenship after 3 years of PR.

Tips for a Successful Sponsorship Application

Provide strong proof of relationship (photos, joint accounts, communication history for spousal sponsorship).

Ensure financial documents are accurate and up-to-date.

Double-check that forms are complete before submission.

Respond quickly to IRCC requests for additional documents.

Consider professional help if your case is complex (e.g., previous refusals).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. How long does family sponsorship take in Canada?
Spousal and child sponsorship applications usually take 12 months, while parent/grandparent sponsorship can take several years.

Q2. Can I sponsor my brother or sister to Canada?
Only in rare cases (if they are orphaned, under 18, and unmarried), or if you have no other relatives in Canada.

Q3. What is the cost of spousal sponsorship in Canada?
The government fee is around $1,050 CAD, plus biometrics, medical exams, and document costs.

Q4. What happens if I divorce my sponsored spouse?
You remain financially responsible for them during the 3-year undertaking period, even if the relationship ends.

Q5. Can a permanent resident sponsor a family member while living outside Canada?
No. Permanent residents must live in Canada. Only Canadian citizens can sponsor while abroad, and they must show intent to return.

Conclusion

The Family Sponsorship Canada program is one of the most compassionate immigration options, designed to reunite families and strengthen communities. Whether you are applying for spousal sponsorship, dependent child sponsorship, or the Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP), careful preparation is the key to success.

By meeting the eligibility criteria, submitting strong documents, and understanding the processing times and financial responsibilities, you can successfully bring your loved ones to Canada and help them build a future here.

A tourist visa for Canada is officially called a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Visitor Visa. It allows you to visit Canada for tourism, visiting family/friends, or short business trips. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Types of Visitor Visas

• Single-entry visa: Allows entry into Canada once.
• Multiple-entry visa: Allows multiple entries for up to 10 years or until your passport expires.

2. Eligibility Requirements

• Valid passport.
• Be in good health (a medical exam may be required).
• Proof of funds to support your stay.
• Proof of ties to your home country (job, family, property, etc.).
• No criminal record (a police certificate may be required).
• A letter of invitation (if visiting family/friends).
• Travel history (if applicable).

3. Application Process

1. Check eligibility on the IRCC website.
2. Gather required documents (passport, photos, financial proof, travel itinerary, etc.).
3. Apply online via IRCC Portal or at a Visa Application Center (VAC).
4. Pay the visa fee (usually CAD $100).
5. Provide biometrics (fingerprints & photo) if required.
6. Wait for processing (usually 2-6 weeks, varies by country).
7. Receive decision via email or online account.
8. Send your passport for visa stamping (if approved).

4. Processing Time

Processing times vary by country. You can check current processing times here.

5. Visa Fees

• Visitor Visa: CAD $100
• Biometrics (if required): CAD $85

6. Entry at the Border

Even with a visa, a border officer will decide if you can enter. Have your documents ready, including proof of funds, return ticket, and travel plans.

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Canada Tourist Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV)

A Canada Tourist Visa, officially known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), permits individuals to visit Canada for tourism, family visits, or short business trips. Below is a comprehensive guide to the application process.

1. Types of Visitor Visas

• Single-entry visa: Grants entry into Canada only once.
• Multiple-entry visa: Allows multiple entries, typically valid for up to 10 years or until passport expiry.

2. Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must:

• Hold a valid passport.
• Be in good health (a medical exam may be required).
• Provide proof of financial stability to cover travel expenses.
• Show strong ties to their home country (employment, family, assets, etc.).
• Have a clean criminal record (a police clearance certificate may be required).
• Present a letter of invitation (if visiting relatives or friends).
• Provide travel history, if applicable.

3. Application Process

1. Determine eligibility on the IRCC website.
2. Prepare required documents, including a valid passport, photographs, proof of funds, and travel itinerary.
3. Submit the application online via the IRCC portal or at a Visa Application Center (VAC).
4. Pay the visa fee (typically CAD $100).
5. Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) if required.
6. Wait for processing, which generally takes 2-6 weeks, depending on the applicant’s country.
7. Receive a decision via email or online account.
8. Submit your passport for visa stamping if the application is approved.

4. Processing Time

Processing times vary by country and can be checked here.

5. Fees

• Tourist Visa Fee: CAD $100
• Biometric Fee (if applicable): CAD $85

6. Entry at the Canadian Border

Possessing a visa does not guarantee entry; final approval is at the discretion of the border officer. Travelers should carry supporting documents such as proof of funds, a return ticket, and their travel itinerary.

Manali

The town that you and I know as `Manali ‘ is actually a collection of three adjacent hills. Each hill has a village and an old temple dominating it. In the beginning was the village. People grew , and still grow, wheat rajma ,vegetables and apples. They kept and  still do cows buffaloes and goat  and sheep. The people weave their  own clothes. The wheat was ready for harvest in spring, the apple would be ready for plucking by August –September, and the snow ripe for falling by December-january. The British never made a hill station here, never laid rail tracks or built a Mall Road.

Indian travellers come more for the temples, snow in Rohtang Pass and organized adventure acivities. Internet cafes offer bus services to Leh , tour operators offer opportunities to go paragliding in Solang Nallah or river rafting on the Beas .

Most importantly Manali offers that haunting Himalayan beauty to which hill stations in the lower Himalayan ranges can only aspire. Look around and there’s the river made of freshly melted snow, and protected stretches of deodar. Look up and the majestic Pir Panjal and Bara Bhangal ranges cradling the town mesmerize you.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Solang  Valley

Solang Nallah (or Solang Valley)is a beautiful green strench 13 km from Manali, where most of the area’s adventure activity is centered. Paragliding Zorbing and horse riding are the popular picnic activites here.Its  a popular picnic spot, but also has plenty of getaway space for those willing to walk a bit extra. Travellers can make a day trip there by bus , or taxi or car from Manli or even camp overnight.

KULLU

Kullu Valley, short for the ancient Kulanthapitha, ‘the end of the habitable world’,  stretches from Rohtang  Pass to Jalori Pass, the name recalling how the wind -blown Rohtang  seperates this lush valley carved  by the river Beas from the barren Trans- Himalayan Lahaul and Ladakh.

Raghunathji  Temple

The temple of pre-eminent lord of the valley. The idol of Raghunathji was brought here in 1660 by a Kulla  raja from the Tretnath Temple at Ayodhya .

Kullu Dussehra

Every Dussehra some 200 of Kullu’s local gods are carried in spectacular ceremonial processions from villages all over the valley to the maiden in Kullu town .

Bijli  Mahadev Temple

The 10 km treck from Kullu to Lord Shiva’s shrine is a stiff but pleasant walk through forets of pine oak and deodar, passing throughvillages their rooftops a riot of color wiyh maize or chillies drying .

For Shopping

Kullu is famous for it handlooms ask the locals and avoid shops wich sells machine made Ludhiana products.Look for shawls, sweaters, socks,gloves and the Kullu topi. Try Bhuttico ,Himachal Handicrafts and Himachal Khadi Emporium in Akhara Bazaar.

 

Jammu , Kashmir and Ladakh’ is a better way to understand this stuningly beautiful state. Hosting the most diverse of landscapes,J&K has plains and foothills in Jammu, lush high-altitude and meadows in Kashmir and the very high. Cold desert of Ladakh. which is snowed under for half the year. The majority faiths are Hinduism Islam and Buddhism respectively.

Srinagar

Location- State Capital Srinagar lies by the Jhelum River, and  the Dal and Nagin lakes at 5214 ft in the western Kashmir Valley, with the Zaberwan Hills in the backdrop

Distance 293 km  N of Jammu,400km NW of Pathankot, 512 km NE of Amritsar.

Tourists Attractions

Shalimar Garden, Nishat Bagh are one of the places to be visit in Srinagar.

Dal Lake

Dal is the most famous of Srinagar’s attractions. Most tourism oreinted activites on the lake happen near the DalGate. Tourists can take a shikara ride on colorful high backed seats buy flower s from floating shops get yourself clicked, in kikitsch Kashmiri dresses ,see the floating vegetable market at dawn, visit Hazratbal, and traverse the smaller and quieter Nagin lake and the old Pundit quarter of Rainwari.

Jammu

Jammu is the winter capital of the state Jammu and Kashmir as it was of the Dogra rulers earlier. Since 1872 in  a move even today called the shifting of the Durbar, the administration has been physically shifting between the two cities, with thousands of employees and hundreds of truck laden with files moving to Jammu in NOVEMBER for the winter and back to Srinagar in May.