Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
A federal immigration program that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor certain family members to obtain permanent resident (PR) status. The process of obtaining permanent resident (PR) status involves the sponsor submitting a sponsorship application in Canada, while the sponsored person submits an application for permanent residence through a Canadian embassy or visa office abroad. Once approved, the sponsored person receives an immigration visa to enter Canada as a permanent resident.
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
to 1 year
Visa validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
Usually, for a single-entry immigration visa under the Family Sponsorship program, the validity of the issued entry document is up to 12 months from the date of issuance. After entering Canada, the visa is no longer required—the applicant becomes a permanent resident.
Unlimited
Duration of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
From the moment of crossing the border, the applicant officially becomes a permanent resident (PR) of Canada. Usually, the PR card is mailed to an address in Canada within a few weeks to four months after entry. This card is the official proof of permanent resident status and is required for re-entry into Canada after traveling abroad.
Unlimited
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
To maintain PR status, the foreigner must reside in Canada for at least 730 days within every five-year period.
single-entry
The possibility of entering the country only once during the visa's validity period. After departure from the country with such a visa, re-entry is not possible, even if the visa's validity period has not yet expired.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
The immigrant family visa allows a single entry into Canada.
from 8 months to 2 years
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
Processing times depend heavily on the specific situation, the degree of relationship, and the workload of the visa office. Generally, visas for spouses/partners and children are processed within 12 months from the submission of the complete application. Sometimes the process can be faster—around 8–10 months—if all documents are in order and there are no delays. For parents and grandparents, the processing time is typically 20 to 24 months. The timeline includes the review of both the sponsor’s and the sponsored person’s applications for PR, as well as checks of police certificates and medical examinations.
$1,205 (~$867)
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
The official fees for an immigration visa under the Family Sponsorship program to Canada are approximately CAD 1,205 for sponsoring a spouse or partner, including the sponsorship fee, application processing fee, and the right of permanent residence fee. For each dependent child included in the application, an additional fee of about CAD 175 is required. Biometric fees must also be paid—approximately CAD 85 per person (up to CAD 170 per family). In addition to these official fees, applicants may incur costs for medical examinations, police certificates, document translations, photographs, and postal or courier services.
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Passport
Should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel to Canada, with at least 2 blank pages.
Photograph
Must be taken within the last 6 months, have a plain white or light background, and be clear, with no shadows or retouching. The standard size is 35×45 mm (or 50×70 mm for certain application categories). The face must be fully visible, with a neutral expression and eyes looking directly at the camera. Only medical or religious head coverings that do not obscure the face are permitted; eyeglasses are allowed as long as there are no glare and the eyes are clearly visible. The photo must meet IRCC requirements for quality, lighting, and facial proportions.
Certificate of criminal record
Confirming no criminal record in the applicant’s home or residence country.
Proof of completing a medical exam
Proof that applicant has a medical exam with a panel physician approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Sponsor’s passport
Passport or Canadian proof of identity (for Canadian citizens).
Sponsor's PR card
Permanent Resident Card (for PR sponsors).
Confirmation of sponsor status
Proof of citizenship or PR status.
Financial documents of sponsor
Financial documents if sponsoring a parent or grandparent (proof of income, employment letters, tax returns).
Sponsor undertaking
Signed sponsor undertaking.
Marriage certificate
Marriage certificate or proof of common-law partnership (for spouses/partners).
Birth certificate
Children’s birth certificates (if applying together).
Proof of relationship
Proof of relationship with the sponsor (e.g., photographs, correspondence, joint bank accounts, joint tenancy or property registration).
Financial documents
Bank statements, proof of income, and the sponsor’s tax returns. Proof that the sponsor can financially support the sponsored person for a specified period (usually 3 years for spouses, up to 20 years for parents or grandparents).
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Travel history
Includes copies of previous visas in a passport.
Authority to release personal information to a designated individual
Authority to release personal information to a designated individual The applicant needs this form if it's necessary to allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to release the personal information to someone applicant choose. If applicable.
Current immigration or residence status
National passport or ID card; visa, residence permit or other supporting document confirming resident status if the country of residence is different from that listed in applicant's passport.
Receipt of fee payment
Confirmation of the visa application processing fee.
Proof of health insurance
Health insurance from a Canadian insurance company or an insurance company outside Canada that has been approved by the minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. It must be valid for a minimum of 1 year from the date of entry, be paid in full or in instalments with a deposit, cover health care, hospitalization and repatriation, provide a minimum coverage of $100,000.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
Immigrant visa
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Immigrant family visa
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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support@terrana.orgEligible individuals
The main categories of individuals for whom the visa is intended and who it is best suited for.
Family, spouse, partner, dependent child under 22 years of age, foster child, parent, grandparent, brother/sister
Last updated 2026-03-17