If you have a relative who is either a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, he or she may sponsor you for a permanent resident visa.

The applicant must be known to, and related to the sponsor in the
following ways:

• spouse, common-law or conjugal partner 16 years of age or older;
• parent and grandparent;
• dependent children, including adopted children;
• children under 18 years of age whom you intend to adopt;
• children under guardianship;
• brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces or grandchildren who are orphans; under the age of 18 and not married or in a common-law relationship; or
• you may also sponsor one relative of any age if you do not have an aunt, uncle or family member from the list above.
A son or daughter is dependent when the child:
• is under the age of 22 and does not have a spouse or common-law partner;
• is a full time student and is substantially dependent on a parent for financial support since before the age of 22, or since becoming a spouse or common-law partner (if this happened before age 22); or
• is financially dependent on a parent since before the age of 22 because of a disability.

A sponsor must demonstrate financial ability to provide for the essential needs of the immigrant and any dependents. A sponsor will have to sign an agreement with the government to provide for the essential needs of the immigrant for a period between 3 and 10 years (depending on their age and relationship to the sponsor).

Legal action can be taken against the sponsor if he or she fails to meet his or her obligations to support the immigrant.

A sponsor must be at least 18 years of age, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.