How long does the Family Sponsorship take?

End to end, the Family Sponsorship typically takes 12 to 24 months. Preparing a complete application (5 stages) usually takes around 5 months; the rest is government processing, which varies with caseload and country of application.

What slows down Family Sponsor applications?

The most common delays are incomplete evidence triggering requests for more information, missing or expired documents (police certificates and medicals have validity windows), and backlogs at specific processing offices. Filing a decision-ready application is the single biggest controllable factor.

Can I speed up the Family Sponsor?

You cannot skip the queue in most cases, but you can avoid adding to it: submit complete evidence the first time, respond to requests immediately, and keep documents valid. Some categories offer premium or priority processing — check the official government page for current options.

🇨🇦 Canada · Family Sponsor

Family Sponsorship: Processing time

Typical end-to-end timeline: 12–24 months. Here is where that time actually goes, stage by stage.

Typical processing time

12–24 months

from first preparation to final decision

Government processing times move with caseload. Check the official processing-time page for the current published estimate — our platform tracks these automatically.

The 5 stages of a Family Sponsor application

1
Determine Eligibility and Gather Documents
≈ 30 days
Confirm you meet the sponsor eligibility requirements and that your family member qualifies. Gather proof of your status in Canada, relationship documents, financial records, and the sponsored person's documents.
2
Complete Sponsorship and PR Application Forms
≈ 21 days
The sponsor completes the sponsorship application (IMM 1344, IMM 5481) and the sponsored person completes the permanent residence application forms (IMM 0008, IMM 5669, IMM 5406). Both packages are usually submitted together.
Form: IMM 1344 / IMM 0008
3
Submit Application and Pay Fees
≈ 7 days
Submit the combined sponsorship and permanent residence application to IRCC (most are submitted online). Pay the sponsorship processing fee and the right of permanent residence fee (RPRF). The RPRF can be paid later.
4
Biometrics, Medical Exam, and Police Certificate
≈ 60 days
IRCC will send a biometric instruction letter to the sponsored person. Medical exam and police certificates are usually required. Ensure all requested documents are submitted promptly.
5
Receive Decision and Complete COPR
≈ 30 days
IRCC issues a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and permanent resident visa (if required). The sponsored person lands in Canada and activates their permanent resident status.

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The 5 stages of a Family Sponsor application

Determine Eligibility and Gather Documents

≈ 30 days

Confirm you meet the sponsor eligibility requirements and that your family member qualifies. Gather proof of your status in Canada, relationship documents, financial records, and the sponsored person's documents.

Complete Sponsorship and PR Application Forms

≈ 21 days

The sponsor completes the sponsorship application (IMM 1344, IMM 5481) and the sponsored person completes the permanent residence application forms (IMM 0008, IMM 5669, IMM 5406). Both packages are usually submitted together.

Form: IMM 1344 / IMM 0008

Submit Application and Pay Fees

≈ 7 days

Submit the combined sponsorship and permanent residence application to IRCC (most are submitted online). Pay the sponsorship processing fee and the right of permanent residence fee (RPRF). The RPRF can be paid later.

Biometrics, Medical Exam, and Police Certificate

≈ 60 days

IRCC will send a biometric instruction letter to the sponsored person. Medical exam and police certificates are usually required. Ensure all requested documents are submitted promptly.

Receive Decision and Complete COPR

≈ 30 days

IRCC issues a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and permanent resident visa (if required). The sponsored person lands in Canada and activates their permanent resident status.