How much funding is required to sponsor a family member to Canada?

Sponsoring a loved one — spouse, parent, child, or grandparent — to come to Canada is a meaningful step toward reuniting families. But an essential upfront question many ask is, “How much money do I need?”.

Government Application and Processing Fees

Being well-prepared starts with understanding the IRCC fees. While the exact fee structure can vary depending on who you’re sponsoring (spouse, dependent child, parent, etc.), here’s a breakdown of common costs:

• Sponsorship Fee and RPRF (Principal Applicant): CAD $1,290
• Biometrics: CAD $85 per person
• Include any dependent child: CAD $175

These fees may slightly increase annually. Always double-check IRCC’s official fee list when planning your budget.

Proving Financial Readiness: Minimum Necessary Income (MNI)

Not all sponsorship categories require proof of Minimum Necessary Income (MNI).

For spouses and dependent children, there is no specific minimum income threshold. Sponsors only need to show they can support their family without social assistance.

However, for parents and grandparents, IRCC requires sponsors to meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for each of the three tax years prior to applying.

This rule ensures sponsors can financially support their extended family members once they arrive in Canada.

2025 MNI Requirements (Outside Quebec)

Subscribe to full details posted by IRCC on Income requirements – IRCC and summarized by CIC News [here] (https://www.cicnews.com/2025/07/canada-updates-income-requirements-for-parents-and-grandparents-program-0758028.html) IRCC CanadaCIC NewsGovernment of Canada.

Additional Required Costs

Aside from government fees and income proof, other expenses include:

• Medical Exams
• Police Certificates
• Certified Translations
• Miscellaneous: Courier, printing, notarizing documents, etc.

Breaking these down into your budget early helps avoid surprises later.

Likely Processing Times

Processing times vary depending on the type of application and whether it is filed inside or outside Canada. While IRCC doesn’t publish precise timelines, here’s general guidance:

• Spousal or common-law partner living inside Canada (outside Quebec): 2 years
• Spouse, common-law or conjugal partner living outside Canada (outside Quebec): 15 months
• Parents or grandparents (outside Quebec): 2 years

In Quebec, expect longer delays — reportedly up to 34 months or more, due to provincial quotas for undertaking applications and Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) by the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration.

Why a Immigration Consultant Can Help

Engaging a Regulated Canadian immigration Consultant (RCIC) or other authorized representative can:

• Help avoid common fee oversights
• Confirm income calculations, especially for complex family units
• Track shifting processing timelines
• Provide support in case of delays or refusals

Explore how a sponsoring family member to Canada specialist can assist: Family Sponsorship Services – Northia Immigration.

Bringing it to Northia

At Northia Immigration, we understand that sponsoring a family member to Canada is both exciting and overwhelming. From calculating income to organizing documents, our team is here to guide you step by step.

We’ll help you:

• Confirm your eligibility and income requirements
• Prepare a complete, accurate application
• Explore alternatives like the Super Visa if sponsorship isn’t possible yet

Book a consultation today and let’s bring your family closer.

FAQs (Top 5 Searches)

1. Can I include siblings in my sponsorship application?
    Normally, no. IRCC only allows spouses, dependent children, parents, and grandparents—unless exceptional circumstances apply.
2. Do I have to submit three years of CRA notices for MNI?
   Yes — but only if you are applying under the Parent and Grandparent (PGP) sponsorship program. In this category, you must provide Notices of Assessment for the most recent three taxation years, and IRCC will automatically consider the financial requirement unmet if they are missing.
3. Is there a minimum income requirement for sponsoring a spouse?
    IRCC only requires proof of income without a specific threshold—though basic needs must still be met.
4. How long do sponsorship undertakings last?

• Spouse / common-law or conjugal partner, and dependent children
  – In Canada (outside Québec): 3 years from the day the person becomes a permanent resident.
  – In Québec: 3 years for a spouse/partner; 10 years for a dependent child under 16; 3 years or until age 22 (whichever is longer) for a dependent child 16 or older.
• Parents and grandparents
  – In Canada (outside Québec): 20 years.
  – In Québec: 10 years.

1. Can I use combined income with my spouse or partner for a PGP application?
   Yes. If your spouse or common-law partner signs the sponsorship application as a co-signer, their income can be combined with yours to meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement. The co-signer then shares the legal responsibility for the undertaking, including the full length of the obligation (3 years for PGP financial assessment, 20 years federally for parents/grandparents, or 10 years in Québec).

References & Sources

• IRCC: Minimum Necessary Income guidance for PGP (2025 intake) IRCC CanadaGovernment of Canada
  
• CIC News: Updated income thresholds for 2025 CIC News
  
• IRCC processing standards for spousal sponsorship CIC News
  
• Income requirements for Super Visa sponsorship CIC News
  
• VisaPlace average processing times VisaPlace
  
• Family sponsorship eligibility and other details Government of Canada+1
  
• Quebec’s prolonged sponsorship delays Wikipedia