This paper provides an outline of the fundamentals of an application to sponsor a relative for permanent residency under the Family Class or Spouse or Common-Law Partner Class. It outlines who can be a sponsor, and what the sponsor’s requirements and undertakings are. It also outlines who can be sponsored, and discusses definitions and bad faith relationships. In addition, application procedures are discussed for spouses, partners, and dependent children; adopted children and other relatives; and parents and grandchildren. Considerations for dealing with a refusal of a family sponsorship application are also discussed.

This paper is part of a collection presented at LESA’s Immigration Fundamentals program held in Calgary on March 14, 2017 and in Edmonton on March 23, 2017.