Family Sponsorship Costs in Canada 2025

Updated March 2025 · bremo.io

Family sponsorship allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring eligible family members to Canada. Understanding the full financial picture — including government fees, income requirements, and long-term financial obligations — is essential before starting the process.

Overview of Family Sponsorship Costs

The costs of sponsoring a family member include:

• Government application processing fees
• Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) for the sponsored person
• Biometrics fees
• Medical examination costs
• Translation and document preparation costs
• Ongoing financial responsibility under the undertaking

2025 Government Application Fees

Sponsoring a Spouse, Common-Law Partner, or Conjugal Partner

• Sponsorship application fee: $75 CAD
• Principal applicant (spouse/partner) processing fee: $490 CAD
• Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): $575 CAD (can be paid after approval)
• Biometrics (if applicable): $85 CAD per person
• Total minimum government fees: Approximately $1,225 CAD

Sponsoring a Dependent Child

• Sponsorship application fee: $75 CAD
• Child processing fee: $75 CAD per dependent child
• RPRF: Not applicable for dependent children under 22
• Biometrics: $85 CAD per person (14 years and older)

Sponsoring Parents or Grandparents

• Sponsorship application fee: $75 CAD per person
• Processing fee: $490 CAD per person
• RPRF: $575 CAD per person
• Biometrics: $85 CAD per person
• Total for two parents: Approximately $2,625 CAD in government fees

Medical Examination Costs

All sponsored family members must complete an Immigration Medical Examination (IME) by a IRCC-designated physician. Costs vary by country:

• Canada: $200–$300 CAD per person
• United States: USD $200–$400 per person
• Other countries: Varies significantly — check the IRCC panel physician directory
• Children under 5: Usually less expensive (no chest X-ray required)

Minimum Income Requirements for Sponsors

For most family sponsorships (parents, grandparents, dependent children with a sponsor's own children), the sponsor must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI). For spousal/partner sponsorships, no MNI is required (though financial stability is considered).

2025 Minimum Income Thresholds (MNI) — Parents and Grandparents

MNI is based on the Low Income Measure (LIM) — 50% of median household income. For 2025:

• Family of 2 (sponsor + 1 sponsored person): ~$32,270 CAD/year
• Family of 3: ~$39,672 CAD/year
• Family of 4: ~$48,115 CAD/year
• Family of 5: ~$54,596 CAD/year

IRCC requires you to meet this income threshold for 3 consecutive tax years (using Notices of Assessment from CRA). For the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), this is a strict requirement.

The Sponsorship Undertaking: Your Financial Commitment

When you sponsor a family member, you sign a sponsorship undertaking — a legal contract with the Canadian government. Under this agreement, you promise to:

• Financially support the sponsored person so they do not need social assistance
• Repay any social assistance (welfare) the government pays to your sponsored family member during the undertaking period

Length of Sponsorship Undertaking

• Spouse / common-law partner: 3 years from date of landing
• Dependent child (under 22): 10 years from landing, or until age 25, whichever comes first
• Parents and grandparents: 20 years from landing
• Other relatives: 10 years from landing

Additional Costs to Budget For

Document Translation

All foreign documents must be translated into English or French by a certified translator. Budget $50–$150 per document depending on length and language.

Police Certificates

Sponsored family members may need police certificates from countries where they have lived. Costs range from $0 to $100+ per certificate depending on country.

Photos and Biometrics

Passport photos for the application typically cost $10–$20. Biometrics collection at an authorized service point costs $85 per person (covered under the fee noted above).

Legal / Immigration Consultant Fees

Optional but many families use a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer. Fees range from $1,500 to $5,000+ depending on complexity.

Total Cost Estimate

Sponsoring a Spouse (Example)

• Government fees: $1,225
• Medical exam: $250
• Police certificates: $50
• Translation costs: $200
• Photos and misc: $50
• Total estimate: ~$1,775 CAD (without legal fees)

Sponsoring Two Parents (Example)

• Government fees: $2,625
• Medical exams: $500
• Police certificates: $100
• Translation: $400
• Misc: $100
• Total estimate: ~$3,725 CAD (without legal fees)

Setting Up Finances After Arrival

Once your family members arrive, help them get set up financially. Priority steps include getting a SIN, opening a bank account, and understanding how to build credit in Canada. No-fee banking options are ideal for newcomers just starting out.