Language selection

Search

Help Centre what do you need help with?

How long am I financially responsible for the family member or relative I sponsor?

To become a sponsor, you must promise to financially take care of the persons you’re sponsoring for a period of time. We call this promise an undertaking.

The “length of undertaking” is the time period you’re financially responsible for the person you sponsor. It starts on the day the person you sponsor becomes a permanent resident.

The length of undertaking depends on

You’re still financially responsible even if

  • your relationship with the person you sponsored changes (for example, divorce or separation)
  • the person you sponsored becomes a Canadian citizen
  • your financial situation gets worse (for example, job loss or debt)
  • you sent us a request to withdraw your sponsorship application and we received it after the person you sponsored has become a permanent resident
Person you sponsor Length of undertaking for all provinces except QuebecFootnote 1
Spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner 3 years
Dependent child (biological or  adopted) or child to be adopted in Canada under 22 years of ageFootnote 2 10 years, or until age 25, whichever comes first
Dependent child 22 years of age or olderFootnote 2 3 years
Parent or grandparent 20 years
Other relative 10 years

The length of undertaking changed on October 24, 2017, to match the new age limit for dependent children. It went from “under 19” to “under 22.”

Length of undertaking for applications received before October 24, 2017
Person you sponsor Length of undertaking in all provinces except Quebec Length of undertaking in Quebec
Spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner 3 years 3 years
Child under 13 years of age 10 years 10 years, or until age 18, whichever is longer
Child 13 to 19 years old until age 22 3 years, or until age 22, whichever is longer
Child over 19 years of age 3 years 3 years, or until age 22, whichever is longer
Parent or grandparent 20 yearsFootnote 3 10 years
Other relative 10 years 10 years

Did you find what you were looking for?

What was wrong?

You will not receive a reply. Telephone numbers and email addresses will be removed.
Maximum 300 characters

Thank you for your feedback


Answers others found useful

Glossary term

Date modified: