Family sponsorship, also known as family reunification, includes categories such as spousal sponsorship, dependent child sponsorship, and parent sponsorship. This immigration category allows family members and relatives to immigrate to Canada and reunite with their Canadian citizen or permanent resident family members who are already living in Canada. Among all the categories of immigration to Canada, family sponsorship represents the largest portion, accounting for approximately 48% of the total number. The application process for this category generally consists of three steps: The sponsoring individual in Canada submits an application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to sponsor their spouse and children. After receiving approval from IRCC, the sponsored spouse and children residing overseas then apply for immigration to Canada at the Canadian visa office in their country of residence. Upon approval, the sponsored spouse and children must undergo a medical examination in their home country. Any Canadian citizen or permanent resident (referred to as the sponsor) who is at least 19 years old can apply to sponsor eligible relatives to immigrate to Canada. This includes sponsoring parents, as well as dependent children (under 19 years old) of the sponsor's parents when applying for parental sponsorship. Additionally, grandparents can be sponsored, along with the sponsor's own children (including biological and adopted children) under the age of 19 and the spouse (the definition of a spouse includes legally married spouses or partners who have been cohabiting for one year or more). Spouse Sponsorship Spouse sponsorship is primarily used for Canadian citizens or permanent residents (sponsors) to sponsor their partners or common-law partners to immigrate to Canada and live together with the sponsor in Canada. Spouse sponsorship requirements are relatively simple, as they do not require education, work experience, language ability, or proof of funds. The main eligibility criteria are that the sponsor has the qualifying relationship and can demonstrate it to a significant extent, which can greatly increase the success rate. Spouse sponsorship can be applied for within Canada or outside Canada. If the applicant is in Canada, they can apply as an in-Canada spouse sponsor, while if the applicant is outside Canada, they must follow the requirements for overseas sponsorship. For in-Canada sponsorship, the applicant can initially apply as a visitor (visitor record) to reside in Canada for an extended period while accompanying their spouse. Parent Sponsorship Parent sponsorship is applicable for clients who have already obtained permanent residency or Canadian citizenship. Parent sponsorship is a direct pathway to obtaining permanent residency, with no immigration thresholds, asset requirements, or investment obligations. Compared to other immigration programs, parent sponsorship has relatively simple sponsorship requirements. However, the annual quota and allocation process can vary. Once the decision to sponsor parents is made, thorough preparation should be done in advance. Child Sponsorship Child sponsorship is used for sponsors to sponsor their children to immigrate to Canada through the family sponsorship program. In the Canadian immigration system, child sponsorship falls under the spousal sponsorship category, while sponsorship of adopted children falls under the parent and grandparent sponsorship category. As of October 24, 2017, the age of dependent children was increased from 19 to 22 years old. In child sponsorship, at least one parent must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and the children must be under 22 years old and unmarried or without a common-law partner. If the sponsored person is over 22 years old and was financially dependent on their parents before the age of 22 or is unable to be self-supporting due to physical or mental disabilities, they may still be considered a dependent child.