Correct relationship category
Identify the specific family member and sponsorship category, then check who is eligible under that category.
FAMILY SPONSORSHIP GUIDE · PAKISTAN
Keep family connections at the centre.
Canadian family sponsorship is available for certain eligible relationships, subject to the sponsor’s status, the relationship category and current program requirements. Start by identifying the category that matches your circumstances.
Independent information and planning support · No outcome guaranteesMAPLE / FIELD GUIDE
FAMILY REUNIFICATIONStart with the relationship categoryCheck the latest official requirements before applying.
UNDERSTANDPREPAREVERIFYDECIDE
THE OVERVIEW
Family sponsorship rules depend on who is being sponsored.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents may be able to sponsor certain family members to become permanent residents if they meet the requirements. Spouse, partner, dependent child and other family categories do not all use the same rules. Some categories or intakes may pause or change, so always verify current availability, sponsor criteria and applicant requirements through IRCC before making plans.
Maple Abroad Services is an independent consultancy based in Karachi. Government of Canada instructions are authoritative, and Canadian authorities make all visa and immigration decisions.
QUESTIONS WORTH CHECKINGPrepare before
Prepare before
you proceed.
Use the following points to organise your research. The sponsor and family member may have different eligibility requirements, and the exact process depends on the category.
Read official Government of Canada guidance ↗Sponsor eligibility and obligations
Review the sponsor’s age, status, residence, financial or undertaking obligations and any restrictions in the official guide.
Application proof and current availability
Collect accurate relationship evidence and confirm whether the relevant category is accepting applications or has special intake rules.
✳
A PRACTICAL REMINDER
Check current intake status before planning.
Family sponsorship categories do not all operate the same way, and some intakes may be paused or invitation-based. Confirm the live status and current rules on the official Government of Canada site.
OFFICIAL SOURCE
Sponsor your family members to immigrate to Canada
Use the current Government of Canada instructions to confirm eligibility, application steps, forms, fees, supporting evidence and any exceptions that may apply to your situation.
Open official guidance ↗ QUICK ANSWERSBefore you
Before you
take the next step.
These general answers help you get oriented. Always confirm details against current official instructions.
Who can be sponsored under Canadian family sponsorship?+
The categories depend on the relationship and program rules. Common pathways include eligible spouses or partners and dependent children, while other categories have separate conditions.
Does family sponsorship mean a visitor visa?+
No. Sponsorship is a pathway toward permanent residence for eligible family members, while a visitor visa is for temporary travel. They have different purposes and requirements.
Are all family sponsorship intakes open all the time?+
No. Availability can vary by category, and some intakes may be paused or invitation-based. Check current IRCC instructions before relying on old announcements.