Undertaking the sponsorship of your family member to become a permanent resident in Canada is a big deal. At the heart of this process is the sponsor’s undertaking, a promise to give the sponsored family solid financial support and essential needs. Whatever life throws your way, this promise doesn’t change.

This article explains the sponsor’s commitment, providing an easy guide for those taking on this responsibility. 

What is undertaking sponsorship to Canada?

To become a sponsor, you agree to take care of the people you’re sponsoring financially for a certain time. This commitment is known as an “undertaking.” By undertaking this, you agree to offer financial support to your sponsored family members when they become permanent residents. Once a final decision has been made about their Application for Permanent Residence (APR), you cannot cancel it.

 The Duration of the Undertaking

 The duration of the undertaking depends on:

• The sponsored person’s age
• Your relationship with them
• Where you live (slightly different if you’re in Quebec)

You still have to take care of the person you sponsored financially, even if:

• Your relationship with them changes (for example, if you get divorced or separated)
• The individual you sponsored obtains Canadian citizenship. 
• Your financial situation becomes tougher (like losing your job, having debt, etc.)
• You asked to cancel your sponsorship, but Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) got the request after the sponsored person became a permanent resident.

The length of the Undertaking Sponsorship

 The commitment duration for applications submitted after October 24, 2017.

Person you sponsor	Length of undertaking for all provinces except Quebec
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 age	10 years or until age 25, whichever comes first
Dependent child 22 years of age or older	3 years
Parent or grandparent	20 years
Other relative	10 years

 

The duration of the commitment was adjusted on October 24, 2017, to align with the new age limit for dependent children, changing from “under 19” to “under 22.”

Commitment duration for applications submitted before October 24, 2017.

Person you sponsor	Length of undertaking for 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 years	10 years
Other relative	10 years	10 years

 

What does financial responsibility involve?

When you undertake sponsorship, it signifies that you are legally obligated to supply food, shelter, clothing, and daily living necessities for the individual you are sponsoring. This obligation persists until the conclusion of the designated legal undertaking period, regardless of whether the sponsored person attains Canadian citizenship.

Individuals immigrating to Canada through family sponsorship cannot access government-provided assistance, including social aid, disability benefits, or provincial perks. If the sponsored person applies for and receives financial support from the federal or provincial government, you, as the sponsor, are accountable for repaying these funds.

If your family member doesn’t have private insurance, you are responsible for healthcare expenses, like prescription medications, dental care, or eye exams, not covered by the provincial system.