Family Sponsorship Update — October 15, 2026

What You Should Do

• -If you are sponsoring a spouse or partner and your PR application is in progress, check canada.ca/immigration processing times tool at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html to get the current estimated wait time for your specific situation (inside/outside Canada, Quebec vs. rest of Canada).
• -If your sponsored spouse/partner is outside Canada and waiting on their PR application, advise them to apply for a visitor visa now so they can later apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP) upon arrival. Instructions are available at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/family-sponsorship/spouse-partner-children/track-update-application.html.
• -If you are sponsoring a spouse/partner/child, ensure your application is submitted online (mandatory since September 23, 2022). If you require an alternate format (paper, braille, large print) due to a disability, email IRCC.PRPortalALTRequest-DemandeALTPortailRP.IRCC@cic.gc.ca with your request. Do not include extra information.
• -If you are living in Quebec and plan to sponsor parents or grandparents, be aware that your application must be processed by both IRCC and the Quebec government (MIFI). Monitor both your IRCC portal and your MIFI undertaking status regularly, as your PR application cannot be approved without a MIFI undertaking.
• -Once your sponsored family member receives a biometrics request letter from IRCC, they must attend a biometric collection site within 30 days of the letter date, bringing the letter and their passport. Find collection sites at canada.ca.