LAWCRESTFamily sponsorship lawyer in Mississauga
Bringing your spouse, partner, children, parents or grandparents to Canada is one of the most important steps you will take. Lawcrest guides Canadian citizens and permanent residents across Mississauga and the GTA through every stage, with clear advice and carefully prepared applications.
Incomplete or inconsistent applications can lead to refusals and long delays. Deadlines after a refusal can be as short as 30 days, so get advice early.
416-830-3369Reuniting with the people who matter most
Family sponsorship lets Canadian citizens and permanent residents bring close family members to live in Canada as permanent residents. It is governed by federal immigration law and decided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The process is document-heavy and detail-driven. A small mistake can cost months, so careful preparation from the start matters.
We help sponsors and the family members they are sponsoring understand the rules, choose the right stream, gather strong evidence and avoid common pitfalls.
- Sponsors in CanadaCitizens and permanent residents applying for a spouse, partner, child, parent or grandparent.
- Family members abroad or in CanadaApplicants who want to understand each step and their status while waiting.
- Refused applicantsPeople whose application was refused and who need to know their options.
Who you can sponsor
Eligibility depends on the relationship and on your own status. If you are unsure, call us and we will tell you what applies.
Spouse
Your legally married spouse, whether the application is made from inside or outside Canada.
Common-law partner
A partner you have lived with in a marriage-like relationship, generally for at least 12 continuous months.
Conjugal partner
A partner in a genuine relationship of at least one year who could not live together or marry for reasons beyond your control.
Dependent children
Your biological or adopted children who meet the age and dependency rules, generally under 22 and unmarried.
Parents
Your mother and father, through the parents and grandparents program.
Grandparents
Your grandparents, through the same program as parents.
Adopted children
Children you have adopted or intend to adopt, subject to the adoption and immigration rules.
Other eligible relatives
A limited group of other relatives in special circumstances, such as certain orphaned family members.
Who can be a sponsor?
There are requirements for you as the sponsor, as well as for the person you are sponsoring. These are the main ones.
- Canadian citizen or permanent residentYou must hold one of these statuses and be at least 18 years old.
- Living in CanadaPermanent residents must live in Canada. Citizens living abroad may sponsor a spouse or child if they plan to live in Canada.
- Willing to sign an undertakingA written promise to support the sponsored person financially for a set period.
- Not barred from sponsoringCertain situations, such as unpaid support, undischarged bankruptcy, or a removal order, can prevent sponsorship.
- Meeting any income ruleSponsoring parents and grandparents requires meeting a minimum income level. Other streams generally have no minimum, with some exceptions.
Choosing the right application
The stream you choose affects processing, work rights and the documents required. We help you pick the one that fits your situation.
Spousal sponsorship inside CanadaPartner already in Canada
For couples where the partner is already living in Canada with valid temporary status. The partner may be eligible for a work permit while the application is processed.
Spousal sponsorship from outside CanadaPartner living abroad
For couples living apart, or where the partner is outside Canada. The application is processed through a visa office and, once approved, the partner arrives as a permanent resident.
Dependent childrenUnder the age and dependency rules
Applications for children are usually filed with a parent application, or on their own. Age, dependency and custody documents need to be handled carefully.
Parents and grandparentsLimited intake
This program is limited and invitation-based, with a minimum income requirement. Rules and intake numbers change from year to year, so we check the current process for you.
Super visaA longer-stay alternative
While you wait, parents and grandparents may be eligible for a super visa, which allows long visits. It is not permanent residence, but it keeps families together.
How we work with you
A clear process, with no surprises about where your application stands.
Consultation
You tell us your family situation. We listen, check eligibility and explain your options in plain language.
Strategy and stream
We choose the right category, plan the timeline and flag potential problems such as past refusals or status issues.
Forms and evidence
We prepare accurate forms and a strong, well-organized evidence package that clearly shows the relationship.
Submission and follow-up
We submit the application, track it and respond promptly to any requests from IRCC.
Medicals, biometrics and interviews
We prepare you for each requirement, including any interview, so you know what to expect.
Decision and landing
We review the decision with you and guide you through becoming a permanent resident.
Your sponsorship commitment
When you sponsor, you sign an undertaking promising to support the person financially. The length depends on who you sponsor.
- Spouse, common-law or conjugal partnerGenerally three years from the date they become a permanent resident.
- Dependent childGenerally ten years, or until the child turns 25, whichever comes first.
- Parents and grandparentsGenerally twenty years.
- The undertaking stays in forceIt continues even if circumstances change, such as separation or a move.
Documents we will ask you for
Do not worry if you do not have everything. Bring what you can, and we will tell you what else is useful.
- Passports, IDs and proof of status for sponsor and applicant
- Marriage certificate, or proof of common-law or conjugal relationship
- Photos, chats, travel records and proof of shared life over time
- Birth certificates and adoption or custody documents for children
- Police certificates and details of any past refusals
- Proof of income, where required by the stream
If your application was refused
A refusal is not always the end. In many family cases the sponsor can appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division, generally within 30 days of the refusal. Judicial review in the Federal Court has its own strict deadlines. Common reasons for refusal include incomplete documents, doubts that the relationship is genuine, inconsistent information, and inadmissibility such as medical, criminal or misrepresentation concerns.
Deadlines are short and the options depend on the reason for refusal. Contact us immediately and bring the refusal letter. No lawyer can guarantee an outcome, but early advice gives you the strongest chance.
Why clients choose Lawcrest
You are trusting us with your family future. This is how we earn that trust.
Plain-language advice
No jargon. You understand each step and each choice before we act.
Cost clarity
We discuss our fees at the start. Government fees are separate, and we explain them.
Careful preparation
Complete, consistent applications reduce delays and the risk of refusal.
Confidential
What you tell us is protected by solicitor-client privilege.
Honest advice
We tell you what is realistic, and we never promise an outcome we cannot control.
Responsive
Your questions get answers, and you hear from us as your file moves.
Regulated lawyers
Lawcrest is a professional corporation regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.
Local and accessible
Meet us at our Matheson Blvd office in Mississauga, or arrange a call.
Frequently asked questions
Still not sure? Call 416-830-3369 and we will talk it through.
How long does sponsorship take?
Processing times change and depend on the stream and the volume of applications. IRCC publishes current estimates, and we explain what to expect for your case after our review.
Can a permanent resident sponsor family?
Yes, if you meet the requirements, including living in Canada. Citizens and permanent residents have similar rules, with some differences.
Do we have to be married to be sponsored?
No. Common-law and conjugal partners can be sponsored if they meet the relationship rules.
Can my spouse work while we wait?
Some spouses and partners in Canada may be eligible for a work permit while the application is processed. We check your situation and advise.
Is there a minimum income to sponsor?
For spouses, partners and dependent children there is generally no minimum income. Parents and grandparents have a minimum income requirement. Other rules can apply, so we confirm for you.
What if my application is refused?
You may have the right to appeal or to seek judicial review, with strict deadlines. Contact us right away and bring the refusal letter.
Can you guarantee approval?
No. The final decision is made by IRCC. Our role is to prepare the strongest, most accurate application and to guide you through the process.
Is my information confidential?
Yes. Your communications with us are protected by solicitor-client privilege.
Testimonials
They made a complicated legal matter feel understandable. We always knew what was happening, why it mattered and what came next.
Carolean
Worker
We always knew what was happening, why it mattered and what came next. They made a complicated legal matter feel understandable.
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