The family sponsorship undertaking officially begins on the exact day your sponsored family member becomes a Canadian Permanent Resident (PR). For spousal sponsorships, this financial obligation lasts for 3 years, while sponsoring parents or grandparents locks you into a 20-year commitment.
Sponsoring a spouse, partner, or family member to come to Canada is a massive financial and emotional commitment. 🏠 Many Canadians and permanent residents living in cities like Toronto, Calgary, and Halifax mistakenly believe their financial obligation begins the day they mail their application or the day the visa is approved. In reality, Canadian immigration law dictates a very specific timeline for this binding contract.
When you sign the undertaking form with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), you are making a legal promise to the federal government. You agree to provide basic requirements-such as food, clothing, and shelter-for your sponsored relative. If they ever claim provincial social assistance (welfare) during the undertaking period, you are legally required to repay every single dollar to the government. Understanding exactly when this clock starts and stops is crucial for your financial planning.
Step-by-Step Process of the Sponsorship Undertaking
Whether you reside in British Columbia, Nova Scotia, or Alberta, the federal rules for the undertaking apply uniformly (with the exception of Quebec, which manages its own unique undertaking contracts through the MIFI). Here is how the timeline typically unfolds.
Step 1: Signing the IMM 1344 Form
Your commitment technically begins on paper when you sign the IMM 1344 Application to Sponsor form. 📝 By signing this document, you acknowledge that you understand the financial risks. However, the legal clock does not start ticking yet. The form merely establishes that you are willing to accept the responsibility if IRCC ultimately approves the application.
Step 2: The Landing Date (Becoming a PR)
This is the most critical milestone. The undertaking officially activates on the exact day the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident. If they applied from outside Canada, this happens when they physically cross the Canadian border and receive their signed Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). If they applied inland, it begins the day they receive their electronic COPR (eCOPR) through the IRCC portal.
Step 3: Managing the Active Undertaking Period
Once active, the length of the undertaking depends entirely on who you sponsored. 👪 For a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner, the undertaking lasts exactly 3 years from the landing date. For dependent children under 22, it generally lasts for 10 years or until they turn 25 (whichever comes first). For the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), you are locked in for a staggering 20 years.
Step 4: Dealing with Changes in Life Circumstances
A standard family law concept to remember is that this obligation is absolute. If your sponsored spouse decides to leave you, if you get a legal divorce, or if you lose your job and face financial ruin, the undertaking remains fully active. You cannot simply cancel it once the person has become a PR. If they go on provincial welfare, the government will send a collection agency after you for the debt.
How Much Does Family Sponsorship Cost in Canada?
Applying to sponsor a relative involves mandatory government processing fees, as well as potential legal fees if you use a Canadian law firm to ensure your file is perfect. Below are the standard costs in CAD.
| Application / Service Fee | Average Cost (CAD) | What is Included |
|---|---|---|
| Spousal Sponsorship Fee | $1,080 | IRCC processing fee, sponsorship fee, and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee. |
| Parent / Grandparent Fee | $1,080 per adult | The base government fees to process a PGP application. |
| Biometrics Fee | $85 per person | Mandatory fingerprinting and photography fee for the sponsored relative. |
| Immigration Lawyer Retainer | $3,000 – $6,000+ | Professional legal representation to compile evidence and file the application. |
How Long Does the Sponsorship Process Take?
Currently, a standard spousal sponsorship application takes approximately 10 to 14 months to process, assuming no major IRCC backlogs. ⏳ Once the application is finalized and the PR card is issued, your 3-year undertaking begins immediately. Therefore, if you apply in May 2026, and they land in May 2027, your financial obligation will legally end in May 2030.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I cancel the undertaking if we get a divorce?
No. A divorce or legal separation does not void your sponsorship agreement with the Canadian government. You remain financially responsible for the full 3 years, even if you never speak to your ex-spouse again.
What happens if I declare bankruptcy in Canada?
Filing for bankruptcy or a Consumer Proposal does not immediately erase an active undertaking. However, if a government debt has already accumulated because your ex-spouse collected social assistance, a Licensed Insolvency Trustee may be able to discharge that specific debt under certain conditions.
Do I have to pay for my spouse’s medical bills?
The undertaking only covers basic requirements like food, shelter, clothing, and health care not covered by provincial public health insurance (like dental care or eye care). Since your spouse is a PR, their standard hospital visits will be covered by provincial healthcare (e.g., OHIP in Ontario or MSP in British Columbia).
What if I withdraw the application before they get PR?
If your relationship breaks down while the application is still processing, you can officially withdraw your sponsorship. As long as IRCC receives your withdrawal request before the person officially lands as a PR, the undertaking is cancelled and you owe nothing.
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