Moving to Canada often involves a difficult emotional choice—leaving loved ones behind for a secure future. However, the Canadian immigration system is based on the principle that families should be together. The Family Class Sponsorship program is one of the most reliable ways for your relatives to obtain permanent resident (PR) status.
Living in Edmonton, you have access to a well-developed immigrant support infrastructure that can greatly simplify this bureaucratic process. In this article, we will take a detailed look at who you can invite, what financial obligations this imposes on you, and where to go for help in Alberta.
The foundation of the process: Who can be a sponsor
Before you begin the process, it is important to understand your role. In this scheme, you are the “sponsor.” This means that the Canadian government transfers the financial responsibility for your relative from taxpayers to you.
To become a sponsor, you must meet three basic criteria:
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Status: You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is at least 18 years of age.
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Residence: You must physically reside in Canada. If you are a citizen, you can apply while abroad, but you must prove your intention to return to Canada (specifically Edmonton) as soon as your relative receives a visa. Permanent residents (PR) must be in Canada at the time of application.
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Financial stability: You must not be receiving social assistance from the government (welfare), with the exception of disability assistance. You must also have no debts to the immigration service for previous sponsorships or unpaid alimony.
Category 1: Immediate family (spouse and children)
This is the most common and priority category. Canada makes it as easy as possible for spouses and parents to reunite with their children.
Specifics for spouses (Spousal Sponsorship)
If your partner is already in Edmonton (for example, under the CUAET program or as a visitor), you can apply under the “Inland Sponsorship” program. A huge advantage of this route is that your partner can apply for an Open Work Permit along with the sponsorship application. This will allow him or her to work legally in Alberta while the main case is being processed.
If your partner is in Ukraine or Poland, you apply under the “Outland Sponsorship” program. This is often faster, but does not automatically grant the right to work in Canada until arrival.
Financial considerations for spouses
To sponsor your spouse or children, you are generally not required to meet the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) criteria if you do not have children who already have children of their own. The main thing is to prove that you are not receiving social assistance.
Dependent Children
You can sponsor your children if they are under 22 years of age and unmarried. If the child is over 22 years of age, sponsorship is only possible if they are financially dependent on you due to their physical or mental health.
Category 2: Parents and Grandparents (PGP) — Lottery and Supervision
The situation with sponsoring parents (Parents and Grandparents Program — PGP) is much more complicated. Due to the huge demand, the Canadian government has been using a lottery system in recent years (including 2024-2025).
Unfortunately, as of 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) often does not open new applications but continues to send invitations to those who registered in the pool back in 2020. This means that direct sponsorship of parents for PR may not be available to new immigrants right now.
Alternative: Super Visa
This is the best option for those who live in Edmonton and want to bring their parents over immediately. The Super Visa allows parents to stay in Canada for up to 5 consecutive years without having to leave (with the possibility of extending for another 2 years), and the visa itself is valid for 10 years.
Basic requirements for a Super Visa:
- Your income must meet the LICO (Low Income Cut-Off) level.
- You must purchase private health insurance for your parents (minimum 1 year, $100,000 coverage). There are many insurance brokers in Alberta that specialize in this (Blue Cross, Manulife, etc.).
Category 3: “Lone Canadian” and other relatives
Many Ukrainians ask, “Can I bring my sister, brother, or nephew?” The short answer is usually no, but there are exceptions.
You can sponsor a brother, sister, nephew, or grandchild only if:
- They are orphans (no living parents).
- They are under 18 years of age.
- They are not married.
The “Lonely Canadian” rule
There is a unique exception that allows you to sponsor one relative (adult brother, aunt, etc.) of any age. But the conditions are very strict: you must not have any other relatives in Canada (citizens or PR) and no living relatives abroad whom you could sponsor under the normal rules (i.e., you have no spouse, children, parents, or grandparents in Canada or Ukraine). This option is for those who are completely alone.
Legal Obligation (The Undertaking)
Sponsorship is not just filling out forms, it is signing a legal contract with the Canadian government. This document is called an “Undertaking.”
By signing it, you agree to provide your relative with basic necessities (food, clothing, housing) for a certain period of time. If your relative comes to Edmonton and applies for welfare from the Alberta government, you will be required to repay this money to the state.
- For spouses, the term of the undertaking is 3 years.
- For parents/grandparents, it is 20 years.
Divorce, relocation, or a change in financial status does not cancel this undertaking.
Step-by-step process in Edmonton
Step 1: Prepare your documents
You will need a package of forms (IMM 1344, IMM 5532, and others). For Ukrainians, it is critical to have their documents (birth and marriage certificates) translated. In Edmonton, the translation must be certified by a certified translator or notary.
Step 2: Paying fees
As of 2025, the total cost of sponsoring a spouse is approximately $1,205 CAD (includes sponsorship fee, application processing, and permanent residence). There is an additional fee of approximately $175 CAD for each child.
Step 3: Medical examination and biometrics
Your relative must undergo a medical examination. If they are already in Edmonton, this can only be done by certified doctors (Panel Physicians). There are about 9 clinics in Edmonton that provide these services (for example, Panel Physician YEG or clinics in the Maple network). Important: do not go to your regular family doctor, as their certificates are not accepted by IRCC.
You can have your fingerprints (biometrics) taken in Edmonton at a Service Canada centre (for example, at Canada Place in downtown or at offices in the south of the city).
Where to find help in Edmonton
You don't have to hire an expensive lawyer. There are powerful government-funded organizations in Edmonton that help you fill out forms for free or for a nominal fee:
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EMCN (Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers): Provides advice on family sponsorship and helps with forms.
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Catholic Social Services (CSS): Has a strong immigration support department.
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UCC (Ukrainian Canadian Congress) - Alberta Branch: They often hold information sessions and can recommend Ukrainian-speaking specialists.
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EISA (Edmonton Immigrant Services Association): They help with translations and the adaptation of newly arrived relatives.
Conclusion
Inviting relatives to Edmonton is a process that requires patience and attention to detail. If you plan to invite your spouse or children, start the process immediately, as this is the most reliable way. If you are inviting your parents, it is more reasonable to focus on Supervision while you wait for the PGP lottery to open. Remember that your financial commitment is a serious contract, so assess your capabilities realistically, taking into account the cost of living in Alberta.