Partners, children and parents
Overview
Not sure this is the right route? A consultant can review your profile and explain your options.
Check your eligibilityMost countries allow citizens and permanent residents to sponsor a spouse or partner and dependent children. Many also let skilled workers and some students bring their family with them. Routes for parents and grandparents exist too, but they tend to be narrower, slower and more tightly limited.
For many families, the paperwork is the hardest part. A marriage may have been registered in one country, a child born in another, and a sponsor’s income paid in a different currency. Each document may need a translation, and some need attestation or an apostille in the country that issued them before a foreign government will accept them.
We help you see which route fits your family, in what order to apply, and what evidence each government expects. The information on this page is general orientation, not legal advice. Every family is different, and the decision on each application rests with the government concerned.
The factors most commonly considered — we assess your profile against them before recommending a route.
Benefits
Programmes
CACanadaCanadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner, and dependent children for permanent residence. A Canadian citizen living outside Canada may sponsor if they show they will live in Canada once the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident. A permanent resident must be living in Canada to sponsor.
CACanadaIRCC has paused the Parents and Grandparents Program. It is not accepting new interest to sponsor forms or inviting sponsors to apply until further notice. The Super Visa remains available for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who want longer, repeated visits.
GBUnited KingdomThe UK family visa covers partners and fiancé(e)s of British citizens and settled persons, as well as certain children and parents. Partner applications usually carry a minimum income requirement, an English language requirement and an accommodation test. The UK has announced reforms to English language and settlement rules that may affect family routes, so the current position needs checking when you apply.
AUAustraliaAustralia’s Partner visas are granted in two stages: subclasses 309 and 100 when applying outside Australia, and 820 and 801 when applying inside. The Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) is for a fiancé(e) outside Australia who plans to marry their Australian sponsor. Sponsors must be Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens.
AUAustraliaAustralia offers several parent visas, including contributory and non-contributory options. Places are capped and applications are queued, so waiting times can be very long. The Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870) allows longer stays without permanent residence. Child visas cover dependent children of citizens and permanent residents.
NZNew ZealandPartners of New Zealand citizens and residents can apply for the Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa or Resident Visa, with evidence of living together. The Parent Resident Visa has a limited number of places each year, is selected from expressions of interest, and requires the sponsoring child to meet an income requirement. The Parent Boost Visitor Visa offers longer, multiple-entry visits for parents.
Other destinations
We also advise on other countries and routes. Tell us your plans and a consultant will review your options.
Our support
Other services
For qualified professionals planning a move abroad through points-based skilled migration programmes.
Guidance and support with study abroad plans and student visa applications, so your education can open international opportunities.
Guidance and support on business visa routes if you plan to expand your business abroad.
Next step
Start with an eligibility assessment, or book a consultation to talk it through with our team.
