Family Sponsorship Update — September 3, 2026

What You Should Do

• -Submit your spousal/partner/dependent child sponsorship application online via the IRCC portal at canada.ca. Paper applications are no longer accepted unless you have an accessibility need — email IRCC.PRPortalALTRequest-DemandeALTPortailRP.IRCC@cic.gc.ca to request an alternate format.
• -If your sponsored family member receives a biometrics request letter, book a biometrics appointment at a collection site within 30 days of the letter date. They must bring the letter and their passport to the appointment.
• -If your sponsored spouse or partner is waiting outside Canada for their PR decision, apply for a visitor visa now so they can join you sooner. Check current processing times at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html before applying.
• -If your sponsored family member's last country of residence was the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, or Uganda, check canada.ca regularly for updates on the special measures affecting your application, as processing is paused for these countries until at least September 28, 2026.
• -If you are a Quebec-based sponsor, note that both IRCC and the Quebec government (MIFI) must process your undertaking and PR application separately. Ensure you have submitted your undertaking to MIFI, as IRCC cannot approve your PR application without it.