Family Sponsorship: photo and application guide
Permanent residence for foreign spouses, common-law partners, parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and PR holders.
Quick answer
Photo from 35 × 45 mm · see the current IRCC fee list — amounts were re-indexed on 30 April 2026 · biometrics at VAC
Photo specification is the shared IRCC visa format — a frame of at least 35 × 45 mm. Biometric capture at the VAC for most nationalities; biometrics valid 10 years. Fee see the current IRCC fee list — amounts were re-indexed on 30 April 2026. Processing 12-24 months for spouse/partner sponsorship from outside Canada; longer for parent/grandparent. Last reviewed .
Application route
| Full name | Family Class Sponsorship (Spouse, Common-Law, Parent, Grandparent) |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Permanent residence for foreign spouses, common-law partners, parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and PR holders. |
| Application form | IMM 1344 (sponsorship undertaking) + IMM 5669 + supporting evidence via IRCC |
| Fee | see the current IRCC fee list — amounts were re-indexed on 30 April 2026 |
| Processing time | 12-24 months for spouse/partner sponsorship from outside Canada; longer for parent/grandparent |
| Biometric appointment | Yes — captured at the VAC |
| Official portal | IRCC — Family Sponsorship ↗ |
Photo specification
The Family Sponsorship uses the shared IRCC biometric photo standard. The biometric capture at the VAC takes a fresh photo for the application file.
| Size | at least 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Head height | 31 to 36 mm chin to crown |
| Background | plain white or light grey, even illumination |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed (no smile) |
| Glasses | Non-tinted prescription glasses allowed if the eyes are clearly visible; no sunglasses |
| Digital file | JPEG, 420 × 540 pixels minimum, 60 KB to 240 KB |
What to watch out for with the Family Sponsorship
Spouse sponsorship is the highest-volume family-class route. The biometric photo flows from the visa application to the PR card to the eventual Canadian citizenship certificate (after 3 years of PR). Plan for an enduring photo — it appears on multiple documents over the next 5-10 years.
Frequently asked questions about the Family Sponsorship
What size photo do I need for a Family Sponsorship?
at least 35 × 45 mm portrait orientation. The Family Sponsorship uses the standard IRCC biometric photo: head 31 to 36 mm chin to crown, plain light background, neutral expression. The biometric capture happens at the VAC.
How much does the Family Sponsorship cost?
see the current IRCC fee list — amounts were re-indexed on 30 April 2026. The biometrics fee (CAD $85) is shared across categories — applicants who already provided biometrics within the last 10 years pay only the application fee.
How long does the Family Sponsorship take to process?
12-24 months for spouse/partner sponsorship from outside Canada; longer for parent/grandparent. Processing time starts after biometrics are submitted, not when the online application is filed.
Is biometric capture mandatory for the Family Sponsorship?
Yes — captured at the VAC. Once captured, your biometrics are reused for any Canadian application within 10 years.
Will the photo be used on my Permanent Resident card later?
If you transition from this category to permanent residence, the biometric photo on file at IRCC will be used on the PR card. Choose a photo at the VAC that will still match your appearance 5+ years from now.
Other Canadian visa categories
Prepare your Family Sponsorship photo
Upload a portrait — Anfas.Pro applies the IRCC visa format from 35 × 45 mm and biometric framing automatically.