How to apply for PR for the whole family?

The process of obtaining permanent residency (PR) in Canada is a complex and multifaceted task, especially when it comes to applying for the entire family. For newcomers to Calgary, including Ukrainians with temporary status, understanding all available options and procedures is critical to successfully transitioning from temporary status to permanent residency.

Main pathways to permanent residency for families

Federal family sponsorship programs

The family sponsorship program is one of the most popular ways to reunite families in Canada. Under this program, Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their close relatives to obtain permanent residency. The federal program allows you to sponsor spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents.

In 2023, Canada welcomed over 100,000 permanent residents through family sponsorship programs, of which 81,423 were spouses, partners, and children, and 28,314 were parents and grandparents. This underscores the importance of family immigration in Canada's overall immigration strategy.

Special Ukrainian Family Program

For Ukrainian families who arrived through the CUAET program, there was a special permanent residency program for Ukrainian families that was launched in October 2023. This program allowed Ukrainian citizens with temporary status to apply for permanent residency if they had relatives who were Canadian citizens or permanent residents. However, this program closed on October 22, 2024, although IRCC continues to process applications submitted before that date.

Economic immigration programs

The Express Entry System remains one of the main pathways to permanent residency through economic programs. The system includes three programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. It is important to understand that the principal applicant can include family members in their application.

When applying through Express Entry, applicants may include:

  • Spouse or common-law partner
  • Dependent children under the age of 22 (under certain circumstances, older children may also qualify)

Application fees:

  • Principal applicant — $1,525 CAD
  • Spouse — $1,525 CAD
  • Each dependent child — $260 CAD

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) offers several streams for immigrants who wish to live and work in Alberta. If an applicant is nominated through the program, they can apply for permanent residency along with their family.

The Alberta Express Entry Stream is particularly interesting for those with family ties in the province. As of January 2023, the program began giving additional consideration to candidates who have close relatives (parents, children, brothers, or sisters) who are permanent residents or citizens of Canada in Alberta.

⚠️ As of January 2025, the Alberta PNP has restricted family ties to exclude grandparents, aunts, uncles, nephews, and nieces.

Family sponsorship application process

Application process

The family sponsorship process involves two applications:

  1. Sponsorship application — submitted by the person who wants to become a sponsor
  2. Application for permanent residence — submitted by the person being sponsored

The main applicant submits both applications online via the Permanent Residence Portal (PR Portal).

Required documents

Documents proving identity and civil status:

  • Birth, marriage, and divorce certificates
  • Declaration of cohabitation under common law, proof of status (joint accounts, rent, utilities)

Documents relating to children:

  • Birth certificates of children
  • Adoption or guardianship documents (if applicable)

Medical examinations and police certificates:

  • Mandatory for all family members, even those who are not traveling to Canada
  • Police certificates — from all countries where you have lived for more than 6 months after the age of 18

Financial requirements for sponsors

Minimum required income

Family size Required income (CAD)
2 persons $32,270
3 persons $39,762
4 persons $48,108
5 persons $54,630
6 persons $61,613
7+ persons +$6,985 per person

To sponsor parents/grandparents, you need +30% of the LICO for the last 3 years.

Proof of income

  • Notice of Assessment from the CRA for the last 3 years
  • If your income is insufficient, sign a joint application with your partner

Application processing times (as of July 2025)

Spousal/partner sponsorship

  • Outside Canada (non-Quebec): 11 months

  • Outside Canada (Quebec): 38 months

  • Within Canada (non-Quebec): 34 months

  • Within Canada (Quebec): 38 months

Parent/Grandparent Sponsorship

  • Non-Quebec: 36 months
  • Quebec: 48 months

🕒 Processing times are updated weekly or monthly. Check the official IRCC website

Help in Calgary with PR applications

Support organizations for newcomers

  • Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) — counselling, employment, adaptation
  • Centre for Newcomers (CFN) — free services, English courses (LINC), youth programs
  • Immigrant Services Calgary (ISC) — programs for children, parents, and seniors

Professional immigration consultants

  • Only regulated consultants (RCIC) are authorized to charge fees
  • Check licenses before paying

Special considerations for Ukrainian families

Transition from CUAET to permanent residency

  • Express Entry — if you have work experience and language skills
  • Alberta PNP — for those working in the province
  • Family sponsorship — if you have relatives in Canada
  • Humanitarian grounds — in exceptional cases

Refugee status as an alternative

  • Possible option, but:
  • Complicates return to Ukraine
  • Complex procedure

Practical tips for a successful application

Preparing documents

  • Create a checklist
  • Translations — certified
  • Copies of all documents
  • Compliance with IRCC requirements
  • Start medical examinations and police checks as early as possible

Financial planning

  • Expenses: fees, examinations, certificates, consultants
  • Keep tax documents, pay slips, bank statements

Language preparation

  • English/French courses — free through CCIS, CFN, etc.

Future changes and trends

Changes in immigration policy

  • Plans to reduce family class intake:
  • 2025 — 94,500
  • 2026 — 88,000
  • 2027 — 81,000

Technological improvements

  • Use of analytics and automation to speed up processing

Conclusion The process of applying for permanent residency for the entire family in Calgary requires careful planning, detailed preparation, and an understanding of the various options available. Despite the complexity of the process, with the right preparation, support from local organizations, and professional guidance, families can successfully transition from temporary status to permanent residency in Canada. The key to success is early planning, thorough preparation of documents, and utilizing all available support resources in Calgary.