Citizenship and Immigration Canada
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Frequently asked questions:
Sponsoring your family

Spouses, partners and dependent children

Why should I apply under the Spouse or Common-law Partner in Canada Class instead of applying to stay in Canada on humanitarian and compassionate grounds?

People apply to remain in Canada on humanitarian and compassionate grounds because they do not meet the criteria to apply in any other class. Spouses and common-law partners should apply in the Family Class. The Family Class will exempt you from some of the financial and medical requirements, and you can include other family members (who are in Canada or in another country) on your application for permanent residence. The process in the Family Class is much faster than an application on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.