When a relative arrives in Canada, the sponsor must provide financial assistance to their dependants. To be a sponsor, the permanent resident or citizen must:
- Sign a sponsorship agreement with the relative in which he promises to provide him with financial assistance, if necessary.
- Provide financial assistance to a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner for a period of three years from the date of permanent residence of the spouse.
- Provide a dependent child with financial assistance for 10 years, or until the child turns 25, whichever comes first.