Sponsorship undertaking
Statutory definition
IRPR s 132 requires sponsors to co-sign an undertaking with the Minister. The undertaking period is: 3 years for spouses and common-law partners; 20 years for parents and grandparents; until age 25 (or independence, whichever is earlier) for dependent children. During the undertaking period, the sponsor is responsible for the basic requirements of the sponsored person and their family, regardless of changes in the sponsor's own circumstances.
Explanation
The sponsorship undertaking is enforceable — a sponsor who defaults on their obligations may be pursued by the government for reimbursement of social assistance paid to the sponsored person. The undertaking period cannot be shortened by the sponsored person obtaining citizenship, remarrying, or becoming financially independent (for parent/grandparent undertakings). Sponsors should understand this long-term commitment before applying. In Quebec, there is a separate provincial sponsorship undertaking process.