Overview
Canada’s family sponsorship program prioritizes reuniting immediate family members, such as spouses, children, and parents. However, under specific and exceptional circumstances, Canadian citizens and permanent residents may sponsor other relatives, such as siblings, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren.
This program ensures that those without immediate family in Canada or abroad can still reunite with close family members.
Although less common than other sponsorship pathways, this program provides a valuable opportunity for unique cases, particularly for orphaned or dependent relatives.
Eligibility
The sponsored relative must:
-
Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
-
Be at least 18 years old.
-
Commit to financially supporting the sponsored relative and their family members (if applicable).
-
Meet minimum income requirements (where applicable).
-
Be related to the sponsor by blood or adoption.
-
Pass medical, criminal, and security checks required by IRCC.
To sponsor other relatives, the sponsor must:
Specific Eligibility Scenarios
1
Orphaned Relatives*
You may sponsor an orphaned brother, sister, nephew, niece, or grandchild if they meet all of the following conditions:
-
They are under 18 years old.
-
They are not married, in a common-law relationship, or in a conjugal partnership.
-
Both their parents are deceased.
-
They have no one else to care for them.
2
Other Relatives
(No Immediate Family Available)
You may sponsor an orphaned brother, sister, nephew, niece, or grandchild if they meet all of the following conditions:
-
They are under 18 years old.
-
They are not married, in a common-law relationship, or in a conjugal partnership.
-
Both their parents are deceased.
-
They have no one else to care for them.
* Important Exclusions
You cannot sponsor an orphaned relative if:
-
A parent is still alive or their whereabouts are unknown.
-
They are under someone else’s care while the parents are alive.
-
The parents abandoned them, are incarcerated, or are detained.
Who Qualifies?
Examples of qualified applicants include:
-
Orphaned siblings, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren under 18 years old.
-
A single relative of any age if the sponsor has no other close family available to sponsor.
Success Stories
A Sibling Without Immediate Family
A sponsor with no spouse, children, or parents in Canada or abroad applied to bring their adult sibling to Canada.
By demonstrating the sibling’s financial dependency and the sponsor’s commitment to supporting them, the case was approved.
An Orphaned
Nephew
A Canadian citizen successfully sponsored their 14-year-old orphaned nephew after the sudden loss of both parents.
By providing detailed proof of family ties, dependency, and the sponsor’s financial stability, the application was approved within 18 months.
H&C Approval for a Relative Facing Hardship
A family applied under H&C grounds to bring an adult niece who faced significant social and economic hardship in her home country.
Strong evidence of emotional dependency and family support in Canada led to the application’s approval.
Who DOES NOT Qualify?
Applicants may not qualify for an relative sponsorship application if they are:
-
Married siblings, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren.
-
Relatives who are not orphaned or who have living parents.
-
Sponsors who have other immediate family members in Canada or abroad.
-
Sponsors who cannot meet the financial support requirements.
Common Challenges in Sponsoring Other Relatives
Income Requirements
Sponsors must meet strict financial requirements to ensure they can support the relative without reliance on social assistance.
Proving Relationship
Sufficient evidence, such as birth certificates and adoption records, is required to establish the familial relationship. Missing or incomplete documentation can delay or result in refusal.
Extensive Documentation
Applications require detailed supporting evidence, such as affidavits, proof of financial stability, and documentation of the sponsored relative’s dependency.
Uncertainty of Approval
The rare and discretionary nature of this sponsorship program means that IRCC scrutinizes these applications closely.
Limited Scope of the Program
This program is only available under specific and restrictive circumstances, making it less accessible than other sponsorship streams.
Alternative Option: Consider H&C Applications
If you do not qualify to sponsor your relative under the traditional sponsorship program, Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) applications may provide an alternative pathway. H&C applications are considered in exceptional cases where strong family ties exist and the relative would face significant hardship if they were not reunited with family in Canada
Examples of H&C Scenarios:
-
Relatives who lack financial, medical, or emotional support in their home country.
-
Siblings or other relatives who would face discrimination, hardship, or challenges reintegrating into their home country.
​​
Important note: Restrictions may apply, and not all cases qualify for H&C applications. Consult with us to explore whether this pathway is right for your family.
FAQ
01.
Can I sponsor a married sibling or relative?
No, sponsorship of married siblings or relatives with dependents is not permitted under this program.
02.
What if the relative is not orphaned?
Relatives who are not orphaned cannot be sponsored unless the sponsor has no other immediate family in Canada or abroad.
03.
Do I need to meet income requirements?
Yes, sponsors must meet the minimum income thresholds for the family size, including the sponsored relative.
04.
What kind of documentation is required?
Documentation such as birth certificates, proof of adoption (if applicable), and affidavits from family members is necessary to establish the relationship.
05.
How long does the process take?
Processing times vary but typically range from 12 to 36 months, depending on the complexity of the case.
06.
Can I sponsor multiple relatives?
No, this program only allows sponsorship of one relative if you have no other immediate family available.
07.
Can I sponsor my step-sibling or half-sibling?
Yes, as long as the relationship is legally recognized and you meet the program’s requirements.
08.
What happens if my application is refused?
You can reapply with stronger evidence or pursue a judicial review if an error in law occurred.
09.
Do I need professional help to file this application?
While not mandatory, professional assistance ensures a well-prepared application and increases the likelihood of success.
10.
Can I explore H&C as an alternative?
Yes, H&C applications may be an option if you cannot sponsor your relative through the regular program. Restrictions apply, and consulting an expert is crucial to understand your eligibility. Contact us if you need help.