Sponsor Other Relatives

Extend Family Sponsorship to More Distant Kin

Canada’s family sponsorship program is primarily designed for immediate family members. However, under very specific and limited circumstances, Canadian citizens and permanent residents may be able to sponsor other relatives to become permanent residents.

Canada’s family sponsorship program is primarily designed for immediate family members. However, under very specific and limited circumstances, Canadian citizens and permanent residents may be able to sponsor other relatives to become permanent residents.

 

Understanding This Niche Program

This sponsorship stream is not a general option for all relatives. It is a highly restrictive program with two main categories for eligibility: orphaned close relatives and a single other relative under the "Lonely Canadian" provision.

 
Strict Conditions

The conditions for this program are very strict and the applications are closely scrutinized. It is essential to ensure you meet all criteria before applying.

Last Resort Rule

You can only sponsor an "other relative" if you do not have a living spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, dependent child, parent, grandparent, or orphaned sibling whom you could sponsor instead.

General Requirements (Sponsor)

  • You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, living in Canada.


  • You must be at least 18 years old.


  • You must meet or exceed the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the past three consecutive taxation years.


  • You must sign a sponsorship undertaking to provide financial support for a period of 10 years.

Sponsored Relative

  • Must be legally admissible to Canada, with no criminal or serious health issues.


  • Must meet the specific eligibility conditions such as orphaned brothers, sisters, nieces, or nephews.

Financial Undertaking

You must sign a legal agreement (an "undertaking") to financially support your sponsored family members for a period of 10 years from the date they become permanent residents. This includes repaying any social assistance they may receive during this time.

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Eligibility Assessment

We conduct a thorough assessment of your family situation to confirm you meet the strict "last resort" requirements.

Choose the Best Strategy

Our consultants help you prepare a strong application package that clearly demonstrates your eligibility for this specific program.

Avoid Costly Mistakes

Our experts meticulously review your application to avoid inconsistencies, missing documents, and other costly mistakes.

Document Compilation

We provide a detailed checklist and assist in gathering all necessary forms and compelling evidence of your relationship and income.

Categories for Sponsorship

Orphaned Relatives

This applies to your orphaned brother, sister, nephew, niece, or grandchild who meets all of the following conditions:


  • They are related to you by blood or adoption.


  • Both of their parents are deceased.


  • They are under 18 years old.


  • They are not married or in a common-law relationship.
One Other Relative

You may be able to sponsor one relative of any age, provided you meet the strict "last resort" conditions mentioned above. This is the only way to sponsor an aunt, uncle, or cousin.

multigenerational family group for other relative sponsorship Canada
family members reading letters for Canadian relative immigration

Special Considerations

Income Requirement

Unlike some other sponsorship programs, the MNI is a strict requirement for  "other relatives" sponsorships. You must provide official proof of income from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Proof of Relationship

You must provide clear and verifiable evidence of your relationship with the sponsored relative, such as birth certificates or legal adoption documents.

Complexity

Due to the highly specific nature of these exemptions, the application process is particularly complex and requires meticulous documentation.

Sponsoring other family members

Canadian citizens and permanent residents may be eligible to sponsor other close relatives. If you wish to sponsor a child, parent, or other family member, explore the specific requirements and programs available on our dedicated pages for family sponsorship.

family relaxing together at home after successful Canadian family sponsorship immigration

Frequently Asked Questions

Sponsors must have no spouse, child, parent, or sibling alive, and no other relative in Canada who could sponsor them. This is one of the most restrictive categories.

Yes, but only if both parents are deceased, the child is under 18, and the sponsor can demonstrate capacity to support them.

Once a child reaches 18, orphaned relative sponsorship is no longer available. Age is assessed on the date IRCC receives the application.

Yes. Sponsors must demonstrate adequate income and long-term ability to support the relative.

In rare cases, yes. Humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) applications may allow sponsorship where hardship is evident, though approval rates are low.

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