Other Relatives
In Canada, family sponsorship primarily focuses on spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, and parents or grandparents. However, under specific circumstances, Canadian citizens or permanent residents may sponsor other relatives, such as siblings, uncles, aunts, nephews, or nieces, for permanent residency. These provisions are designed to address unique family situations, including orphaned relatives and cases where the sponsor has no immediate family members in Canada.
Understanding Sponsorship of Other Relatives
Canadian immigration law allows for the sponsorship of certain relatives beyond the immediate family under two primary scenarios:
Orphaned Close Relatives:
Eligibility Criteria:
- The relative is a brother, sister, nephew, niece, or grandchild of the sponsor.
- Both parents of the relative are deceased.
- The relative is under 18 years of age.
- The relative is not married, in a common-law relationship, or a conjugal partner.
Important Considerations:
- Relatives are not eligible for sponsorship if:
- They have a living parent.
- The whereabouts of their parents are unknown.
- They have been abandoned by their parents.
- Their parents are in prison or otherwise detained.
- Someone else, such as a guardian or family member, is taking care of them while one or both parents are still alive.
- Relatives are not eligible for sponsorship if:
Lonely Canadian Program (Sponsorship of Other Relatives):
Eligibility Criteria:
- The sponsor does not have any of the following living relatives who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, or whom they could sponsor:
- Spouse or common-law partner.
- Conjugal partner.
- Son or daughter.
- Parent.
- Grandparent.
- Brother or sister.
- Uncle or aunt.
- Nephew or niece.
- The sponsor does not have any of the above relatives who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or registered Indians under the Indian Act.
- The sponsor does not have any of the following living relatives who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, or whom they could sponsor:
Important Considerations:
- If the sponsor has any living relatives listed above, either in Canada or abroad, they are not eligible to sponsor another relative under this program.
- This provision is designed for sponsors who are truly alone in Canada without immediate or extended family members.
VIEW MORE DETAILS
Application Process for Sponsoring Other Relatives
Verify Eligibility:
- Ensure that both the sponsor and the relative meet the specific criteria outlined above.
Prepare Documentation:
- Gather all necessary documents, including proof of relationship, death certificates of parents (if applicable), and evidence of the sponsor’s Canadian citizenship or permanent residency.
Submit Sponsorship Application:
- Complete and submit the sponsorship application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), including all required forms and supporting documents.
Await Processing:
- Processing times can vary; it’s important to monitor the application status and respond promptly to any requests from IRCC.
Your Path to Canada Starts Here
Don’t let immigration hurdles hold you back. Our immigration consultant specializes in Canadian immigration laws and regulations. Secure your consultation today to receive personalized guidance and start your journey to Canada.
I’m Rashid Ali, a Licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant, having a designation of RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) from the College of Citizenship & Immigration Consultants of Canada or CICC (Previously known as ICCRC). CICC is the official regulator of immigration consultants in Canada. I’m also a member of the Canadian Association for Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC).
