Sponsorship For Other Family Members

While most immigration pathways under the Family Class focus on sponsoring spouses, partners, children, and parents or grandparents, there are limited but meaningful options available to sponsor other family members to Canada. This category supports family reunification in special circumstances where no other eligible relatives exist or where the relationship meets specific IRCC exceptions.

Under Canada’s immigration regulations, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident may be eligible to sponsor a relative who is not otherwise eligible under regular Family Class categories—such as a sibling, niece, nephew, or grandchild—only if they have no living spouse, partner, child, parent, or grandparent they could otherwise sponsor. This is often referred to as the “lonely Canadian” exception. It is designed to ensure that individuals in Canada without immediate family ties still have a pathway to reunite with loved ones.

Additionally, orphaned siblings, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren who are under the age of 18, unmarried, and without parents may be sponsored under certain conditions. In all cases, the sponsor must demonstrate the ability to financially support the applicant, sign an undertaking to provide for their needs, and meet other eligibility requirements under IRCC guidelines.

Sponsoring extended family members is not as straightforward as sponsoring a spouse or child. These applications require extensive documentation, justification for eligibility, and a strong demonstration of family ties. Processing times may also be longer due to the complexity of these cases.

Book a consultation with RightWay Canada to determine if your family circumstances align with IRCC’s special criteria for sponsoring other relatives. Our experienced consultants will evaluate your case, guide you through complex documentation, and help you prepare a clear, well-supported application to increase your chances of success.