Extended Family Sponsorship
What is Extended Family Sponsorship
Extended Family Sponsorship is a pathway for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring specific relatives to Canada, who are not eligible under the Immediate Family Sponsorship categories. This program enables sponsors to support their extended family members for permanent residence, helping them to live and work in Canada. Reuniting with extended family members through Canada’s Extended Family Sponsorship program is an opportunity to bring loved ones closer. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding the process, eligibility, and application steps.
Who Can Sponsor
To be eligible to sponsor a relative under the Extended Family Sponsorship program, you must:
- Be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident: You must hold Canadian citizenship or permanent residency. Proof of your status, such as a passport or PR card, will be required during the application process.
- Meet Income Requirements: You need to demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to support your relative without relying on social assistance. This typically involves providing recent income statements, tax returns, and proof of employment.
- Be at Least 18 Years Old: Sponsors must be legally adults in Canada, which means you must be at least 18 years old to undertake the responsibility of sponsoring a relative.
- Sign an Undertaking: You must agree to provide financial support to your sponsored relative for a specified period. This commitment ensures that your relative will not need to rely on government assistance.
Your Responsibilities
When sponsoring a relative for permanent residency in Canada, you are required to:
Meet Financial Requirements: Ensure you adhere to specified income guidelines.
Provide Financial Support: Commit in writing to financially support your relative and any accompanying eligible family members starting from their date of permanent residency. This obligation can last up to 20 years, depending on the relative’s age and your relationship.
Sign an Agreement: Your sponsored relative must agree to make efforts to support themselves. This includes dependent children aged 18 or older, while those under 19 are exempt from signing this agreement.
Who You Can Sponsor
You can sponsor relatives such as a brother, sister, aunt, or uncle only under very specific circumstances. If your relative does not meet these criteria, use our Come to Canada tool to explore other potential immigration programs they may qualify for.
Orphaned Relatives
You can sponsor an orphaned brother, sister, nephew, niece, or grandchild if they meet all the following requirements:
- They are related to you by blood or adoption.
- Both of their parents are deceased.
- They are under 18 years old.
- They are single (not married or in a common-law or conjugal relationship).
You cannot sponsor these relatives if:
- At least one of their parents is still alive.
- Their parents' whereabouts are unknown.
- Their parents have abandoned them.
- Another person, other than their parents, is caring for them while one or both parents are still alive.
- Their parent is imprisoned or otherwise detained.
Sponsoring Other Relatives
You may sponsor one other relative of any age, related by blood or adoption, if you meet these conditions:
- You do not have a living relative who you could sponsor instead, such as a:
- Spouse
- Common-law partner
- Conjugal partner
- Son or daughter
- Parent
- Grandparent
- Orphaned brother or sister
- Orphaned nephew or niece
- Orphaned grandchild
- You do not have any living relatives (including aunts or uncles or the relatives listed above) who are:
- Canadian citizens
- Permanent residents
- Registered Indians under the Indian Act
If the relative you wish to sponsor has a spouse, partner, or dependent children accompanying them to Canada, they must be included in the same sponsorship application.
The Application Process
Determine Eligibility: Ensure that both you (the sponsor) and your relative (the applicant) meet all eligibility criteria. This involves checking specific requirements for financial support, relationship proof, and residency status.
Gather Documentation: Collect all necessary documents for both you and your relative, including:
- Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency.
- Evidence of the family relationship (e.g., birth certificates, marriage certificates).
- Financial documents showing your ability to support your relative (e.g., recent pay stubs, bank statements).
- Identity verification documents (e.g., passports, national ID cards).
Complete the Application Form: Fill out the required forms accurately. This includes the sponsorship application form and the application for permanent residence for your relative. Ensure all sections are complete and truthful.
Submit Your Application: Submit the completed application along with the applicable fees to the relevant immigration office. Applications can typically be submitted online or by mail, depending on the program requirements.
Wait for Processing: Processing times can vary widely based on the type of application and the volume of submissions. During this period, stay informed about the status of your application and be prepared to provide additional information if requested.
After You Apply
Application Review: Your application will undergo a thorough review process. Immigration officials will check for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with all requirements. You may be contacted for additional information or to attend an interview.
Decision Notification: Once a decision is made, you will receive notification of the outcome. If approved, your relative will be issued a visa or permanent residency status, allowing them to travel to Canada.
Prepare for Arrival
Once your relative’s application is approved, prepare for their arrival by:
- Planning Their Arrival: Make arrangements for their accommodation, transportation, and any necessary health insurance coverage. Ensure they have everything they need for a smooth transition to life in Canada.
- Understanding Canadian Culture: Help your relative become familiar with Canadian customs, legal requirements, and community resources. Providing information about local services, healthcare, and everyday life can ease their adjustment.
- Providing Support: Offer assistance with settling in, including helping them access local services such as banking, healthcare, and educational opportunities. Support their integration into the community by introducing them to local activities and social networks.
Check processing times
Processing times can change based on various factors. For the most current information, we recommend regularly checking with the official immigration or application authority.