Other Family Members

Eligible Family Members for Sponsorship:

1. Orphaned Siblings, Nephews, or Nieces:
   • Canadian citizens or permanent residents may sponsor orphaned siblings, nieces, or nephews who are under the age of 18 and have no living parents.
   • The sponsor must be the child’s closest living relative and be willing to assume responsibility for their care.
2. Other Relatives:
   • Relatives who are dependent on the sponsor for financial support may be eligible for sponsorship under specific circumstances, such as a single or widowed relative who cannot support themselves due to a physical or mental condition.
   • These relatives must demonstrate that they are financially dependent on the sponsor.
3. Cousins, Aunts, and Uncles:
   • Sponsoring cousins, aunts, uncles, or other extended family members is generally more difficult unless they meet specific criteria, such as being financially dependent on the sponsor due to special circumstances (e.g., medical or mental conditions).

Eligibility Requirements for the Sponsor:

• The sponsor must be at least 18 years old.
• The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada (or planning to return to Canada).
• The sponsor must be able to provide financial support for the relative without relying on social assistance.
• The sponsor must not be in default of any previous sponsorship undertakings or applications.
• For some relatives, the sponsor must show a certain degree of relationship and prove financial dependency on the sponsor.

Eligibility Requirements for the Applicant (Family Member):

• The applicant must be a close relative (e.g., sibling, niece, nephew, or other dependent relative) who is under 18 years old or, in some cases, an adult who cannot support themselves due to a physical or mental condition.
• The applicant must meet health and security requirements, including medical exams and background checks.
• The applicant must not be inadmissible to Canada due to criminality, health issues, or other reasons.

Key Features of the Sponsorship Program for Other Family Members:

• Permanent Residence: Once approved, the sponsored relative will become a permanent resident of Canada and will be eligible to live, work, and access healthcare in the country.
• Financial Support: The sponsor must sign an agreement to provide financial support to the relative. In some cases, this financial support is required for several years (usually 10 years).
• Processing Times: The processing times for sponsoring other family members can be longer than for immediate family members, and the eligibility of the sponsored relative may be more complex to establish.
• Restrictions: Canada does not allow sponsorship for certain family members, such as adult siblings who are not dependent or cousins, unless they have very special circumstances.

Process of Sponsoring Other Family Members:

1. Eligibility Check: The first step is for the sponsor to confirm whether the family member is eligible for sponsorship. The relative must fall under one of the categories mentioned above (e.g., orphaned sibling or dependent relative).
2. Application Submission: Once eligibility is confirmed, the sponsor and the applicant submit the necessary documents, including proof of the family relationship and proof of financial dependency, if applicable.
3. Application Processing: Immigration officials will assess the application and determine whether both the sponsor and the applicant meet the necessary requirements. If the relative is dependent due to a medical condition, appropriate medical documentation will need to be submitted.
4. Decision: If the application is approved, the relative will be granted permanent resident status in Canada. If the application is refused, the sponsor and applicant may have the option to appeal or reapply.

Considerations and Documentation:

• Proof of Relationship: The sponsor will need to provide evidence of their relationship to the applicant. This could include birth certificates, adoption records, or other legal documents.
• Financial Support: The sponsor will need to demonstrate that they can financially support the relative. This may include showing proof of income, such as tax returns and employment records.

Health and Security: The relative being sponsored must undergo a medical examination and may be required to submit police clearance certificates.