While Canada’s family sponsorship program focuses on close relatives, there are rare circumstances where you may sponsor extended family members such as siblings, nieces, or nephews.
Who Is Considered an “Other Relative”?
Canada allows sponsorship of other relatives in very limited and specific circumstances.
You may sponsor one relative, regardless of their age or relationship, if:
● You do not have any living:
● spouse or common-law partner
● child
● parent
● grandparent
● sibling
● aunt or uncle
● niece or nephew (related by blood or adoption)
AND
You have no other family members eligible to sponsor under any other family class category
This option is typically used if you are completely alone in Canada and have no family anywhere else.
Orphaned Relatives
You may also sponsor the following relatives if they meet all of these conditions:
● Orphaned brother, sister, niece, nephew, or grandchild
● Under the age of 18
● Unmarried and not in a common-law or conjugal relationship
● Both biological or adoptive parents are deceased
● Related to you by blood or adoption
You cannot sponsor them if:
● One or both parents are still alive
● The parents’ whereabouts are unknown or they are incarcerated
● Someone else is caring for them
● They were abandoned
Who Can Sponsor ?
To sponsor an “other relative,” you must:
● Be 18 years of age or older
● Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian
● Live in Canada
● Not be bankrupt, in default of prior sponsorship, or under a removal order
● Not receive social assistance, unless due to a disability
● Show you can support the sponsored person financially
Application Process
1. Confirm Eligibility – This is a very restrictive category; confirm no other family relationships exist
2. Prepare Evidence – Proof of orphan status or your lack of close family
3. Submit Application – Through the Family Class sponsorship process
4. Undergo Processing – Includes relationship verification, background checks, medical exams
5. Receive Decision – If approved, your relative receives permanent residence
Important Considerations
● This category is not open for general extended family sponsorship
● Only one relative can be sponsored under this category in a lifetime unless new eligibility arises
● All relationships must be proven with official documentation
Only if they are orphaned, under 18, not married, and you meet all the other conditions.
This does not qualify. The law requires your relatives to be deceased or proven ineligible for sponsorship.
No. You may sponsor only one other relative under this pathway, unless other eligibility factors change.
Yes. You must meet income and support obligations, especially if the sponsored person is financially dependent.
Only if you have no other eligible family members living in Canada or abroad—and meet the specific criteria under the “Lonely Canadian” rule (one-time sponsorship opportunity).
Unsure if You Qualify to Sponsor an Extended Family Member?
This is one of the most restrictive immigration categories. Let our RCIC team assess your eligibility and help you explore the right strategy to reunite with your loved one.