Other Relatives Sponsorship Canada
How do I sponsor other relatives living outside of Canada?
You may be eligible to sponsor adopted children and other relatives living outside of Canada if:
- The person you want to sponsor is a member of the family class. If they are not, you will be not be able to sponsor them;
- You are 18 years of age or older;
- You are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
- You reside in Canada;
- You sign an undertaking promising to provide for the basic requirements of the person being sponsored and, if applicable, his or her family members;
- You and the sponsored person sign an agreement that confirms that each of you understands your mutual obligations and responsibilities; and
- You have an income that is at least equal to the minimum necessary income that Canadian government determines each year. This is also known as the “Low Income Cut-Off” or “LICO.”
Eligibility, Income Requirements, and Family Class Rules
The LICO income is based on your Gross Annual Income. You have to provide Citizenship and Immigration Canada with documents that show your financial resources for the past 12 months and prove you are financially able to sponsor members of the family class. You may get the help of a cosigner.
Who is eligible to be sponsored?
You can sponsor relatives or family members under this class if they are:
- A child whom you adopted outside Canada and you were a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada at the time the adoption took place, or a child whom you intend to adopt in Canada
- Your brother or sister, nephew or niece, grandson or granddaughter, if he or she is an orphan, under 18 years of age and not married or in a common-law relationship
Who is a dependent child?
Dependent children may be your own children or those of the person you are sponsoring. They must:
- Be under the age of 22 and not a spouse or common-law partner; or
- Have depended substantially on the financial support of a parent and have been continuously enrolled and in attendance as full-time students in a post secondary institution accredited by the relevant government authority since before the age of 22; or
Have depended substantially on the financial support of a parent since before the age of 22 and unable to provide for themselves due to a medical condition.
| Aspect | Key Details | Why It Matters for Sponsors |
|---|---|---|
| Who Can Sponsor | Canadian citizens or permanent residents, 18+ years old, residing in Canada | Only eligible sponsors can submit applications for relatives |
| Undertaking | Sponsor must sign an agreement to provide for basic needs of the sponsored person and dependents | Legally binds sponsor to financial responsibility |
| Mutual Agreement | Sponsor and sponsored person sign to confirm understanding of responsibilities | Establishes clarity on obligations for both parties |
| Income Requirement | Minimum necessary income (LICO) based on family size; proof of income from past 12 months required | Ensures sponsor can support relative without government aid |
| Eligible Relatives | Adopted children, orphans under 18 (siblings, nieces, nephews, grandchildren) who are unmarried and not in common-law relationship | Focuses on vulnerable family members needing sponsorship |
| Definition of Dependent Child | Under 22 and not married/common-law, or financially dependent due to full-time studies or medical condition | Protects minors and certain dependent adults |
| Adoption Rules | Adoption must be legal and recognized, either abroad or intended in Canada | Guarantees legitimacy of adoption process for immigration purposes |
| Co-Signer Option | Spouse or common-law partner can co-sign to meet income requirements | Helps meet LICO threshold if sponsor’s income alone is insufficient |
| Family Class Restriction | Relative must be in the “family class” as defined by Immigration Canada | Prevents applications for ineligible extended relatives |
Navigating Family Sponsorship for Relatives Outside the Standard Categories
Sponsoring relatives outside of the typical spousal or parental categories requires meeting stricter eligibility rules, income thresholds, and documentation standards. An experienced immigration consultant can help you determine if your relative qualifies under the family class, prepare proof of income to meet the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO), and ensure your adoption or dependency documentation meets Immigration Canada’s standards. By managing each step carefully, you can increase the chances of a successful sponsorship and reunite with your loved ones in Canada.