Eligibility Quiz
Are you a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a person registered under the Indian Act?
Requirements
Eligibility for this pathway is divided into two distinct categories. You must fit entirely into one of these groups to qualify as a sponsor.
1. Orphaned Close Relatives
You may sponsor a relative if they meet all of the following conditions:
- Relationship: They are your sibling, nephew, niece, or grandchild.
- Status: They are orphaned (both biological and legal parents are deceased).
- Age: They are under 18 years old.
- Marital Status: They are single (not married or in a common-law relationship).
- Connection: They must be related to you by blood or adoption.
Who is excluded: You cannot use this category if even one parent is still living, if the parents' whereabouts are unknown, if the child was abandoned, or if the child is being cared for by a living parent who is simply unable to look after them (e.g., due to incarceration).
2. The "Lonely Canadian" Exception
This is a "last resort" option that allows you to sponsor one relative of any age, related by blood or adoption (such as an adult aunt, a cousin, or a sibling). However, the requirements for the sponsor are extremely high. To qualify, you must have no living relative in Canada or abroad who is a:
- Spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner.
- Child (biological or adopted).
- Parent or grandparent.
- Sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew, or niece.
The "Zero-Relative" Rule: You are disqualified from this pathway if you have even one of the relatives listed above who is a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a registered Indian. Furthermore, if you have a living parent or sibling anywhere else in the world—even if you have no relationship with them—you cannot use this rule to sponsor someone else.
Financial Thresholds
As a sponsor, you must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) to support your entire household plus the sponsored relative. You must sign a legal Undertaking, promising to provide for the relative's basic needs (food, shelter, clothing) for 10 years from the date they become a permanent resident.
Conditions & Warnings
The 'Lonely Canadian' rule is a last resort; if you have even one living parent, sibling, or child anywhere in the world (even if not in Canada), you are disqualified.
Quebec residents face significantly longer processing times due to provincial caps on family reunification.
For orphaned relatives, both parents must be deceased; abandonment or unknown whereabouts do not qualify.
Qualifications
No language requirement for the sponsored relative to obtain permanent residence.
Fees
Total for one adult relative; includes sponsorship fee ($85), processing fee ($545), RPRF ($575), and biometrics ($95). Minors are significantly cheaper (approx. $265).