Eligibility Quiz
Are you a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a person registered under the Indian Act?
Overview
The Other Relative sponsorship pathway is a highly specific and restrictive branch of Canada’s Family Class sponsorship. It is designed for two very narrow scenarios: providing a home for orphaned minor relatives or allowing a Canadian with no other family to bring one relative to Canada.
This pathway is often referred to as the "Lonely Canadian" rule or the "Orphaned Relative" category. Unlike the popular Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), this pathway does not use a lottery system. If you meet the strict legal criteria defined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), you can apply at any time.
Important Limitations
- The One-Time Opportunity: The "Lonely Canadian" rule is generally a one-time-only benefit. If you successfully sponsor a relative under this rule, you can never use it again, even if that relative later passes away.
- Quebec Residents: If you live in Quebec, you must meet additional provincial requirements. After IRCC approves you as a sponsor, you must apply for a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ). Note that Quebec currently has provincial caps that may result in significantly longer wait times.
- Admissibility: Even if you meet all sponsorship requirements, the relative can be denied entry if they have a criminal record or a medical condition that poses a risk to public health or creates an "excessive demand" on Canada's healthcare system.
Rights as a Permanent Resident
Once the application is approved and the relative "lands" in Canada, they are granted Permanent Residency and hold the following rights:
- Right to Work and Study: They may work for any employer or enroll in any educational institution in Canada without a separate permit.
- Social Benefits: Access to most social benefits that Canadian citizens receive, including provincial healthcare coverage (after any applicable waiting periods).
- Travel Rights: The right to travel outside Canada and re-enter, provided they maintain their residency obligations and carry a valid PR card.
- Path to Citizenship: They are eligible to apply for Canadian Citizenship after physically living in Canada for at least 1,095 days (three years) out of the five years preceding their application.
- Protection Under the Charter: They are protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.