Sponsoring adopted children and other family members

If you are a Canadian citizen, Registered Indian, or permanent resident of Canada, aged 18 or older, and wish to sponsor, use this application package to:

• Sponsor adopted children or children to be adopted, as well as individuals seeking to reunite with close family members in Canada.

To use this application package, the sponsored individual must meet one of the following criteria:

• A child adopted outside of Canada, or one who is to be adopted in Canada.
• A sibling, nephew, niece, or grandchild who is orphaned, under 18 years old, and not married or in a common-law relationship.
• A relative of any age, provided the sponsor has no spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, child, parent, sibling, grandparent, aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew who is a Canadian citizen, Registered Indian, or permanent resident, or whose permanent residence application could be sponsored.

Please note: Adopted children of Canadian citizens may qualify for Canadian citizenship. Explore the citizenship application process for adopted individuals for more information.

Use this guide from IRCC to assist in preparing:

• An application to sponsor an adopted child or orphaned relative, OR
• Other family members who are not your spouse, partner, or dependent child.

Adopted children and orphaned relatives

A permanent resident visa cannot be granted to an adopted child or an orphaned sibling, nephew, or niece of the sponsor under the family class unless the sponsor or adoptive parents can provide evidence of having obtained information about the child’s medical condition. This requirement is in place to safeguard the best interests of the child.

Sponsors must complete and submit a Medical Condition Statement [IMM 0133] (opens in a new tab) if it was not included with their initial sponsorship application.

What does it mean to sponsor?

When you sponsor individuals under the family class, you are required to sign an undertaking with the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (or with the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration [MIFI] if you reside in Quebec).

This undertaking is a formal commitment to provide financial support and meet the basic needs of the family members you are sponsoring.

The basic needs include:

• Food
• Clothing
• Utilities
• Personal necessities
• Shelter
• Fuel
• Household supplies
• Health care not covered by public insurance, such as vision and dental care

The purpose of the undertaking is to ensure that the sponsored individuals and their family members do not have to rely on social assistance. The duration of this commitment varies depending on the age and relationship of the individuals being sponsored.

Your responsibilities as a sponsor begin as soon as the person you are sponsoring, and their family members if applicable, arrive in Canada.

Important note: The undertaking is a binding agreement that cannot be revoked. It remains in effect regardless of changes in circumstances, such as the acquisition of Canadian citizenship, divorce, separation, relationship breakdown, relocation to another province, or a change in your financial situation.

Can a Co-Signer Be Included?

A spouse or common-law partner can help meet the income requirement by co-signing the sponsorship application. A common-law partner is defined as someone who has lived in a conjugal relationship with you for at least one year prior to signing the undertaking.

The co-signer must:

• Meet the same eligibility criteria as the sponsor.
• Agree to co-sign the undertaking.
• Assume responsibility for the basic needs of the sponsored individual and their family members for the duration of the undertaking.

Both the sponsor and the co-signer share equal responsibility if the obligations are not met.

Note: IRCC does not take into account assets, potential earnings, or financial assistance from other family members.

Is More Than One Application Required?

Separate applications must be completed for each individual you wish to sponsor. Each application can also include that person’s family members.

For instance:

If the goal is to sponsor:

• Two orphaned brothers,

then two separate applications are required—one for each brother. Each application should clearly identify the respective brother as the principal applicant being sponsored.

Sponsorship eligibility

To sponsor someone, the following criteria must be met:

• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Be a Canadian citizen, Registered Indian, or permanent resident.
• Be sponsoring a member of the family class.
• Reside in Canada.
• Sign an undertaking committing to provide for the basic needs of the person being sponsored.
• Sign an agreement with the sponsored individual that outlines mutual obligations and responsibilities.
• Have an income that meets or exceeds the minimum necessary income, as published annually by the Canadian government in the Low-Income Cut-offs (LICO). You will need to provide documentation demonstrating your financial resources for the past 12 months to show you can support family class members. A co-signer may also be included. If residing in Quebec, additional requirements may apply for sponsors living there.

Note: The minimum income requirement does not apply if the person being sponsored is a child that you have adopted or intend to adopt in Canada, and that child has no children of their own.

You cannot sponsor if you..

• Receive social assistance for reasons other than disability.
• Are in default on an undertaking, immigration loan, performance bond, or family support payments.
• Are an undischarged bankrupt.
• Have been convicted of a sexual offence, a violent crime, or an offence against a relative resulting in bodily harm, including any attempt or threat to commit such offences. This determination may depend on factors like the nature of the offence, how long ago it occurred, and whether a pardon was granted.
• Are subject to a removal order.
• Are currently detained in a penitentiary, jail, reformatory, or prison.

Defaults

You are not eligible to sponsor if you are in default on a previous undertaking. If you submit a sponsorship application while in default, it will be denied, and any sponsorship fees paid will not be refunded or credited toward future applications.

You may be considered in default in the following situations:

Previous Sponsorship Undertaking
You may be found in default if the family members you previously sponsored received social assistance or welfare while the undertaking was active. You cannot sponsor again until you repay the full amount of any social assistance or welfare payments or resolve the debt to the satisfaction of the relevant government authority.

Immigration Loan
If you received a loan for transportation, assistance, or the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (formerly known as the Right of Landing Fee) and have missed payments or are in arrears, you are in default. Sponsorship is not permitted until all arrears on the loan are paid. For further assistance, contact Collection Services at 1-800-667-7301 (available in Canada and the United States only).

Support Payment Obligations
If a court has ordered you to make support payments to a spouse or child and you have failed to do so, you cannot sponsor until this family support issue is resolved.

Performance Bond
If you agreed to pay a sum of money to ensure that an immigrant would fulfill their obligations under immigration legislation, you are in default until the full bond amount is paid.

Sponsorship Bar for Violent Crime

The sponsorship bar prohibits individuals convicted of certain crimes from sponsoring family members.

If you have been convicted of a crime that caused bodily harm to any of the relatives listed below, you are ineligible to sponsor anyone under the Family Class.

Note:

• The term “partner” includes both common-law and conjugal partners.
• Other relatives not explicitly mentioned may also fall under this category. If uncertain, consult the full list of rules or contact IRCC for clarification.

Relatives Affected by the Sponsorship Bar:

• Your current or ex-spouse/partner and/or their children
• Your children
• Your parents/grandparents, children/grandchildren, siblings, nieces/nephews, aunts/uncles, or cousins
• The current or ex-spouse/partner and children of the above relatives
• The parents/grandparents, children/grandchildren, siblings, nieces/nephews, aunts/uncles, or cousins of your current or ex-spouse/partner and their children
• Your child’s spouse, partner, or children
• The ex-spouse or ex-partner of your spouse, partner, or child, along with their children
• The parents/grandparents, children/grandchildren, siblings, nieces/nephews, aunts/uncles, or cousins of your partner
• The current or ex-spouse/partner (and their children) of any of the above relatives
• A foster child currently or previously cared for by you, your current or ex-spouse/partner, or their children
• Your parents/grandparents, children/grandchildren, siblings, aunts/uncles, or cousins
• The current or ex-spouse/partner (and their children) of any of the above individuals
• Your current or ex-boyfriend/girlfriend, their spouse or common-law partner, and their dependent children.

Sponsors Living in Quebec

The province of Quebec is responsible for assessing whether sponsors residing in the province have the financial capacity to support their family members and the duration of the undertaking.

Quebec has its own immigration regulations. If you live in Quebec and wish to sponsor someone, follow these steps:

1. First, submit your application to IRCC.
2. If you meet the federal sponsorship requirements, IRCC will send you an email or letter with instructions to download Quebec’s sponsorship kit.
3. Complete and submit the undertaking kit from Quebec. Make sure to attach a copy of the email or letter received from IRCC to your undertaking application submitted to the Quebec government.

The Quebec government will review your sponsorship application and determine your eligibility. You may be deemed ineligible if:

• You failed to meet the terms of a previous sponsorship agreement, resulting in the sponsored person receiving social assistance, and you have not reimbursed the Quebec government.
• In the five years prior to your sponsorship application, you did not pay alimony or child support as mandated by a court order.
• You did not comply with other conditions set by Quebec authorities or federal regulations, particularly if you received social assistance and are not exempt from this requirement.

IRCC cannot make a decision on your application until the Quebec government has rendered a decision on your undertaking application.

The Quebec government will notify IRCC if you are approved as a sponsor.

If you meet the federal eligibility requirements, IRCC will send the sponsor a letter with instructions to download the MIFI undertaking kit, which should then be completed and submitted to MIFI along with a copy of the letter received from IRCC.

Length of Undertaking

Your responsibilities as a sponsor begin when your family members arrive in Canada as permanent residents. The following information will help you understand the duration of your undertaking.

Dependent Child Aged 22 or Over

If you are sponsoring a dependent child or the dependent child of your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner who is 22 years old or older on the day they become a permanent resident, the length of the undertaking is three years from the date they obtain permanent residency.

Any Other Person

For other relatives (e.g., siblings, aunts, uncles), the length of the undertaking is ten years from the time they become permanent residents.

Note: If social assistance payments are provided to your relative during the undertaking period, you will be considered in default.

Calculating Family Size

The size of your family determines the income required for sponsorship. When calculating family size:

Count:

1. Yourself
2. Your spouse or common-law partner
3. Any dependent children, if applicable (see the definition of dependent child).

Note: All dependent children must be included, regardless of custody arrangements or child support obligations.

Also Count:

1. The number of persons you are currently sponsoring.
2. All family members of the person you are sponsoring, whether they are accompanying or not.
3. Persons covered by other valid undertakings you have made or co-signed previously.
4. If you have a co-signer, include all persons covered by valid undertakings made or co-signed by your co-signer.

The total of all persons from steps 1 to 4 represents your family size. Refer to the income tables and charts at the end of this guide to determine if your income meets the sponsorship requirements. Keep in mind that these calculations will only be estimates.

For sponsors in Quebec: Residents of Quebec should consult MIFI’s Financial Capacity Evaluation webpage. The Income Scale amounts in Quebec are updated annually. Official financial assessments will be conducted by MIFI staff. For further details, visit MIFI’s website and navigate to the Sponsors and Sponsored Persons section or call the general information line at 1-877-864-9191.

Maintaining Minimum Income During Application Processing

Your income must meet or exceed the minimum necessary income requirement, as determined annually by the Low-Income Cut-Offs (LICO), on the date the sponsorship application is signed.

IRCC may reassess your income at any time during processing if new information suggests that you may no longer meet the minimum income requirements.

Note: The minimum income requirement does not apply if you are sponsoring a child you have adopted or intend to adopt in Canada, provided that child has no children of their own.

Withdrawing Your Undertaking

If you decide not to sponsor a child placed for adoption or other relatives, you must notify IRCC of your decision to withdraw your undertaking before the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident. Use the specified web form and include your name, date of birth, and Universal Client Identification (UCI) / Client ID number, if known.

If you notify IRCC before the sponsored person is granted permanent residency, they will assess your request and inform you in writing if the withdrawal is accepted. If you inform IRCC after the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident, the commitment you and your co-signer made to support your family remains valid for the duration of your undertaking.

Consequences of Failing to Meet Obligations

If the person you sponsored receives financial support from any federal, provincial, or municipal assistance program while your undertaking is active, you:

• Will be considered in default of your obligations,
• May have to repay any benefits received by the sponsored person,
• Will not be permitted to sponsor other family members until you reimburse the government for these payments.

Possible Reasons for Application Refusal

There are various reasons an application for permanent residence might be refused, including:

• The individual you wish to sponsor is not a member of the family class,
• You do not meet the financial requirements, if applicable,
• Required documents were not provided by the sponsored person or their family members,
• The relationship is not genuine or was entered into solely for immigration purposes,
• The sponsored person or their family members have a criminal record or serious illness.

Suspension of Processing

If any of the following apply to you and you submit a sponsorship application, your application will not be processed until a final decision is made regarding that matter:

• You have been charged with a serious offense punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years or more.
• You are subject to a report that could render you inadmissible to Canada.
• You are appealing the loss of your permanent resident status.
• You are the subject of a certificate signed by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and the Solicitor General of Canada declaring you inadmissible on security grounds, due to human or international rights violations, serious criminality, or organized criminality.

Information for the Principal Applicant (Adopted Child or Other Relative)

Does the principal applicant need to include a child in the sole custody of a former spouse or partner in their application?

The principal applicant must declare all children in the sole custody of a former spouse or partner in the permanent residence application, as all family members, regardless of accompanying status, must be listed and examined. If a child is not examined, the principal applicant will not be able to sponsor that child in the future, regardless of any changes in custody or living circumstances. To retain the right to sponsor that child later, they must be included in the application.

Passport or Travel Document Requirements

You must possess a valid passport or travel document. If any of these documents are nearing expiration, renew them and provide copies of the new documents to the processing office.

Diplomatic, official, service, or public affairs passports are not valid for immigrating to Canada. A valid regular or private passport is required upon arrival.

Note: The validity of your visa may depend on the validity of your passport.

Validity of Permanent Resident Visa

A permanent resident visa is valid for a period not exceeding the earliest expiration date of the following documents:

1. Your medical results, or
2. Your passport.

Important Information: Permanent resident visas cannot be extended once issued. If applicants do not use their visas within the validity period, they must reapply for immigration to Canada. Their sponsor will need to submit a new sponsorship application and pay the applicable processing fees.

Requirements for Issuing an Immigration Visa

For all adoption cases, specific immigration requirements must be fulfilled before a visa can be issued:

1. Obtain a letter from provincial or territorial authorities indicating that they have no objections to the adoption. IRCC will directly request this letter from the appropriate authorities at the time of sponsorship approval.
2. Provide a written statement confirming that the sponsor has gathered information regarding the medical condition of the child being adopted or intended for adoption outside Canada, or for adoption within Canada. Refer to the Medical Condition Statement for details.

Note: If sponsoring a child adopted abroad or one intended for adoption in Canada, ensure that medical information is collected. Complete and sign the relevant section of the Medical Condition Statement and submit it to the visa office processing the permanent residence application for the child.