
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouses, common-law partners, children, parents, and grandparents to immigrate to Canada. However, it is important to note that you cannot directly sponsor your in-laws. The sponsor will be your spouse, who will sponsor their parents or grandparents, and you can be a co-signer to that application, pledging to help support them. To be eligible for sponsorship, the sponsored individual must be a close relative of the sponsor and meet certain requirements, such as age and financial dependency.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sponsoring a mother-in-law to Canada | Not possible directly |
| Alternative | Co-sign your spouse's application to sponsor their mother |
| Co-signer's responsibility | Supporting your spouse's mother in Canada |
| Sponsoring extended family members | Possible under the "Lonely Canadian Program" or "Other Relative Program" |
| Sponsoring eligibility | Canadian citizens or permanent residents |
| Sponsoring eligible relatives | Spouses, common-law partners, children, parents, grandparents, adult son or daughter, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, niece or nephew |
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What You'll Learn

Sponsoring in-laws as a co-signer
To immigrate to Canada under the Family Sponsorship Class, an individual must be sponsored by a close relative living in Canada as a permanent resident or a Canadian citizen. This includes spouses, common-law partners, children, parents, and grandparents. However, it is important to note that you cannot directly sponsor your in-laws to immigrate to Canada. The only way to facilitate this process is by co-signing their application.
Co-signing an in-law's application:
This means that your spouse will be the primary sponsor for their parents and/or grandparents, and you will be a co-signer, pledging to help support them financially. To do this, your spouse must meet the requirements for sponsoring a parent or grandparent, including financial ones. The IRCC may consider your combined income when assessing your spouse's sponsorship application.
It is important to understand that as a co-signer, you will be liable for any obligations arising from your spouse's sponsorship. This includes financial liability, even if your relationship with your in-laws deteriorates. Therefore, it is crucial to discuss any concerns and expectations with your spouse and in-laws before committing to the sponsorship.
Eligibility requirements for co-signers:
As a co-signer, you must meet the same eligibility requirements as a sponsor. To be eligible, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Additionally, the individuals being sponsored must meet certain criteria. If they are under 22 years old, they should not have a spouse or partner. If they are 22 or older, they must have been financially dependent on their parents before turning 22 and have a mental or physical disability that prevents them from being self-supporting.
Other programs for sponsoring extended family members:
In certain circumstances, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident may sponsor an extended family member through the "Lonely Canadian Program" or the "Other Relative Program." This includes sponsoring one adult son or daughter, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, niece, or nephew. If the extended family member is married or has children, they can bring their immediate family to Canada as well. However, the sponsor must not have a spouse, common-law partner, child, or parent of their own.
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Sponsoring extended family members
It is important to note that the sponsor remains financially liable for their extended relatives even after they immigrate and if their relationship deteriorates. Additionally, the extended family member must be related to the sponsor by blood.
In some cases, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident may be able to sponsor an extended family member if they do not meet the requirements to sponsor a parent or grandparent due to financial issues. However, if the foreign parent or grandparent does not meet the requirements of immigration due to medical or criminal inadmissibility issues, then the Canadian cannot sponsor a different relative.
To immigrate to Canada under family sponsorship, an individual must be sponsored by a close relative living in Canada as a permanent resident or Canadian citizen. This includes spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners aged 16 or older, and parents and grandparents. In some cases, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident may sponsor a spouse or common-law partner already living with them in Canada.
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Financial liability for extended relatives
It is important to note that you cannot sponsor your in-laws to immigrate to Canada. However, you can co-sign your in-law's application, which means your spouse will sponsor their parents or grandparents, and you will pledge to help support them financially. As a co-signer, you will be responsible for supporting your spouse's parents or grandparents and will be liable for any obligations arising from your spouse's sponsorship.
The "Lonely Canadian Program" or "Other Relative Program" allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor extended family members to immigrate to Canada in certain circumstances. Under this program, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident can sponsor one adult son or daughter, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, niece, or nephew. The sponsored individual can bring their immediate family to Canada and must be related to the sponsor by blood.
It is important to understand that sponsors remain financially liable for their extended relatives after they immigrate to Canada, even if their relationship deteriorates. Sponsors should discuss any concerns and expectations with their relatives before initiating the sponsorship process.
In the case of Asiedu v. Canada (Citizenship and Immigration), 2023 FC 1523, Madam Justice Sadrehashemi emphasised that sponsors should be aware of the IRCC service standard for Family Class applications, which can provide a guide for reasonable processing times. However, it is important to note that Canadian immigration law is constantly evolving, and specific legal advice should be sought for individual cases.
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Eligibility requirements for sponsors
To be eligible to sponsor your mother-in-law to Canada, you must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident. Under the Family Sponsorship Class, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident can sponsor their relatives or family members residing abroad if they are spouses, common-law partners, parents, or grandparents. It is important to note that you cannot directly sponsor your mother-in-law; your spouse will need to be the primary sponsor, and you can co-sign the application.
As a co-signer, you will be responsible for supporting your spouse's parent in Canada and must meet the same eligibility requirements as a sponsor. This includes demonstrating financial stability and understanding that you will remain financially liable for your mother-in-law even if your relationship with her deteriorates.
In certain circumstances, it is possible to sponsor an extended family member, such as an adult son or daughter, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, niece, or nephew, under the "Lonely Canadian Program" or the "Other Relative Program." However, to sponsor an extended family member, the Canadian citizen or permanent resident must show that they do not have a spouse, common-law partner, child, or parent.
Additionally, the eligibility requirements for sponsors can be complex, and it is essential to consider factors such as financial stability and the specific rules outlined by the IRCC and Canadian immigration laws, which are subject to change.
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Biometrics and other eligibility criteria for sponsored individuals
It is important to note that you cannot sponsor your mother-in-law to immigrate to Canada. However, your spouse can sponsor their parents and/or grandparents, and you can be a co-signer to that application, pledging to support them. As a co-signer, you will be responsible for supporting your spouse's parents or grandparents and must meet the same eligibility requirements as a sponsor.
Now, let's discuss the biometrics and other eligibility criteria for sponsored individuals:
Biometrics
Biometrics are an individual's fingerprints and photo, which are collected to confirm their identity and assess their application. All individuals over the age of 18 applying for Canadian permanent residence must provide biometrics unless they are exempt. This includes Canadian citizens, citizenship applicants, and existing permanent residents. Applicants must pay the biometric fee when submitting their application and will then receive instructions on how and where to provide their biometrics. It is important to note that temporary hand injuries, such as cuts or cracks on the fingers, must be healed before giving biometrics. If high-quality fingerprints cannot be obtained during the appointment, the individual may need to provide their biometrics again at a later date.
Other Eligibility Criteria
Sponsored individuals must meet certain eligibility criteria to immigrate to Canada. They must be a close relative of the sponsor, such as a spouse, common-law partner, child, parent, or grandparent. In some cases, extended family members may be sponsored under the "Lonely Canadian Program" or "Other Relative Program," but this is more difficult and has specific requirements. Sponsored individuals must also be eligible to come to Canada, which includes providing biometrics, undergoing a medical exam to ensure they are not medically inadmissible, and obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate to confirm they are not criminally inadmissible.
It is important to note that the eligibility criteria and requirements for sponsorship can change, and it is recommended to refer to the official websites and seek legal advice for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you cannot directly sponsor your mother-in-law. However, you can co-sign your spouse's application to sponsor their parent. Your spouse will have to meet the requirements for a sponsor of parents, including financial ones. As a co-signer, you will be liable for any obligations arising from your spouse's sponsorship and will be responsible for supporting your spouse's parent in Canada.
To be eligible to sponsor a parent or grandparent to immigrate to Canada, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. You will also need to meet the financial requirements to support your sponsored relative.
The "Lonely Canadian Program" or "Other Relative Program" allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor extended family members to immigrate to Canada in certain circumstances. Under this program, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident can sponsor one adult son or daughter, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, niece, or nephew to immigrate to Canada. The sponsored relative must be related to the sponsor by blood, and the sponsor must not have a spouse, common-law partner, child, or parent.
Yes, Canadian citizens or permanent residents can sponsor their spouses' grandparents to immigrate to Canada under the Family Sponsorship Class. However, it is important to note that there may be quotas for new parent and grandparent sponsorships, so it is recommended to start the application process as early as possible.
To sponsor a parent or grandparent to immigrate to Canada, you will need to complete and submit the necessary application forms and provide supporting documentation. It is recommended to seek guidance from an immigration consultant or lawyer to ensure you meet all the requirements and have a higher chance of success.






































