To sponsor a grandchild to Canada, they must be strictly orphaned (both parents deceased), under 18 years of age, and not married. The IRCC application fee is $150 CAD, but hiring a Canadian immigration lawyer for this highly complex process generally costs between $2,500 and $5,000 CAD.
Many grandparents living in Canada dream of bringing their grandchildren to live with them. Whether you are settled in Calgary, Toronto, or Halifax, the desire to unite your family is strong. However, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has incredibly strict rules regarding the direct sponsorship of grandchildren. You cannot simply sponsor a grandchild because their parents are struggling financially, going through a divorce, or have asked you to take over custody. 📐 Canadian federal law only allows this type of family sponsorship under very specific, tragic circumstances.
The only way to sponsor a grandchild as a principal applicant is if they meet the absolute legal definition of an orphan. This means both of their biological or legally adoptive parents must have passed away. If one parent is alive but whereabouts are unknown, or if the parents are in jail, IRCC does not consider the child an orphan. Because the evidentiary burden is so high, most applicants choose to hire a Canadian law firm to ensure all international death certificates and guardianship documents meet federal standards.
Step-by-Step Process in Canada
The process of sponsoring an orphaned grandchild is governed federally by IRCC. Even if you plan to raise the child in British Columbia or Manitoba, you must follow the same national immigration procedures. Here is how the process generally unfolds.
Step 1: Verifying Orphan Status Eligibility
Before paying any government fees, you must confirm the child is eligible. 🔍 The grandchild must be under 18 years old, not married, not in a common-law relationship, and both parents must be deceased. You must gather the official, original death certificates for both parents. If the documents are not in English or French, you will need to pay for certified translations and affidavits.
Step 2: Securing Legal Guardianship
IRCC needs to know that you have the legal right to bring the child across international borders. You must obtain formal legal guardianship or custody documents from the child’s home country. This often involves navigating foreign family courts to prove that you, as the grandparent in Canada, are the lawful guardian. A Canadian lawyer often works with a local lawyer in the child’s home country to secure this paperwork.
Step 3: Preparing the Sponsorship Forms
As the sponsor, you must prove you are a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident living in Canada. 📋 You will fill out several IRCC forms, including the Application to Sponsor (IMM 1344) and the Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008). You must also sign a sponsorship agreement, committing to financially support your grandchild for 10 years, or until they turn 25, whichever comes first.
Step 4: Submitting Online and Completing Medicals
Once the package is perfectly assembled, your law firm will submit it through the IRCC Permanent Residence Portal. Soon after, IRCC will request an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) for the child, which must be completed by an approved Panel Physician. They may also request biometrics (fingerprints and photo) if the child is 14 years of age or older.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
While the IRCC processing fees for a child are relatively low, proving foreign custody and orphan status involves significant legal and administrative costs. 💵
- IRCC Sponsorship Fee: $75 CAD.
- IRCC Principal Applicant Fee: $75 CAD.
- Biometrics Fee (if 14 or older): $85 CAD.
- Immigration Lawyer Retainer: Generally ranges from $2,500 to $5,000 CAD for complex orphan applications.
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Who Pays? |
|---|---|---|
| IRCC Government Fees | $150 total | Sponsor (Grandparent) |
| Foreign Custody Legal Fees | $500 – $2,000 | Sponsor (Grandparent) |
| Canadian Law Firm | $2,500 – $5,000 | Sponsor (Grandparent) |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Orphaned family member applications are prioritized, but they still take time due to deep document verification. As of mid-2026, you can generally expect the process to take 12 to 24 months. Delays are most commonly caused by IRCC waiting for foreign governments to verify death certificates or custody orders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I sponsor my grandchild if their parents are alive but poor?
No. Under IRCC rules, you cannot sponsor a grandchild directly if their parents are alive, even if the parents cannot afford to raise them or have voluntarily given you custody.
What if only one parent is deceased and the other abandoned the child?
IRCC does not consider a child an orphan if one parent is still alive, even if that parent has abandoned the child, is in prison, or cannot be located. Both parents must be legally proven deceased.
Can I bring my grandchild on a visitor visa instead?
Yes, you can apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) for your grandchild to visit Canada. However, the parents (or legal guardians) must sign a strict consent letter, and the child must leave when the visa expires.
Do I have to meet a minimum income to sponsor an orphaned grandchild?
While you do not need to meet the strict Minimum Necessary Income (LICO) required for parents and grandparents, you must still prove to IRCC that you have enough funds to provide basic food, shelter, and clothing for the child.
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