The “Lonely Canadian” exception allows a citizen or Permanent Resident to sponsor one adult relative-such as a sibling, aunt, or uncle-only if they have absolutely no other family members in Canada, and no spouse, child, or parent alive anywhere in the world whom they could sponsor.
Canadian immigration rules heavily prioritize reuniting immediate families, such as spouses and dependent children. Because of this, it is generally impossible to directly sponsor a brother, sister, or adult cousin. However, there is one very unique and strict exception in the law designed for people who are entirely isolated. 👤 This pathway is formally known under Section 117(1)(h) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, but is widely referred to as the “Lonely Canadian” rule.
If you live in Vancouver, Montreal, or Winnipeg and have no family network, this rule allows you to select one blood relative of any age to sponsor for Permanent Residence. The catch is that the eligibility criteria are incredibly rigid. If you have a spouse, a Canadian aunt, or a living parent back home, you are immediately disqualified from this program. 📝 This guide will break down how the Lonely Canadian exception works and what you need to prove to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Step-by-Step Process for the Lonely Canadian Exception
Navigating Section 117(1)(h) requires a flawless understanding of your entire family tree. Here is how you must proceed to bring your sibling or extended relative to Canada.
Step 1: Evaluating Your Strict Eligibility
Before you fill out a single form, you must confirm you are truly “lonely” under the eyes of the law. You cannot have a spouse, common-law partner, or children. You cannot have any parents or grandparents who are alive and could be sponsored under the regular family class. Furthermore, you cannot have any relative who is already a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident. If you meet all these harsh conditions, you may proceed.
Step 2: Choosing Your One Relative
Under this rule, you may choose exactly one relative to sponsor. This is often a brother or sister, but it could also be a nephew, aunt, or uncle. 👥 If the relative you choose is married or has dependent children, their immediate family members can be included in the application as accompanying dependents, allowing the whole family unit to immigrate together.
Step 3: Proving Your Financial Ability
Unlike standard spousal sponsorships, sponsoring a relative under the Lonely Canadian rule requires you to prove you have a stable income. You must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) established by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the size of your new family unit. You will need to submit your past Notices of Assessment to prove you can support them.
Step 4: Submitting the Application and Undertaking
When you submit the massive sponsorship package to IRCC, you must sign a legal “Undertaking.” 📄 This is a binding promise to the government that you will financially support your relative for up to 10 years (depending on their age and relation). If your sponsored sibling ends up claiming social assistance in Ontario or Alberta during this period, you will be personally forced to repay the government.
How Much Does it Cost to Sponsor a Relative?
The costs for the Lonely Canadian program are similar to other family class sponsorships, but you must account for the whole family unit if your relative is married.
- Sponsorship Fee: $90 CAD per application.
- Principal Applicant Fee: $570 CAD for the relative you are sponsoring.
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee: $600 CAD.
- Accompanying Dependents: If your sibling has a spouse, add another $1,260 CAD. Accompanying dependent children cost $180 CAD each.
| Has a living parent abroad | Not Eligible (Must sponsor parent instead) |
| Has an Aunt in Canada | Not Eligible (Not “lonely”) |
| Single, orphaned, no kids, no Canadian family | Fully Eligible |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Because these applications are rare and require extensive background checks to verify your entire family tree, processing times can be lengthy. A standard Lonely Canadian sponsorship application typically takes 20 to 24 months from the date IRCC receives the complete package. If the visa office suspects you have hidden family members, the investigation can cause significant delays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I sponsor my sister if my parents are still alive?
No. If your parents are alive anywhere in the world, the law expects you to sponsor them through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). You are not considered a “Lonely Canadian” if you have living parents, even if they do not want to immigrate.
What if I am divorced and my kids live with my ex?
If you have living children, regardless of who has primary decision-making responsibility or where they live, you are disqualified from the Lonely Canadian rule. You are legally able to sponsor your children, so you cannot use this exception for a sibling.
Can the relative I sponsor bring their spouse?
Yes! If you are eligible to sponsor your brother, and he is married with two children, his wife and kids can be included in the same application as accompanying dependents, provided you meet the required income levels for a family of that size.
Do I need a lawyer for this application?
While it is not legally required, it is highly recommended. The “Lonely Canadian” provision is one of the most misunderstood and frequently rejected classes in Canadian immigration. A law firm can help prove your absolute lack of other relatives.
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