Imagine the joy of reuniting with your extended family in Canada. The Lonely Canadian Program offers a unique pathway for Canadians who have no immediate family members in the country to sponsor an extended family member of their choice — whether it’s a sibling, adult child, uncle, aunt, niece, or nephew.
This lesser-known immigration opportunity allows Canadians to bring loved ones to Canada outside the usual family sponsorship streams, creating new chances for meaningful family reunification.
What Is the Lonely Canadian Program?
The Lonely Canadian Program, sometimes referred to as the “Lonely Canadian Rule,” is designed for Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have no blood relatives in Canada and no sponsorable relatives abroad.
Under this special program, a qualifying sponsor can bring extended family members to Canada who would not otherwise be eligible under standard family sponsorship categories.
Who Can Be Sponsored Under the Lonely Canadian Program?
Eligible relatives include:
- Adult Sons and Daughters – Children over 22 years of age.
- Siblings – Brothers and sisters related by blood.
- Uncles, Aunts, Nieces, and Nephews – Immediate blood relatives who share a biological relationship.
If the extended family member is married or has dependent children, they may be able to bring their immediate family with them to Canada.
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, it’s essential to understand the eligibility requirements of the Lonely Canadian Program.
1. Canadian Sponsor Requirements
To qualify as a sponsor, you must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Have no spouse, common-law partner, child, parent, grandparent, or sibling in Canada.
- Have no sponsorable relatives anywhere in the world (for example, if you have living parents abroad whom you could sponsor, you would not be eligible under this program).
In short, you must be truly “lonely” in terms of having no close family members in Canada or abroad who qualify for other sponsorship categories.
2. Relationship Requirement
The person you sponsor must be related to you by blood.
3. Financial Commitment
As with any sponsorship, the sponsor must:
- Meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirements.
- Commit to financially supporting the sponsored family member for 10 years after their arrival in Canada.
The Application Process
The application process for the Lonely Canadian Program involves several important steps:
- Eligibility Assessment
Confirm that both you and your family member meet the program requirements. Gather supporting documents proving your relationship and financial capability. - Application Submission
Submit the sponsorship application online through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). - Processing and Review
IRCC reviews your application and may request additional information or documents. - Approval and Landing
Once approved, your sponsored family member receives permanent resident status and can make plans to move to Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ I have no family in Canada but a parent living abroad. Can I still sponsor another relative?
No. You are not eligible if you have a parent abroad, as they are a sponsorable relative under the family class.
❓ What are the income requirements for the Lonely Canadian Program?
Sponsors must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) set by IRCC, depending on the size of their household.
❓ How long does a Lonely Canadian sponsorship take?
Processing times vary depending on the complexity of the case and IRCC’s current workload.
❓ My parents cannot travel due to medical reasons. Can I still sponsor another relative?
Unfortunately, no. Even if your parents cannot travel, their existence as sponsorable relatives disqualifies you from this program.
Why Hire an Immigration Lawyer
Canadian immigration programs can be complex, and the Lonely Canadian Program is no exception. A qualified immigration lawyer can make a significant difference in your success.
Benefits of Working with an Immigration Lawyer:
- Avoid costly mistakes that can lead to refusals or bans.
- Ensure accuracy and completeness in your forms and documents.
- Identify the best immigration pathway for your circumstances.
- Navigate deadlines and IRCC requirements effectively.
- Challenge or appeal unfavourable decisions if necessary.
How Ronen Kurzfeld Can Help
At Kurzfeld Law Firm, Ronen Kurzfeld brings over 20 years of experience in Canadian immigration law, helping individuals and families achieve their immigration goals.
Our team provides personalized legal strategies, ensuring that your Lonely Canadian sponsorship application is handled with precision and care. We stay informed on policy updates and work tirelessly to give your case the strongest possible chance of success.
If you are a Canadian with no immediate family in Canada, this could be your opportunity to bring your loved ones home — and Ronen Kurzfeld is here to guide you every step of the way.
Don’t Leave Your Family’s Future to Chance
Contact Kurzfeld Law Firm today to discover how the Lonely Canadian Program can help you reunite with your family in Canada.
📞 Call us today to schedule a consultation with Ronen Kurzfeld — and start building your family’s future together in Canada.
