Lonely Canadian Sponsorship – Reuniting a Family Across Generations

From loneliness to reunion — how one grandmother’s story changed three lives.

This case was one of the most meaningful in Mehdi’s career. It began with what seemed like a straightforward permanent residence inquiry from an international student. But during a detailed consultation, Mehdi discovered something extraordinary.

The student’s grandmother, Fatima, was an 80-year-old Canadian citizen living alone. She had lost her only son years earlier and had no siblings, spouse, or other family in Canada. Her only living family was her daughter, her son-in-law, and granddaughter abroad. Despite qualifying as a Lonely Canadian under the family reunification policy, Fatima lacked the financial means to sponsor her daughter.

Mehdi examined the case holistically and realized the opportunity to pursue a humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) application rooted in family reunification and public interest. He built an argument showing that Fatima’s daughter was self-sufficient, already caring for her elderly mother in Canada, and that reuniting the family would reduce the strain on Canada’s social support system.

Through affidavits, letters of support, financial documents, and detailed narrative submissions, Mehdi demonstrated that this case represented more than sponsorship—it was about keeping a family together in the spirit of compassion and fairness that defines Canadian immigration.

The application was approved.
Fatima, her daughter, and granddaughter were all granted permanent residence, allowing three generations to rebuild their lives together in Canada.

This case stands as a powerful reminder that behind every form and regulation lies a human story—and when presented with care and clarity, IRCC recognizes that too.

Note: The application was built around the principles in Kanthasamy v. Canada (2015 SCC 61) and Baker v. Canada (1999). These decisions guide officers to consider the full humanitarian context of a case and to give serious weight to the best interests of any affected children. By grounding the arguments in fairness, compassion, and the spirit of section 25(1) of the IRPA, the submission highlighted that reuniting this family was consistent with both the law and Canada’s humanitarian values.

Here are some of the more detailed questions we often receive about specific sponsorship situations, including inland and outland cases, open work permits, and same-sex partnerships.

FAQ

What is the Lonely Canadian Sponsorship category?

The Lonely Canadian Sponsorship applies to Canadian citizens or permanent residents who have no close family members in Canada and wish to sponsor a relative abroad. It is designed for individuals who have no spouse, common-law partner, children, parents, or siblings living in Canada and no one else they can sponsor under the regular family class.

Who qualifies as a Lonely Canadian?

A person qualifies as a Lonely Canadian if they are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who has no living or residing relatives in Canada such as a spouse, common-law partner, child, parent, or sibling. This allows them to sponsor one relative of any age or relationship from abroad if they meet all the eligibility and financial requirements.

Can someone without financial means still apply?

Financial ability is an important part of sponsorship, but there are cases where a humanitarian and compassionate approach may be considered. If the sponsor cannot meet the income requirement but the sponsored relative is self-sufficient or already providing essential care, an H&C application may support the case by showing that approval serves both compassion and the public interest.

Can a Lonely Canadian sponsor an adult child or their family?

Yes, it may be possible in limited circumstances. Normally, an adult child is not eligible under the family class. However, if the sponsor meets the definition of a Lonely Canadian and no other sponsorship options are available, the case can sometimes be considered under humanitarian and compassionate grounds.

What kind of evidence is needed to prove eligibility?

How long does a Lonely Canadian sponsorship take to process?

A strong case clearly shows the absence of other family in Canada, the genuine emotional and practical connection with the person being sponsored, and the humanitarian reasons why approval is justified. Evidence of hardship, compassion, and the best interests of any children affected can make a meaningful difference.

Yes. Canadian immigration law recognizes all genuine family relationships equally, regardless of gender or family structure. What matters is proving the legitimacy of the relationship and the absence of other qualifying relatives in Canada.

Can same-sex families or blended families qualify?

What makes a strong Lonely Canadian case?

Strong documentation is essential. This includes proof of the sponsor’s family situation in Canada, such as birth certificates, death certificates, or affidavits confirming there are no other relatives who can be sponsored. Evidence of the relationship to the person being sponsored, financial records, and letters of support should also be included.

Processing times vary depending on the visa office and the complexity of the case. Standard family sponsorship timelines can range from 12 to 24 months, while cases involving humanitarian and compassionate grounds may take longer due to additional review.

Contact us today.

If you believe you or someone you know might qualify as a Lonely Canadian,

Every story is unique