Canada: Extension to Family Sponsorship Measures

Key Points  

• Canada extended measures allowing permanent residence applicants to sponsor non-accompanying family members after the time of the initial permanent residence application 

Overview 

The government of Canada extended temporary measures that allow foreign nationals to sponsor family members who were not originally reviewed during the time that the foreign national applied for permanent residence. These measures, originally due to expire on 9 September 2023, will be extended for an additional three years (10 September 2026). Any pending applications on 10 September 2023 will continue to be processed.  

According to the announcement, the family class instructions relating to this public policy have been updated to reflect the new dates for which applications are to be processed under this public policy.   

What are the Changes? 

The Canadian government extended measures allowing permanent residence applicants to sponsor non-accompanying family members after the time of the initial permanent residence application. These measures will remain in place until 10 September 2026. 

Under regular procedures, foreign nationals are not permitted to sponsor family members who were not included in the original application for permanent residency.  

Looking 

Continue to check the government of Canada’s website and Envoy’s website for the latest updates and information.