Can I sponsor an orphaned niece or nephew to Canada?

Under federal immigration law, you may be able to sponsor an orphaned niece, nephew, or other specified relative in limited circumstances. The "orphaned relative" provision allows a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor an orphaned brother, sister, niece, nephew, or grandchild who is under 18 years old, not married, and not in a common-law relationship — but only if you have no other family members in Canada or elsewhere who could qualify as a sponsored family member.

This "lone relative" and "orphaned relative" provision is narrow and strictly assessed. IRCC will verify both that the child is genuinely orphaned (both parents deceased) and that you do not have other eligible relatives you could otherwise sponsor. Documentary evidence of both parents' deaths is required, and the child's birth certificates and any adoption or guardianship documents must establish the relationship.

Because this is a complex area with strict eligibility criteria, and because children's immigration has heightened scrutiny, getting legal advice before applying is important. Mistakes or gaps in documentation in child sponsorship applications can have serious consequences.