What happens to a sponsorship application if the sponsor dies before it is approved?

A sponsor's death before a sponsorship application is approved does not automatically mean the application fails, but the outcome depends heavily on the circumstances. IRCC has, in some cases, allowed a sponsorship to continue after a sponsor's death — historically through special provisions that permit another eligible family member to step in as sponsor, or that allow the sponsor's estate or executor to stand in the sponsor's place — but this is not guaranteed in every situation.

This is treated differently from other life events like separation, because the sponsor is no longer available to fulfill the undertaking at all, rather than simply having a change in relationship status. Whether continuation is possible can depend on things like how far the application had progressed, who else in the family might be eligible to take over, and the current policy IRCC has in place at the time, since this area can change.

If a sponsor has died while an application is pending, the surviving family should not assume the application is automatically over, but should also not assume it will automatically continue. Confirming IRCC's current guidance and speaking with an immigration lawyer promptly is the best way to understand what options may exist and what steps need to be taken next.