Canada Family Sponsorship Policy to End on Sep 10

Introduction

A special Canadian immigration policy gives certain permanent residents a chance to sponsor family members they did not declare in their original immigration application. However, IRCC will stop accepting applications under this policy after September 10, 2026.

The policy offers an important opportunity to eligible families. Therefore, sponsors who qualify should prepare and submit their applications before the deadline.

If the policy expires without an extension or replacement, the existing lifetime ban on sponsoring certain undeclared family members could return.

What Is This Special Public Policy?

Canadian immigration rules require people who apply for permanent residence to declare all their family members, even when those family members do not plan to move to Canada.

These family members also generally need to complete medical, background and security checks.

If a permanent resident failed to declare a spouse, common-law partner or dependent child during their original application, the immigration rules can prevent that person from sponsoring the undeclared family member later.

In simple words, the rules can create a lifetime ban on family sponsorship.

To help some affected families, IRCC introduced a temporary public policy in 2019. The department later extended the policy, and the current version began on September 10, 2023.

However, the current policy will expire on September 10, 2026.

Who Can Sponsor a Family Member Under This Policy?

The policy does not cover everyone who failed to declare a family member.

Under the policy, the undeclared family member must apply as a:

• Spouse
• Common-law partner
• Conjugal partner
• Dependent child

In addition, the sponsor must have originally obtained Canadian permanent residence through one of the specific eligible pathways.

These include people who:

• Came to Canada as Convention refugees or through similar resettlement programs.
• Became permanent residents after Canada recognized them as protected persons.
• Received sponsorship themselves as a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner or dependent child.
• Came to Canada as a sponsored spouse or common-law partner under the in-Canada class.

Therefore, sponsors should first check how they originally obtained permanent residence before starting an application.

Who Cannot Use This Policy?

The policy also has important exclusions.

For example, a sponsor cannot use this policy when declaring the family member during the original application would have made the sponsor ineligible for immigration to Canada.

This can include situations where:

• The sponsor was already married to or in a common-law relationship with the undeclared person when they applied for permanent residence.
• The sponsor came to Canada as a dependent child but had already married or entered a common-law relationship at that time.
• The sponsor used an immigration program that required them to remain single and have no dependants.

These rules exist because declaring the family member could have changed the sponsor’s original eligibility for immigration.

In addition, applicants must still meet other immigration requirements. These can include medical, criminal and security requirements, unless the policy specifically provides an exemption.

How Can You Apply Before the September 10 Deadline?

IRCC does not have a separate application process for this policy.

Instead, eligible sponsors must use the regular application process for sponsoring a spouse, partner or child.

During the application review, IRCC officers will check whether the sponsor qualifies for the public policy exemption.

Most applicants must submit their applications online through the Permanent Residence Portal.

Most importantly, IRCC must receive the application by September 10, 2026.

Therefore, eligible sponsors should avoid waiting until the final days to submit their applications.

What Happens to Applications Already Submitted?

Applicants who already submitted their applications do not need to take additional action simply because the policy will expire.

IRCC will continue to process applications that remain pending when the policy expires under the applicable public policy provisions.

Therefore, an applicant does not need to receive a final decision before September 10.

The important requirement is that IRCC receives an eligible application before the deadline.

This gives applicants some protection from the policy’s expiry, even if IRCC takes longer to make a final decision.

What If Your Previous Application Was Refused?

Some people whose previous sponsorship applications received a refusal may also have another opportunity.

If IRCC refused an application to sponsor an undeclared family member before May 31, 2019, the sponsor may submit a new application under the current public policy if they meet the eligibility requirements.

However, IRCC must receive the new application by September 10, 2026.

As a result, eligible sponsors should act quickly if they want to use this opportunity.

Why Does the September 10 Deadline Matter?

The deadline matters because IRCC has not guaranteed another extension.

The government has already extended the policy twice since its original introduction in 2019. However, there is currently no confirmation that IRCC will extend it again.

If the government does not introduce another policy or change the relevant immigration regulations, the lifetime sponsorship bar could return after the current policy expires.

In that situation, the existing rules could once again prevent eligible permanent residents from sponsoring certain family members they failed to declare in their original application.

Therefore, affected sponsors should not assume that IRCC will extend the deadline.

How Can You Prepare Your Application?

If you think you qualify, start preparing your application as soon as possible.

First, check whether you meet the sponsor eligibility requirements.

Next, confirm that your undeclared family member qualifies under the policy.

Then, gather the necessary documents, including:

• Proof of your original permanent residence pathway
• Documents proving your relationship with the family member
• Required application forms
• Supporting documents
• Other documents requested by IRCC

After that, submit the application through the correct process.

Most importantly, make sure IRCC receives your application by September 10, 2026.

Sponsors who live in Quebec should also start the provincial undertaking process because Quebec has an additional sponsorship requirement.

What Should Affected Families Do Now?

With the deadline approaching, eligible sponsors should review their situation without delay.

First, determine whether the public policy covers your case. Next, check your documents and make sure you understand the application requirements.

If you are unsure about your eligibility, consider getting advice from a regulated Canadian immigration professional before submitting your application.

Most importantly, do not wait for another extension to appear.

Final Thoughts

Canada’s special public policy gives certain permanent residents an opportunity to sponsor family members they did not declare during their original immigration application.

However, IRCC will stop accepting new applications under this policy after September 10, 2026.

Therefore, eligible sponsors should check their eligibility, prepare their documents and submit their applications before the deadline.

The policy’s future remains uncertain. As a result, families who may qualify should take action now rather than assume that the government will extend the program again.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive advice on any of your questions regarding immigration. Get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).