Family Reunification

Last Living Relative Program

The Last Living Relative Program offers a unique opportunity for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their closest family member living abroad. This program allows individuals to sponsor their last remaining relative to come and live in Canada, helping families stay together when no other family members remain abroad.

Family Unity

Reunite With Your Last Remaining Family Member

The Last Living Relative Program is designed to help families stay together by allowing Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their last remaining relative for permanent residence in Canada.

Canada recognizes the importance of family unity and the emotional hardship that can result from being separated from your only remaining family member. This program reflects Canada's commitment to family reunification and maintaining Canada's reputation as a welcoming nation that values family connections.

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Eligibility Criteria

Who Can Be Sponsored Under the Last Living Relative Program?

To sponsor a relative under the Last Living Relative Program, both the sponsor and the person being sponsored must meet certain requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Sponsor Requirements

Requirements for Sponsors

Citizenship Status

You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada. If you are a Canadian citizen living outside Canada, you must demonstrate that you plan to live in Canada when the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident.

Age Requirement

You must be at least 18 years of age to be eligible to sponsor a relative for Canadian permanent residence under this program.

Financial Capability

You must demonstrate that you have sufficient income to support your family, including the person you are sponsoring. You will need to sign an undertaking agreement promising to provide financial support for your relative for a period of time after they become a permanent resident.

Eligible Relatives

Who Qualifies as a Last Living Relative?

Orphaned Relatives Under 18

You can sponsor a sibling, nephew, niece, or grandchild who is orphaned (both parents are deceased or missing), under 18 years of age, and not married or in a common-law relationship.

Close Relatives of Any Age

You can sponsor a close relative of any age if you do not have any other eligible family members who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents. This includes siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Last Remaining Relative

The key requirement is that the person you are sponsoring must be your last remaining relative. This means you do not have any other eligible family members who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, or who could be sponsored to come to Canada.

Documentation Requirements

Proving Last Living Relative Status

One of the most challenging aspects of the Last Living Relative Program is proving that the person you wish to sponsor is indeed your last remaining relative. This requires comprehensive documentation and evidence.

Required Evidence

Documenting Your Family Situation

To prove that the person you wish to sponsor is your last remaining relative, you will need to provide comprehensive documentation about your family history and current family situation.

The following documents are typically required:

Birth certificates for yourself and all family members
Death certificates for deceased family members
Marriage certificates and divorce decrees
Adoption papers (if applicable)
Family tree or genealogical documentation
Statutory declarations explaining your family situation

For orphaned relatives under 18, you will also need to provide:

Death certificates for both parents
Legal guardianship documents (if applicable)
School records and other documents establishing the child's identity

Document Assessment Service

Common Documentation Challenges

Missing Documents

Many applicants struggle to obtain all required documents, especially from countries with poor record-keeping or those affected by war or natural disasters. In such cases, alternative evidence may be accepted, such as church records, school records, or affidavits from community leaders.

Document Authentication

Documents from foreign countries often need to be authenticated or legalized. This may involve getting them notarized, obtaining an apostille, or having them verified by the Canadian embassy or consulate in the country of origin.

Translation Requirements

All documents in a language other than English or French must be translated by a certified translator. Both the original document and the translation must be submitted with your application.

Proving No Other Relatives Exist

One of the most challenging aspects is proving a negative—that you have no other eligible relatives. This often requires detailed explanations and supporting evidence about your extended family situation.

Application Process

How to Apply for the Last Living Relative Program

The application process for the Last Living Relative Program involves several steps and requires careful preparation. Understanding this process is crucial for a successful application.

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Before beginning the application process, carefully assess whether you and your relative meet the eligibility requirements for the Last Living Relative Program. This includes confirming that the person you wish to sponsor is indeed your last remaining relative.

It's advisable to consult with an immigration professional at this stage to evaluate your situation and identify any potential challenges or issues that may arise during the application process.

Step 2: Gather Documentation

Collect all necessary documentation to support your application, including proof of your relationship to the person you are sponsoring and evidence that they are your last remaining relative.

This is often the most time-consuming part of the process, as it may involve obtaining documents from multiple countries and having them translated and authenticated as required.

Step 3: Complete Application Forms

Complete all required application forms accurately and thoroughly. For the Last Living Relative Program, this typically includes the Family Class sponsorship forms and the permanent residence application forms.

Be sure to include a detailed letter of explanation outlining your family situation and why the person you are sponsoring qualifies as your last remaining relative.

Step 4: Submit Application

Submit your complete application package, including all forms, supporting documents, and the required fees, to the appropriate IRCC office. Make sure to keep copies of everything you submit.

After submission, you will receive an acknowledgment of receipt and a file number that you can use to track the progress of your application.

Step 5: Medical and Security Checks

Once your application is reviewed, your relative will be required to undergo a medical examination by a designated panel physician. They will also be subject to security and background checks.

These checks are mandatory for all permanent residence applications and are designed to ensure that applicants meet Canada's health and security requirements.

Step 6: Final Decision

After reviewing your application, medical results, and security checks, IRCC will make a final decision. If approved, your relative will receive their Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and permanent resident visa (if applicable).

They must enter Canada before the expiry date on their COPR and visa to validate their permanent resident status.

Special Considerations

Important Factors to Consider

The Last Living Relative Program has several unique aspects and considerations that applicants should be aware of before beginning the application process.

Processing Times

Applications under the Last Living Relative Program typically have longer processing times compared to other family sponsorship categories. This is due to the complex nature of these applications and the extensive documentation review required.

Factors Affecting Processing Time:

Completeness of your application
Complexity of your family situation
Country of origin of your relative
Current IRCC processing volumes

Current processing times can range from 12 to 36 months, depending on the specific circumstances of your case. It's important to be prepared for a potentially lengthy process and to respond promptly to any requests for additional information to avoid further delays.

Check Current Processing Times

Common Reasons for Refusal

Understanding the common reasons for refusal can help you prepare a stronger application and avoid potential pitfalls.

Key Challenges:

Insufficient Evidence: Failing to provide adequate documentation to prove that the person is indeed your last remaining relative.
Undisclosed Relatives: Discovery of other family members who could be sponsored or who are already Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Relationship Authenticity: Concerns about the authenticity of the claimed relationship.
Medical Inadmissibility: Health conditions that may cause excessive demand on health or social services.
Criminal Inadmissibility: Criminal history that makes the applicant inadmissible to Canada.

Working with an experienced immigration professional can help you identify potential issues in advance and develop strategies to address them effectively.

Application Review Service

Required Documents

Essential Documents for Your Application

A complete and well-organized application package is crucial for a successful Last Living Relative Program application. Make sure to include all the following documents to avoid delays or refusals.

Personal Documents

Valid passports for all parties
Birth certificates
Digital photos meeting specifications
Marriage certificates (if applicable)

Relationship Documents

Proof of relationship to the relative
Family photos spanning multiple years
Communication records (emails, letters, etc.)
Travel history showing visits

Application Forms

Sponsorship application (IMM 1344)
Sponsorship agreement (IMM 1344A)
Generic application form (IMM 0008)
Schedule A – Background/Declaration

Financial Documents

Notice of Assessment (NOA) for past 3 years
T4 slips for past 3 years
Employment letter confirming job and salary
Pay stubs for the past 3-6 months

Medical Documents

Medical examination results
Upfront medical form (IMM 1017)
Medical history documentation
Vaccination records (if available)

Legal Documents

Police certificates
Court records (if applicable)
Statutory declarations
Death certificates for deceased family members

Our Services

Comprehensive Last Living Relative Program Support

Our team of immigration experts provides comprehensive support throughout the Last Living Relative Program application process, from initial assessment to final approval and beyond.

Eligibility Assessment

We conduct a thorough assessment of your eligibility for the Last Living Relative Program, reviewing your family situation and any potential inadmissibility issues to determine the best path forward.

Document Preparation

We help you identify, collect, and organize all necessary documentation to support your application, including proof of your relationship and evidence that the person you are sponsoring is your last remaining relative.

Application Preparation

Our experts will help you prepare a complete and accurate application package, including all required forms and supporting documents. We ensure that your application presents your case in the strongest possible light.

IRCC Communication

We manage all communication with IRCC on your behalf, responding to requests for additional information or clarification promptly and effectively to ensure your application continues to progress smoothly.

Appeal Support

If your application is refused, we can help you understand the reasons for the refusal and explore options for appeal or reapplication, including preparing a strong appeal case if appropriate.

Settlement Support

Our support doesn't end when permanent residence is granted. We provide guidance on settlement services, healthcare access, education, employment, and other aspects of establishing a new life in Canada for your relative.

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Our Last Living Relative Program Services

Ahmed Hassan

Edmonton, AB

After losing my parents, my younger sister was left alone in our home country. Apni Immigration helped me navigate the complex process of proving she was my last living relative. Their attention to detail and knowledge of the program requirements were invaluable. My sister is now with me in Canada, and we're building a new life together.

Elena Petrova

Vancouver, BC

The documentation requirements for the Last Living Relative Program seemed overwhelming at first. Apni Immigration guided me through each step, helping me obtain and organize all the necessary documents. Their expertise made a complex process manageable, and my application was approved much faster than I expected.

Michael Chen

Toronto, ON

When my initial application to sponsor my orphaned nephew was refused, I was devastated. Apni Immigration reviewed my case, identified the issues, and helped me prepare a much stronger application with additional evidence. Thanks to their persistence and expertise, my nephew's application was eventually approved, and he's now thriving in Canada.

Ready to Begin Your Family Reunification Journey?

Our expert immigration consultants will guide you through every step of the Last Living Relative Program application process, from determining eligibility to document preparation and submission.

Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward bringing your last remaining relative to Canada.

Request a Free Consultation

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