Sponsorship Appeals in Canadian Immigration: What You Need to Know

Reuniting Families, Even After a Refusal

One of the most meaningful aspects of Canadian immigration is its commitment to keeping families together. Through Family Sponsorship, Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouses, children, parents, or other eligible relatives to join them in Canada. But what happens when a sponsorship application is denied?

While a refusal can feel devastating, it doesn’t have to be the end of the journey. If your sponsorship application has been refused, you may have the right to appeal the decision through the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB).

Why Was My Sponsorship Application Refused?

Sponsorship applications can be refused for several reasons, including:

• Lack of genuine relationship (for spousal/common-law sponsorships)

• Insufficient financial support or ineligibility of the sponsor

• Missing documentation or errors in the application

• Concerns about admissibility (e.g., criminal record or medical grounds)

If your application has been refused, it’s important to understand the specific reason and act quickly.

What Is a Sponsorship Appeal?

A sponsorship appeal allows you to challenge IRCC’s decision at a formal hearing before the Immigration Appeal Division. During this process, you and your legal representative can present new evidence, clarify misunderstandings, and prove that the relationship is genuine or that the decision was made in error.

Who Can Appeal?

Not all refusals are appealable. For example, you cannot appeal if:

• Your relative was found inadmissible due to serious criminality or security concerns.

• You’re sponsoring someone who is not a member of the family class.

If you’re unsure whether your case qualifies for an appeal, consulting an immigration lawyer is essential.

How Gurna Law Corporation Can Help

At Gurna Law Corporation, we understand the emotional weight of family separation and the stress of a refused application. Our legal team works closely with clients to:

• Review refusal letters and IRCC records

• Identify strong grounds for appeal

• Prepare detailed legal arguments and gather supporting evidence

• Represent you at the Immigration Appeal Division hearings

We’ve helped countless families reunite after initial refusals—and we’re ready to help you, too.