A Canadian citizen or permanent resident who sponsored an eligible family member and received a refusal of the permanent residence visa may have a right of appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD), subject to statutory restrictions.
At a glance
- Notice of Appeal and filing deadline
- Review of the refusal record and documentary evidence
- Alternative dispute resolution where available
- IAD hearing preparation and humanitarian considerations where legally available
Who appeals
The sponsor—not the overseas family member—files the sponsorship appeal. Temporary resident visa, study permit and work permit refusals are not sponsorship appeals.
Filing deadline
The IAD states that sponsorship appeal documents must generally be received within 30 days of receiving the refusal decision. Late action can jeopardize the appeal right.
Preparing the case
The record should be reviewed against the refusal reasons. Depending on the issue, additional relationship, financial, documentary or humanitarian evidence may be relevant.
Resolution process
Some appeals may be considered for informal resolution or alternative dispute resolution; others proceed to a hearing. The procedural route depends on the case.
Official government resources
Use these official sources for the current program rules, forms and government instructions.
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