Program to Sponsor Undeclared Children Expires and is not being renewed

We would like to make you aware that the Public Policy to facilitate the sponsorship of certain undeclared family members is set to expire on September 10, 2026. This public policy was introduced in September 2019 as a temporary measure to support family reunification of previously undeclared family members through Family Class sponsorship.

Eligible Family Class Sponsorship applications received on or before September 10, 2026, will continue to be assessed and processed under the public policy. Following its expiry, family members who were not declared at the time of their sponsor’s application for permanent residence will no longer be eligible for sponsorship in the Family Class.

Facilitation may still be requested under humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) grounds and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. H&C consideration is an exceptional measure with a highly discretionary decision-making process.

Canada remains committed to family reunification as a key objective of our immigration system. We will work with partners, including your organizations, to continue emphasizing the importance of declaring all family members at the time of application and throughout the immigration process.

Should you have any questions regarding the expiry of the public policy or its implications, please do not hesitate to contact us.