In Canada, if a sponsored family member’s permanent residence application is refused, you may appeal the decision to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD). This process, known as a sponsorship appeal, allows you to explain why the application should be approved.

Only Canadian citizens or permanent residents who submitted the sponsorship application can file an appeal. Appeals are generally not permitted if the sponsored person is found inadmissible, such as due to misrepresentation or withholding information. Exceptions may exist for spouses, common-law partners, or children.

To appeal, a Notice of Appeal must be submitted to the IAD within 30 days of receiving the refusal letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The appeal process involves strict procedural rules, deadlines, and document requirements, and may include oral testimony at the tribunal.

If the appeal is denied, recourse is typically limited to the Federal Court of Canada. Sponsorship appeals can take 12 to 18 months to resolve.