IAD Sponsorship Appeals
Spousal Sponsorship Refused? We Can Help You Appeal.
If IRCC refused your spouse, parent, grandparent, or child's sponsorship application, you may have the right to appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) — but you only have 30 days to act.
Learn more about our RCIC-IRB representation
If your spousal sponsorship was refused by IRCC, that doesn't always mean the end of the road. Spousal sponsorship refusals — along with refusals of parent, grandparent, or dependent child sponsorships — can often be appealed to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. We help families understand whether they qualify to appeal, and if so, manage the entire process — from the Notice of Appeal to representation at your hearing.
Deadline matters: You generally have only 30 days from the date of the refusal letter to file your Notice of Appeal.
Missing this deadline can permanently close the door on your appeal.
Refusal Grounds
Why Was My Sponsorship Refused?
Common reasons IRCC refuses family sponsorship applications include:
Relationship Genuineness
Doubts about the genuineness of a marriage or relationship (“bad faith” relationship findings).
Financial Eligibility (LICO)
Sponsor's income not meeting the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) requirement.
Documentary Deficiencies
Missing or inconsistent documentation.
Medical Inadmissibility
Medical inadmissibility findings affecting the sponsored family member.
Criminal Inadmissibility
Criminal inadmissibility of the sponsored person.
Misrepresentation
Misrepresentation concerns identified by the processing visa officer.
Eligibility Criteria
Who Can Appeal to the IAD
The Immigration Appeal Division hears appeals filed by Canadian citizens and permanent residents who sponsored relatives under the family class and received a negative decision from IRCC.
Sponsors of a spouse or common-law partner whose application was refused
Sponsors of a parent or grandparent under the PGP stream
Sponsors of a dependent child
Sponsors facing refusal based on relationship genuineness, income, or admissibility findings
Note: sponsorship appeals are generally not available if the refusal was based on serious criminality (6+ months imprisonment) or certain security/misrepresentation grounds — we assess this during your case review.
Step-by-Step Overview
Our Sponsorship Appeal Process
A structured, legally grounded pathway designed to meet every statutory requirement on time.
1
Case Assessment
Free case assessment — we review your refusal letter and determine if you're eligible to appeal
2
Notice of Appeal
Notice of Appeal filed — filed within the 30-day deadline
3
Appeal Record
Appeal record & disclosure — we prepare and organize your evidence, documents, and submissions
4
Hearing Preparation
Hearing preparation — witness prep, testimony coaching, and legal argument strategy
5
IAD Hearing
Representation at your hearing — virtual or in-person before the IAD
6
Outcome & ADR
Decision & next steps — we explain the outcome and your options, including ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) where available
Scope of Representation
What's Included
Full case review & appeal eligibility assessment
Notice of Appeal preparation and filing
Appeal record and evidence package preparation
Representation at your IAD hearing (virtual or in-person)
Communication with IRCC and the IRB on your behalf
Guidance on ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) where offered
Book Appointment
Time is critical after receiving an IRCC refusal letter. Speak directly with our team to evaluate your eligibility before the 30-day filing window closes.
Representation Standards
Why Clients Choose PLI Canada for Sponsorship Appeals
Authorized RCIC-IRB
Licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants
Transparent Fees
Flat-rate pricing, no hourly billing
Merit-Based Practice
We only take appeals we believe have legal merit, and prepare accordingly
Remote Representation
We serve clients across Canada and abroad by phone and MS Teams
Family Focus
Compassionate, urgent-first support for families kept apart
Haven't applied yet? See our Family Class Sponsorship services
Explore Family Class Sponsorship
Common Inquiries
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to appeal a sponsorship refusal?
Generally 30 days from the date on your refusal letter. Deadlines can vary by case, so contact us as soon as you receive a refusal.
How long does a sponsorship appeal take?
Most sponsorship and residency appeals take approximately 12–18 months from filing to decision, though this varies by IAD region and case complexity.
Can I just reapply instead of appealing?
Sometimes reapplying is a better option than appealing, depending on why you were refused. We'll advise you on the best path during your case assessment — appeal, reapplication, or both.
Will my spouse/family member be able to stay in Canada while we appeal?
This depends on their current status. We'll walk you through what applies to your specific situation.
What is the success rate for sponsorship appeals?
Every case is different. We only take appeals we believe have legal merit, and we prepare thoroughly to strengthen your chances.
Do I need to attend the hearing in person?
No — IAD hearings can be conducted virtually by Microsoft Teams, and we represent clients across Canada and internationally.