On this page
- Quick summary
- Overview (What is Form IMM 5289?)
- Context and workflow
- Failure prevention (What causes Form IMM 5289 rejections?)
- What you need (What do you need for Form IMM 5289?)
- Checklist (What is the Form IMM 5289 checklist?)
- Processing times
- Where to file
- Fees
- Form sections (What sections does Form IMM 5289 have?)
- Choose your path
- Strategy tips
- Mistake severity
- Examples (What are examples for Form IMM 5289?)
- Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form IMM 5289?)
- Edge cases and variations
- In-depth guidance
- Scenarios
- Key differentiators
- Why it matters
- Next steps
- Verification
- Related guides
- Resources
Quick summary
#The sponsor must meet income and other requirements and sign an undertaking.
REFUGEE-PRIVATE-SPONSORSHIP: Private Sponsorship of Refugees
Include it with your application package and follow official instructions for submission.
Names, dates of birth, and passport details on other forms Program checklist requirements Supporting documents and translations
Overview (What is Form IMM 5289?)
#The IMM 5289 form is essential for the private sponsorship of refugees in Canada, outlining the agreement between sponsors and the Canadian government to support refugees upon their arrival. It is crucial to download the current form and instructions from the official IRCC website and review the instructions for your specific eligibility category before starting. Ensure you complete all required sections, sign, and submit the form with the necessary documents.
While filing IMM 5289 does not guarantee approval, careful preparation and adherence to the Document Checklist can facilitate the process.
First page of IMM 5289 form
Source: IMM 5289 online portal
Context and workflow
#Processing times for IMM 5289 differ by category—always consult the official IRCC processing time tool.
Why this matters
- Inconsistencies often trigger returns or follow-up requests because they create uncertainty in the case record.
- This form helps confirm that the application matches the program’s requirements and checklist.
Where it fits in the workflow
- Initiating the sponsorship process by submitting the agreement to IRCC.
- Leads to Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) once the form is submitted and reviewed.
- IMM 5289 is commonly filed alongside Form IMM-5481, Form IMM-0008, Form IMM-5669.
Who uses it
The sponsor must meet income and other requirements and sign an undertaking. Common filers: Regular Sponsorship, Super Visa Alternative. This form is specifically for the private sponsorship of refugees in Canada and is used by applicants filing with IRCC. Ensure to review the checklist and instructions for your specific eligibility category before starting. Note that filing IMM 5289 does not guarantee approval.
When it is used
- REFUGEE-PRIVATE-SPONSORSHIP: Private Sponsorship of Refugees
- Canadian citizens or permanent residents who meet the minimum necessary income t.
- Parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who prefer a.
- Canadian citizens or permanent residents who meet the minimum necessary income t…
- Parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who prefer a…
Failure prevention (What causes Form IMM 5289 rejections?)
#Technical rejections
- Ensure form edition is current
Substantive weaknesses
- Insufficient financial commitment to support the refugee(s).
- Unclear or unrealistic settlement plans that do not adequately address the needs of the refugee(s).
- To avoid incomplete or incorrect information: Double-check all fields and include every required document per instructions.
- To avoid insufficient financial commitment to support the refugee(s).: Verify: insufficient financial commitment to support the refugee(s)..
- To avoid unclear or unrealistic settlement plans that do not adequately address the needs of the refugee(s).: Verify: unclear or unrealistic settlement plans that do not adequately address the needs of the refugee(s)..
What you need (What do you need for Form IMM 5289?)
#- The current edition of IMM 5289
- Proof of sponsor status (citizenship or PR)
- Proof of relationship to principal applicant
- Financial evidence for undertaking
- Identity documents for sponsor and applicant
- Complete all required sections, sign, and submit with required evidence.
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Checklist (What is the Form IMM 5289 checklist?)
#- Access the latest IMM 5289 form and its accompanying instructions directly from the official IRCC website.
- Review the official IMM 5289 instructions before filing
- Gather required supporting documents per the instructions
- Complete all required sections of IMM 5289
- Sign, date, and submit IMM 5289 with all required supporting evidence
Sources for this section
Processing times
#- processing times Check your application status Key figures on asylum claims Protect yourself from fraud Services and information Refugee protection in Canada Learn how Canada helps those seeking protection.
- Processing times differ significantly by eligibility category. Initial applications, renewals, and replacements each go through different adjudication queues, and some categories consistently take longer than others.
- Processing times for this form vary by IRCC office and current workload. Verify current processing times with IRCC.
- While pending: track your case status using your application number, respond promptly to any requests for additional documents, and update your contact information with IRCC if it changes.
Where to file
#Submit your application at the designated IRCC office, embassy, or consulate. Check the official website for the location with jurisdiction over your place of residence.
Submit application
Submit your application at the IRCC office or designated embassy/consulate in your country of residence. Check the official instructions for the correct location.
Filing locations and procedures may change. Always verify on the official IRCC website before submitting. For related guidance, see Generic Application Form for Canada.
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing FeeThe standard filing fee for form imm 5289. Check the current fee on the official IRCC fee schedule. | See official schedule |
| Biometrics Services FeeA biometrics fee may be required depending on your category. Check the official fee schedule. | See official schedule |
Can the Form IMM 5289 fee be waived?
Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility.
What happens if I submit the wrong fee?
IRCC will reject your application if the incorrect fee is submitted. Verify the current fee on the official schedule before filing.
Fee waiver: Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility. For related guidance, see Sponsorship Undertaking and Settlement Plan –.
Fees change; always verify on IRCC.
Form sections (What sections does Form IMM 5289 have?)
#Personal Details
Applicant identification.
- Full name and date of birth
- Citizenship and passport information
- Contact information and address
Application Details
Program-specific information.
- Category or stream
- Supporting evidence checklist
- Required declarations
Supporting Documents
Required attachments.
- Identity documents
- Program-specific evidence
- Translation and certification if required
Choose your path
#Choose your path based on your eligibility category. Each block summarizes who qualifies, what to file, common mistakes, and typical processing time.
Regular Sponsorship (Income Requirement)
regular_sponsorship
Canadian citizens or permanent residents who meet the minimum necessary income threshold for 3 consecutive tax years and wish to sponsor parents or grandparents for permanent residence.
File with:
- 3 years of Notices of Assessment from CRA
- Proof of Canadian citizenship or PR
- Sponsorship undertaking
Common mistakes:
- Not meeting the minimum necessary income for all 3 required tax years
Typical processing: 12-24 months
Super Visa Alternative
super_visa_alternative
Parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who prefer a long-term visitor visa (up to 5 years per visit) as an alternative to the full sponsorship process.
File with:
- Invitation letter from child/grandchild in Canada
- Proof of private medical insurance
- Financial proof from inviting family member
Common mistakes:
- Not purchasing qualifying Canadian medical insurance before applying
Typical processing: 2-6 months
Strategy tips
#Mistake severity
#| Mistake type | Severity | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Insufficient financial commitment to support the refugee(s). | Delay | Verify: insufficient financial commitment to support the refugee(s).. |
| Unclear or unrealistic settlement plans that do not adequately address the needs of the refugee(s). | Delay | Verify: unclear or unrealistic settlement plans that do not adequately address the needs of the refugee(s).. |
| To avoid incomplete or incorrect information: Double-check all fields and include every required document per instructions. | Delay | Verify: to avoid incomplete or incorrect information: double-check all fields and include every required document per instructions.. |
| Ensure form edition is current | Delay | Verify: ensure form edition is current. |
| Missing signatures from all group members. | Rejection | Include signatures from all group members.. |
| Incomplete or incorrect information in the settlement plan details. | Delay | Verify: incomplete or incorrect information in the settlement plan details.. |
Examples (What are examples for Form IMM 5289?)
#- Strong application: A community group submits the form with a detailed settlement plan and proof of financial capability, leading to a smooth approval process.
- Common weakness: Sponsor forgets to sign; form returned, causing delay.
- Common weakness: Settlement plan lacks detail, leading to requests for additional information.
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Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form IMM 5289?)
#- Filing this form does not guarantee approval of the underlying case
- Sponsorship approval does not grant the applicant status—they must still apply and be assessed
- The undertaking creates a binding financial obligation for the sponsor
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Edge cases and variations
#- Some sponsorship types require a co-signer or additional financial evaluation.
- If you are asked to submit or update IMM 5289, treat it as a package update: check every place the same details appear and keep them consistent.
In-depth guidance
#How to complete this form reliably
Treat IMM 5289 as part of a system, not a standalone document. Most delays happen when details conflict across the form, supporting documents, and other parts of the application package. Before you start, gather the documents you will reference and decide which one is the source of truth for each field.
Fill the form in one sitting if possible. Partially-completed forms are where inconsistent edits creep in. When you finish, review each section and ask "what evidence in my package proves this statement?"
Scenarios
#An applicant completes the form with accurate information and submits all required supporting documents through the IRCC portal or by mail.
Application accepted. Processing begins. Biometrics or medical may be requested.
Use the document checklist for your program. Missing documents delay processing or result in refusal.
An applicant provides inconsistent information between the form and supporting documents.
Application flagged. May receive procedural fairness letter or refusal for misrepresentation.
Ensure consistency across all forms and documents. Dates and names must match exactly.
An applicant submits an outdated form version.
Application returned or rejected. IRCC only accepts current versions. Form dates are on the bottom of each page.
Download forms from the IRCC website. Check the form date before completing.
Key differentiators
#- Unlike Form IMM 5481: Sponsorship Undertaking and Settlement Plan – Sponsorship Agreement Holder: Filed together: Sponsorship undertaking required (Family-based immigration pathway)
- Unlike Form IMM 0008: Generic Application Form for Canada: Filed together: Generic application form for refugee (Family-based immigration pathway)
- Unlike Form IMM 5669: Schedule A: Background / Declaration Form: Filed together: Background declaration for refugee (Family-based immigration pathway)
Why it matters
#Sponsorship Agreement Holders must be approved by the Canadian government.
Why it matters: Only approved organizations can sponsor refugees, ensuring they have the capacity and experience to provide support.
Groups of five individuals must meet specific criteria to sponsor refugees.
Why it matters: Ensures that private sponsors are capable of fulfilling their commitments and responsibilities.
Next steps
#- Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) from IRCC confirming the form has been received.
- Review of the sponsorship agreement by IRCC to ensure all commitments are met.
- If approved, proceed to the next stage of the refugee sponsorship process.
- Prepare for the arrival of the sponsored refugee(s) by implementing the settlement plan.
Verification
#This guide is based on official IRCC instructions for IMM 5289 and is updated whenever form editions or filing rules change. Always confirm current requirements on the official IRCC website.
FAQs
What other forms are typically filed together with IMM 5289?
Review the official IMM 5289 instructions for your specific situation. The specific forms required vary by case type. Review the instructions for your particular immigration category to determine which forms must be submitted together.
What happens if the sponsorship is withdrawn after IMM 5289 is filed?
Review the official instructions for amendment procedures. Generally, forms should be filed according to the sequence outlined in the official instructions for your immigration category.
Can I file IMM 5289 if I've already left the country or my situation has changed?
Review the official IMM 5289 instructions to determine whether your circumstances allow you to file. Review the official IMM 5289 instructions for complete guidance specific to your immigration case and circumstances.
Does filing IMM 5289 guarantee approval of the sponsorship?
No. The application is subject to review and must meet all requirements set by IRCC.
Can IMM 5289 be used for sponsoring family members?
IMM 5289 is designated solely for the private sponsorship of refugees and is not applicable to family sponsorship. For comprehensive guidance tailored to your immigration situation, consult the official instructions for IMM 5289.
Is it necessary to provide financial details in IMM 5289?
Yes, financial details are typically required to demonstrate the sponsor's ability to support the refugees.
How long does it take to process IMM 5289?
processing times Check your application status Key figures on asylum claims Protect yourself from fraud Services and information Refugee protection in Canada Learn how Canada helps those seeking protection. Processing times vary by eligibility category, filing location, and current workload.
What are common reasons IMM 5289 gets rejected?
Common reasons IMM 5289 is rejected include missing or incorrect signatures, using an outdated form edition, incomplete required fields, incorrect fee payment, missing required supporting documents, and photographs that do not meet official specifications. Carefully review the instructions and checklist before submitting.
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Next steps
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. Use Find My Visa to get a personalized checklist with official sources and deadlines.
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