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?)
#By completing and submitting the IMM 5289 form, sponsors pledge to offer a supportive environment and essential resources to assist refugees in rebuilding their lives in Canada. This form outlines the agreement between sponsors and the Canadian government to support refugees during their resettlement. It is crucial to review the Document Checklist and ensure all required documents are included. Filing IMM 5289 with IRCC does not guarantee approval, so it is important to complete all required sections, sign, and submit with the necessary evidence.
First page of IMM 5289 form
Source: IMM 5289 online portal
Context and workflow
#Starting the refugee sponsorship process is explained in the Private Sponsorship of Refugees guide.
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
- Processing time for IMM 5289 varies by category — always check the official IRCC processing time tool.
- Initiating the refugee sponsorship process.
- Part of the initial application package submitted to IRCC.
- 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 not intended for student applications or those seeking a study permit. Ensure you review the checklist and instructions for your specific eligibility category before starting.
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
- Unclear or unrealistic settlement plans.
- Insufficient financial commitment details.
- To avoid incomplete or incorrect information: Double-check all fields and include every required document per instructions.
- To avoid unclear or unrealistic settlement plans.: Verify: unclear or unrealistic settlement plans..
- To avoid insufficient financial commitment details.: Verify: insufficient financial commitment details..
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.
- Copy of your filed or approved IMM-5481 (Sponsorship undertaking required)
- Copy of your filed or approved IMM-0008 (Generic application form for refugee)
Checklist (What is the Form IMM 5289 checklist?)
#- Access the latest IMM 5289 form and 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
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.
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 Schedule A: Background / Declaration Form.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Unclear or unrealistic settlement plans. | Delay | Verify: unclear or unrealistic settlement plans.. |
| Insufficient financial commitment details. | Delay | Verify: insufficient financial commitment details.. |
| 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. |
| Incomplete form submission. | Delay | Verify: incomplete form submission.. |
| Missing signatures from all group members. | Rejection | Include signatures from all group members.. |
Examples (What are examples for Form IMM 5289?)
#- Strong application: A community group submits the form with a detailed settlement plan and all required signatures, leading to a smooth processing experience.
- Common weakness: Sponsor forgets to sign; form returned, causing delay.
- Common weakness: Settlement plan lacks detail, leading to additional requests for information.
- A qualifying sponsor completes IMM 5289 to demonstrate their commitment to supporting the applicant
- A family member files IMM 5289 to formally sponsor a relative for immigration
- An applicant in the Refugee-private-sponsorship category files IMM 5289 as part of their immigration process
Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form IMM 5289?)
#- 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
- Completing IMM 5289 is a formality with no real obligations — Sponsors take on legally binding financial obligations that can last for years.
- IMM 5289 has more than one fee component (e.g. Filing Fee and Biometrics Services Fee); paying only one or paying the wrong amount can result in rejection of the entire filing.
- A fee waiver for IMM 5289 is not automatic — only specific qualifying categories are eligible, and a waiver request can be denied while the underlying form is still expected to be filed.
- IMM 5289 can be rejected before substantive review for technical errors such as “Ensure form edition is current.”
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)
What happens after you submit
#- Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) from IRCC.
- Review of the sponsorship agreement by IRCC.
- Possible request for additional information or clarification.
- Decision on the sponsorship application.
- If approved, coordination with IRCC for the refugee's arrival in Canada.
Verification
#This guide is based on official IRCC instructions for IMM 5289 and is updated with changes in form editions or filing rules. Always confirm current requirements on the official IRCC website.
Resources
#Free Canada planning tools
#Itemize the government fees that go alongside Form IMM 5289.
See which Canada visas your profile fits before you finalize Form IMM 5289.
Get the typical wait time for the visa associated with Form IMM 5289.
Practice Canada interview questions if your filing route includes one.