Sponsor a Dependent Child

Unite Your Family in Canada

Sponsoring your dependent child for permanent residency is a direct pathway to reuniting your family in Canada. This process allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their children to live with them, ensuring they can grow and thrive together as a family.

 

Sponsor a Dependent Child

Unite Your Family in Canada

Sponsoring your dependent child for permanent residency is a direct pathway to reuniting your family in Canada. This process allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their children to live with them, ensuring they can grow and thrive together as a family.

 

What is considered a Dependent Child?

The government has specific criteria for what constitutes a dependent child for immigration purposes.

 
Age and Status

A dependent child must be under the age of 22 and not have a spouse or common-law partner.


Exceptions

Children who are 22 years of age or older can be considered dependent if they have depended on their parents for financial support since before the age of 22 and are unable to be financially independent due to a physical or mental condition.

General Requirements (Sponsor)

  • You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.


  • You must be at least 18 years old.


  • You must reside in Canada, or, if a Canadian citizen living abroad, must demonstrate the intention to return to Canada when the sponsored child becomes a permanent resident.


  • You must sign an undertaking to financially support the child for a specific period of time.

Proof of Relationship

Proving the biological or legal relationship is the most critical part of the application. The government requires clear documentation.

For Biological Children

A birth certificate is the primary document to prove the parent-child relationship.

For Adopted Children

You must provide legal adoption papers, proof that the adoption was legally recognized, and all other necessary legal documents.

Start your immigration journey with confidence

Whether you’re handling it yourself or need guidance throughout, we’re here to support you.
Start with a $49.99 one-on-one consulation.
 

Start your immigration journey with confidence

Whether you're ready to start on your own—or want advice every step of the way—we've got your back.
Start with a $49.99 one-on-one consulation.

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Consultation

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Get the help you need to succeed.

Eligibility Assessment

We assess both your eligibility as a sponsor and your child’s status to confirm they meet the definition of a dependent.

Choose the Best Strategy

Our consultants help you prepare a strong application package that addresses all potential concerns of an immigration officer.

Avoid Costly Mistakes

Our experts meticulously review your application to avoid inconsistencies, missing documents, and other costly mistakes.

Document Compilation

We provide a detailed checklist and assist in gathering all necessary forms and compelling evidence of your relationship.

Special Considerations

Income Requirement

In most cases, there is no minimum income requirement to sponsor a dependent child. However, you must be able to demonstrate that you can provide for their basic needs. An exception applies if the dependent child has children of their own, in which case a Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) must be met.

Custody and Consent

If the child's other parent is not immigrating to Canada, you must obtain a notarized letter of consent from them allowing the child to move to Canada.

Medical and Biometric Exams

The sponsored child must undergo a medical examination by a panel physician and, if applicable, provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) as part of the application process.

Child's Age at Time of Application

The child's age is "locked in" on the day the application is received by IRCC. If your child is close to turning 22, it is critical to submit the application before their birthday to ensure they are still considered a dependent.

Adoption

 If you are sponsoring a child you have adopted, the adoption must be legally recognized. The process and documentation vary significantly depending on whether the adoption was domestic or international.

Inland vs. Outland

Dependent child applications are processed under the Outland sponsorship stream, regardless of whether the child is already in Canada.

Sponsoring other family members

Canadian citizens and permanent residents may be eligible to sponsor other close relatives. If you wish to sponsor a child, parent, or other family member, explore the specific requirements and programs available on our dedicated pages for family sponsorship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Most immigration programs designed to attract skilled workers let you include your family in your application for permanent residency in Canada. This includes your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children. Additionally, Canada has separate programs where citizens and permanent residents can sponsor certain close relatives for immigration.

While there's no age limit to apply for economic immigration programs, your age will affect your score.  These programs award points based on various factors like education, language skills, work experience, and even having a job lined up in Canada. People between 25 and 35 get the highest score for age, but don't worry!  If you're outside this range, you can make up for it with strong points in other categories.

If you're an international student wanting to study in Canada, you'll need a study permit. To get one, you must first be accepted by a school approved by the Canadian government (called a designated learning institution). You'll also need to show you have enough money to cover your schooling, living costs, and even the ticket back home.

Our commitment is to your success, and we never recommend services unless you genuinely qualify. We believe in open communication and will always explore the most realistic options for your situation. Furthermore, our unwavering support extends beyond the application process. We're with you every step of the way, even in challenging circumstances, ensuring a smooth and successful immigration journey to Canada.

Our team is committed to your success, and we'll explore all realistic pathways to achieve your Canadian immigration goals. We believe in clear communication and will keep you informed throughout the process.

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CanadianVisas.com is operated by Can-Am Immigration Inc., a Canadian immigration consulting firm. We provide access to Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), as well as full representation services and self-guided immigration tools. CanadianVisas.com is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, except as authorized under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Citizenship Act of Canada.

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