Dependent-Child-Sponsorship

Child or Other Dependent

Through Family Class Sponsorship, Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have dependent or adopted children living abroad can sponsor them to immigrate to Canada.

What is Dependent Child Sponsorship?

The major goal of dependent child sponsorship, which is available through Family Class sponsorship, is to allow relatives who now live in various countries to come together and live together in Canada. More specifically, the programme enables citizens and permanent residents of Canada to bring their foreign-born children to the country as Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Biological or adopted dependent children may be sponsored to become permanent residents of Canada and dwell with their parent(s).

Am I Eligible to Sponsor my Child?

To sponsor your child to come to Canada, you must:

  • be 18 years of age or older;
  • be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident living in Canada, intending to return to Canada, or a person registered under the Indian Act of Canada;
  • be able to provide for your basic needs and those of your dependent children as well as your spouse, if applicable;
  • be able to prove your relationship to your child
  • not have a criminal record;
  • not be in prison, charged with a serious offense, or bankrupt;
  • not be in default of a previous sponsorship undertaking;
  • not be under immigration investigation;
  • not be receiving income assistance, except for reasons of disability.

Does my Child Qualify for Sponsorship?

To be eligible for sponsorship, children must fall under the definition of a dependant, meaning they are:

  • the biological or adopted child of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
  • are not married or in a common-law relationship;
  • are under the age of 22.

A child over the age of 22 may also qualify as a dependant providing, they meet the following two requirements:

  • they suffer from a physical or mental condition that prevents them from being able to support themselves;
  • they have depended on their parents for financial support since before the age of 22.

What are the Requirements for Sponsoring a Child?

As a sponsor, you will be required to sign an “undertaking” that contractually commits you to providing for your child’s basic needs, such as:

  • housing;
  • clothing;
  • food;
  • medical expenses not provided by the public health system.

For biologically dependent children or those who will be adopted in Canada who are under 22 years old, the endeavour will last for 10 years or until they turn 25 years old, whichever comes first. The endeavour lasts for three years if the dependent child is older than 22.

How does Sponsoring a Child for Immigration Work?

You will be required to go through four main steps when applying to sponsor a child:

Step 1. Obtain an application package found on the government website; it contains a guide with instructions and forms that will help you complete the process correctly.

Step 2. Pay the online application fee, which includes the processing fee for all persons included in the application, the Right of Permanent Residence Fee, the biometric fee, and any other third-party fees, if applicable.

Step 3. Submit your application by following the submission instructions provided in the guide you downloaded.

Step 4. Submit the required supporting documents when prompted to do so by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Is the Process of Sponsoring a Child Different in Quebec?

The province of Quebec has its own immigration procedures and additional steps will have to be taken if you reside in that province.

You will need to file an application at the federal level with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and at the provincial level with the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI).

Applicants who reside in Quebec will need to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (QSC) and sign an “undertaking” with the province. This undertaking commits you, as a “contractual” sponsor, to provide for the basic needs of the sponsored person and, if applicable, to reimburse the government for any assistance (social assistance) provided to the sponsored person during the sponsorship period.

The duration of this undertaking is different in Quebec than in the rest of Canada and varies, in the case of children, according to their age.

What happens after sponsorship?

Children sponsored for immigration under the Family Class are granted permanent residence in Canada. The ability to study and work in Canada is also included.

Frequently Asked Questions

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