Child Sponsorship
Dependent Child Sponsorship – Reunite Your Family in Canada
One of the core values of Canadian immigration is family reunification. Through the Dependent Child Sponsorship Program, Canadian citizens and permanent residents can bring their biological or adopted children to Canada and help them become permanent residents.
This program falls under the Family Class Sponsorship and aims to ensure families can live, grow, and thrive together in Canada.
What Is Dependent Child Sponsorship?
Dependent Child Sponsorship allows eligible Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their dependent children to live permanently in Canada. Once approved, the child will receive permanent resident status and enjoy access to healthcare, education, and social services in Canada.
Children may be sponsored whether they are living abroad or already in Canada, as long as they meet eligibility criteria.
Who Can Sponsor a Child?
To sponsor your child, you must meet the following criteria:
Be 18 years of age or older;
Be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident living in Canada, or a registered Indian under the Indian Act;
Be able to financially support the basic needs of the child (and spouse or partner, if applicable);
Be able to prove your relationship to the child;
Not be:
In prison or charged with a serious offence;
Bankrupt or in default of a previous sponsorship;
Under immigration investigation;
Receiving social assistance (except for disability reasons);
Convicted of an offence involving a relative (e.g., neglect or abuse).
Who Qualifies as a Dependent Child?
To be eligible for sponsorship, the child must:
Be biological or legally adopted by the sponsor;
Be unmarried and not in a common-law relationship;
Be under 22 years of age.
A child 22 years or older may still qualify if they:
Have a mental or physical condition that prevents them from supporting themselves;
Have been financially dependent on their parents since before turning 22.
What Are the Sponsorship Requirements?
As a sponsor, you must sign an “undertaking” agreement, committing to cover the child’s basic needs, including:
Food, clothing, and shelter
Health care not covered by public insurance
Education and general well-being
Length of Undertaking:
For children under 22:
10 years or until they turn 25, whichever comes first
For children 22 or older:
3 years
How Does the Sponsorship Process Work?
Sponsoring your child involves four key steps:
Step 1: Get the Application Package
Download the official application guide and forms from the Government of Canada website. Follow the instructions carefully.
Step 2: Pay the Application Fees
Pay the required fees online, including:
Processing fee
Right of Permanent Residence Fee
Biometrics fee
Any additional third-party fees (e.g., medical exam, police certificates)
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Follow the instructions in the application guide to submit your complete package to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Step 4: Provide Supporting Documents
When requested by IRCC, provide supporting documentation such as identity proof, relationship proof, financial statements, and more.
Sponsoring a Child While Living in Quebec?
If you live in Quebec, the process includes additional steps. You’ll need to:
Apply at the federal level through IRCC;
Apply at the provincial level through MIFI (Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration);
Obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate (QSC);
Sign an undertaking agreement with Quebec.
Undertaking Period in Quebec:
Duration depends on the child’s age and differs from federal requirements.
Need Help Reuniting With Your Child in Canada?
Our experienced immigration consultants are here to guide you through every step of the Dependent Child Sponsorship process. Whether your child is abroad or in Canada, we’ll help you complete a strong, complete application that meets all IRCC or MIFI requirements.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and bring your child home to Canada.
