Dependent Child Sponsorship

Canada’s commitment to family reunification is evident through its Family Class immigration programs, allowing the sponsorship of dependent children, parents, grandparents, spouses, and common-law partners. Family class immigration constitutes nearly a quarter of the annual intake of new permanent residents in Canada.

Sponsoring parents have the opportunity to bring their dependent children to Canada by meeting the relevant eligibility criteria, provided the child falls within the definition of a dependent child. Engaging the services of a proficient immigration consultant can help you navigate the options if you intend to bring your dependent child to Canada.

Qualifying for Dependent Child Sponsorship

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) mandates that certain qualifying conditions be met for parent and dependent child sponsorship. A child linked to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident through birth or adoption can qualify for immigration through sponsorship.

A dependent child should be below 22 years of age. However, this age criterion doesn’t apply to a child who is disabled and incapable of supporting themselves. Meeting the specific definition of a dependent child is pivotal for eligibility.

To sponsor a dependent child, parents must meet the following conditions:

Evidence of the relationship can take the form of a birth certificate or an adoption certificate. Parents can apply for sponsorship even if the adoption process is in its final stages.

The Dependent Child Sponsorship Process

The sponsoring parent is required to sign an undertaking, assuming full responsibility for supporting the child. Through this undertaking, the parent commits to provide support for the child’s:

The undertaking to sponsor a dependent child remains in effect until the child turns 25 or for ten years from the sponsorship date, whichever occurs earlier. If the dependent child is disabled and above 22 years of age, the undertaking remains effective for three years.

The process to sponsor a dependent child involves four steps:

Obtain an application package from the relevant government website, which includes guidance for form completion.
Make online payments for application fees, Right of Permanent Residence, biometrics, and other applicable fees.
Submit a complete application as per the provided guidelines.
Provide necessary supporting documents in response to IRCC’s instructions.

Disqualifying Scenarios

Certain scenarios could disqualify a parent from sponsoring a dependent child, including:

Receiving social assistance (except for disability).
Lack of intention to reside with the dependent child in Canada after they become a permanent resident.
Having a criminal record or history of offenses against relatives.
Becoming a sponsored permanent resident less than five years before sponsoring a dependent child.
A permanent resident parent not living in Canada cannot sponsor a dependent child unless the parent intends to live with the child in Canada post-sponsorship approval.

There are no Minimum Necessary Income criteria to be an eligible parent for sponsoring a dependent child. However, in rare cases where the dependent child has their own dependent children, MNI criteria might apply.

Engaging an immigration expert’s assistance will guide you through all stages of submitting to sponsor your dependent child. Vancouver Immigration Services is a reliable resource with extensive experience in supporting individuals to study, work, and settle in Canada. Reach out to us for more information.

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