How to Sponsor a Dependent Child in Canada: A Complete Guide for Parents

Sponsoring your child to join you in Canada is one of the most meaningful things you can do as a parent. Whether you are a permanent residen...

Sponsoring your child to join you in Canada is one of the most meaningful things you can do as a parent. Whether you are a permanent resident or Canadian citizen, reuniting with your child and building a new life together is a top priority.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about sponsoring a dependent child in Canada, from eligibility and requirements to application steps and tips for success.

What is Dependent Child Sponsorship?

Dependent child sponsorship is a part of Canada's Family Class immigration program. It allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to bring their biological or adopted children to live with them in Canada as permanent residents.

Once approved, your child can live, study, and receive healthcare in Canada. Eventually, they may be eligible for Canadian citizenship.

Who Can Sponsor a Child?

To sponsor a dependent child, you must meet certain criteria. You can be eligible if:

You are at least 18 years old
You are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered under the Canadian Indian Act
You live in Canada or plan to return when the child becomes a permanent resident
You can financially support the child and ensure they do not rely on social assistance

If you are a Canadian citizen living outside Canada, you must prove that you will return to Canada with your child once their permanent residence is approved.

Who is Considered a Dependent Child?

To be eligible for sponsorship, the child must meet Canada's definition of a dependent child. This means:

They are under 22 years old and are not married or in a common-law relationship
OR
They are 22 years or older and have depended substantially on their parents for financial support since before the age of 22, and they are unable to support themselves due to a physical or mental condition

The age is determined at the time the application is received by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), not at the time of decision.

Important Notes on Eligibility

You may not be eligible to sponsor your child if you:

Are in jail, prison, or penitentiary
Have defaulted on an immigration loan
Are in bankruptcy and not discharged
Have failed to provide financial support to previously sponsored family members
Have been convicted of certain serious crimes
Are under a removal order

Always check your eligibility carefully before applying.

Documents You Will Need

Sponsorship applications must be supported by several key documents. These include:

Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residence
The child’s birth certificate or adoption records
Custody documents if the child’s other parent is not accompanying them
Passport-sized photos of the child
Medical exam confirmation for the child
Proof of relationship with the child
Immigration forms signed and dated

If you are separated or divorced, you may also need written consent from the child’s other parent to take them to Canada.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process

Sponsoring a child is a two-part application process. You must apply to:

Become a sponsor
Have your child apply for permanent residence

Let’s break it down into simple steps.

Step 1: Get the Application Package

Visit the official IRCC website and download the “Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking” for a dependent child.

The package will include:

Sponsorship forms
Permanent residence forms
A document checklist
Instructions on how to complete each form

Make sure you select the right region for the child’s country of residence.

Step 2: Pay the Application Fees

You will need to pay the following fees online:

Sponsorship fee: $75 CAD
Principal applicant processing fee: $490 CAD
Right of permanent residence fee: $515 CAD (can be paid later)
Biometrics fee: $85 CAD (if applicable)

You will receive a receipt that you must include with your application.

Step 3: Complete and Submit the Application

Once you complete the forms and gather your documents, send the application to the mailing address listed in the instruction guide. It must be submitted as one complete package.

Ensure that you include:

All required forms and supporting documents
Fee payment receipt
Properly signed and dated forms

Incomplete applications will be returned and will delay the process.

Step 4: Wait for Confirmation

After submission, you will receive an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) from IRCC. This confirms that your application is being processed.

IRCC may contact you for additional documents or information. They will also request biometrics and a medical exam for the child if required.

Step 5: Medical Exam and Biometrics

The child must undergo a medical exam by an approved panel physician. IRCC will send instructions and a deadline to complete it.

If biometrics are required, the child will be asked to go to a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide fingerprints and a photo.

Step 6: Wait for Decision

IRCC will review your sponsorship eligibility and the child’s admissibility. Processing times vary depending on the country of origin but typically range from 8 to 12 months.

Once approved, your child will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a visa to travel to Canada.

Step 7: Arrive in Canada

When your child arrives in Canada, a border officer will verify the documents and activate the permanent residence status. Your child will receive their Permanent Resident (PR) card by mail within a few weeks.

What Happens After Arrival?

After becoming a permanent resident, your child is entitled to:

Live and study in Canada
Access public healthcare
Receive a PR card
Apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting residency requirements

As a sponsor, you are financially responsible for the child for 10 years or until they turn 25, whichever comes first. This is called the "undertaking period."

Special Situations

Sponsoring Adopted Children

If you are sponsoring a child you adopted from another country, the process is more complex. You may need to go through the International Adoption process and meet both Canadian and foreign country requirements.

In most cases, the child must be legally adopted before the sponsorship process can begin.

Child Living in a Different Country

If your child is living outside of Canada, they will need to apply for permanent residence from abroad. Ensure they have valid travel documents and follow medical and biometric instructions as directed.

Sponsoring More Than One Child

You can sponsor multiple children, but you will need to submit separate applications for each dependent child unless they are all included in a single family application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To improve your chances of success, avoid these common errors:

Submitting incomplete applications
Forgetting to sign forms
Not including the fee payment receipt
Failing to provide custody or consent documents
Not following instructions for medical exams or biometrics

Double-check every detail and keep copies of all submissions.

What If the Application Is Refused?

If your application is refused, you will receive a letter explaining why. Common reasons include:

Missing or incorrect documents
Sponsor not meeting eligibility
Relationship doubts

You may:

Submit a new application with stronger documents
Request a reconsideration
File an appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD)

If needed, consult an immigration consultant or lawyer to guide you through your options.

Final Thoughts

Sponsoring your dependent child to come to Canada is a powerful step toward building a united and secure future for your family. While the process can be detailed and requires patience, it is worth every step to have your loved ones with you.

Make sure you meet all the requirements, gather your documents, and follow the instructions closely. If done right, your child will soon be with you, enjoying the safety, education, and opportunity that Canada provides.

Whether you are just starting or preparing to apply, this guide gives you the clear direction and confidence needed to bring your child home.