Family Sponsorship
Dependent Child Sponsorship
Sponsoring a dependent child for Canadian permanent residence.
Overview
Dependent child sponsorship allows a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor their child for permanent residence, based on the child meeting the current definition of a dependant — generally tied to age and, in some cases, continuous enrollment in school.
This is often done alongside a parent's own permanent residence or sponsorship application, but can also be a standalone sponsorship.
Who may consider this: Canadian citizens or permanent residents who want to sponsor their dependent child.
Eligibility Considerations
- The child meeting the current definition of a dependent child (age and, where relevant, study status)
- A legal parent-child relationship, through birth or adoption
- The sponsor meeting Canadian citizenship or permanent residency and sponsorship eligibility requirements
- The child meeting admissibility requirements (criminal, medical, security)
How It Works
Dependant Status Review
We confirm the child currently meets the definition of a dependent child under IRCC rules.
Relationship Documentation
Birth certificates or adoption records are organized to confirm the parent-child relationship.
Document Preparation
Sponsor and application forms are prepared, along with any required custody documentation.
Application Submission
The complete sponsorship package is submitted.
Government Processing
IRCC reviews the relationship and admissibility of the child.
Decision
Once approved, the child receives permanent resident status.
Documents You May Need
Document requirements vary by applicant and pathway — not every applicant needs every item below. We confirm your specific list during an assessment.
- Child's birth certificate or adoption documentation
- Custody documentation, where one parent is not involved in the application
- Sponsor's proof of citizenship or permanent residency
- Police certificates, where applicable by age
- Medical exam results
Common Issues to Watch For
These are presented to help you prepare, not to cause concern — most are avoidable with careful preparation.
- Assuming a child qualifies as a dependant without checking the current age and study-status definition
- Missing custody documentation in separated or blended family situations
- Incomplete relationship evidence for adopted children
How We Help
- Confirm the child's dependant status against current IRCC criteria
- Advise on custody documentation needed for your specific family situation
- Prepare a complete and accurate sponsorship application
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current age limit for a dependent child?+
This is set by IRCC policy and has changed over time, so we confirm the current definition rather than relying on an outdated figure.
Can I sponsor a stepchild?+
This depends on the legal relationship and current IRCC definitions — we assess this individually.
Can I sponsor my child at the same time as my spouse?+
Yes, in many cases a dependent child can be included in a spousal or common-law sponsorship application.
The information on this website is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration policies, fees, processing times, and eligibility requirements change frequently. Please verify current requirements with official government sources or a qualified immigration professional before making decisions.