Family sponsorship is a vital pathway for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their dependent children by helping them become permanent residents of Canada.
This guide provides detailed information about eligibility, the application process, associated fees, and potential challenges.
On This Page You Will Find:
- Who is eligible to sponsor a dependent child for immigration to Canada?
- Eligibility criteria for children under family sponsorship.
- Step-by-step guide to applying for family sponsorship.
- Common reasons for application rejection.
- Financial and legal obligations of sponsors.
- Tips to avoid delays and application rejections.
- Details about medical exams, biometrics, and fees.
What Is Family Sponsorship for Dependent Children?
The Family Sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their dependent children to immigrate to Canada.
This pathway ensures family reunification and provides sponsored children access to Canada’s healthcare, education, and social benefits.
Eligibility Requirements for Sponsors
To sponsor a dependent child, you must meet several criteria:
Age and Status
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
Residency Obligations
- Canadian Citizens Abroad: You can sponsor while living outside Canada, but you must prove your intention to reside in Canada once your child becomes a permanent resident.
- Permanent Residents Abroad: You cannot sponsor a dependent child while living outside Canada.
Financial Stability
- You must show you can provide for the basic needs of your sponsored child.
- You must not be receiving social assistance for reasons other than a disability.
Commitment to Sponsorship Agreement
- You and the child being sponsored must sign an agreement confirming your financial responsibility.
- This includes repaying any social assistance the child may receive during the sponsorship period.
Undertaking Period
- For children under 22 years: Sponsorship lasts 10 years or until the child turns 25, whichever comes first.
- For children 22 years or older: Sponsorship lasts 3 years.
Who Cannot Sponsor a Dependent Child?
You may not qualify as a sponsor if:
- You are under 18 years old.
- You do not plan to live in Canada when the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident.
- You are a temporary resident in Canada (on a visitor, study, or work permit).
- Your permanent residence application is still being processed.
- You have outstanding debts, such as unpaid immigration loans or family support payments (exceptions apply in Quebec).
- You declared bankruptcy and have not been discharged.
- You were convicted of certain violent or sexual crimes.
- You are under a removal order and required to leave Canada.
The government will inform you if you are deemed ineligible to sponsor and provide reasons for their decision.
Who Is Eligible as a Dependent Child?
A child qualifies as a dependent if they meet the following criteria:
Under 22 Years Old
- The child must not have a spouse or common-law partner.
22 Years or Older
- The child must be unable to financially support themselves due to a physical or mental condition.
- The child must have depended on their parents financially since before turning 22.
The dependent child must continue to meet these criteria until the application is processed. Sponsored children include:
Your Biological or Adopted Child:
- If the child is a Canadian citizen, they do not need sponsorship.
- You will need consent from the other parent or legal guardian for the child to immigrate to Canada.
Stepchildren:
- If you are sponsoring your spouse or partner, their children are eligible for sponsorship as dependents.
- Grandchildren (if the dependent child has children of their own) are also included in the application.
Income Requirements for Sponsorship
In most cases, there is no minimum income requirement to sponsor a dependent child. However, exceptions exist if the child being sponsored has dependents of their own. In such cases, you must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) threshold for your family size.
How to Apply for Family Sponsorship
The application process involves two main components: the sponsorship application and the permanent residence application. Below are the steps in detail:
Step 1: Apply to Sponsor
- Obtain the Application Package
Download the application package from the official Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. The package includes:- A document checklist.
- Sponsorship application forms.
- Detailed instructions.
- Complete and Sign Forms
Both the sponsor and the child being sponsored must complete the required forms. Ensure all forms are digitally signed. - Submit Supporting Documents
Provide proof of eligibility, such as:- Birth certificates or adoption papers.
- Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency.
- Financial documents (if required).
Step 2: Permanent Residence Application
The sponsored child (or their guardian) must submit the following:
- Medical Examinations
- The child must complete a medical exam by an IRCC-approved panel physician.
- Police Certificates
- Police clearance is required for sponsored dependents aged 18 or older.
- Biometrics
- Fingerprints and a digital photo must be provided. A biometrics fee is required.
- Additional Forms
Complete additional forms such as:- IMM 0008 (Generic Application Form for Canada).
- IMM 5669 (Schedule A – Background/Declaration).
Step 3: Pay the Fees
Sponsors must pay the following fees:
- Processing Fee: Covers both the sponsor and the dependent child.
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): Paid for sponsored dependents over 18 years.
- Biometrics Fee: Covers fingerprints and photo collection.
- Third-Party Fees: Includes medical exams and police certificates.
Step 4: Submit the Application
Ensure your application is complete before submission. Double-check that:
- All forms are filled out correctly.
- Required documents are attached.
- Fees are paid.
- Applications are digitally signed.
Incomplete applications will be returned, causing delays.
During the Application Process
The sponsor and the sponsored child may be asked to provide additional information or attend an interview. The sponsored child must remain eligible throughout the process.
What Happens After Approval?
Once approved, the sponsored child will:
- Receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document.
- Be eligible to travel to Canada and receive a permanent resident card upon arrival.
Common Reasons for Rejection
Applications may be rejected if:
- Required documents are missing or incomplete.
- Fees are unpaid.
- The sponsor or dependent is found ineligible.
- The child is inadmissible due to criminal or medical issues.
Tips to Avoid Delays and Rejections
- Follow the IRCC instruction guide carefully.
- Submit all required documents, including translations if necessary.
- Pay all fees upfront.
- Respond promptly to additional requests from IRCC.
Working While Your Application Is Processed
If you live in Canada with your sponsor, you may qualify for an open work permit if:
- Your application for permanent residence has been submitted.
- You have received an acknowledgment of receipt from IRCC.
FAQ: Family Sponsorship for Dependent Children
1. Who can sponsor a dependent child to immigrate to Canada?
Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or individuals registered as Indians under the Canadian Indian Act can sponsor dependent children. Sponsors must be at least 18 years old and meet financial and residency requirements. Permanent residents must reside in Canada, while citizens abroad must plan to return to Canada once the sponsorship is approved. Sponsors also cannot be receiving social assistance for reasons other than a disability.
2. What qualifies a child as a dependent under Canadian immigration rules?
A child qualifies as a dependent if they are under 22 years old and unmarried or without a common-law partner. Children 22 or older must prove they are financially dependent due to a mental or physical condition and have relied on their parents’ support since before turning 22. Dependents must meet these criteria until the sponsorship application is fully processed.
3. Is there an income requirement for sponsoring a dependent child?
In most cases, there is no specific income requirement for sponsoring a dependent child. However, if the child being sponsored has one or more dependents of their own, the sponsor must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) threshold. Proof of financial stability is still required to show the sponsor can meet the child’s basic needs during the undertaking period.
4. What fees are involved in the family sponsorship application?
The application fees include the sponsorship processing fee, the right of permanent residence fee, and the biometrics fee. Additional costs may include fees for medical exams, police certificates, and translation services if required. These fees must be paid upfront to avoid delays in application processing. An incomplete application or unpaid fees can result in rejection or delays.
5. How can I avoid delays or rejections in my sponsorship application?
To avoid delays, carefully follow the instructions provided by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Ensure all forms are complete, digitally signed, and include all required documents such as medical exams, biometrics, and police certificates. Pay the required fees in full, and respond promptly to any additional requests from IRCC during the processing period. Double-check for errors before submission to ensure a smooth application process.
