Dependent Child Sponsorship
Canada encourages families to reunite by offering Family Class immigration programs to sponsor dependent children, spouses, common-law partners, parents and grandparents. Family class immigration commands almost a quarter of the total number of fresh permanent residents admitted to Canada annually.
Parents can sponsor a child by satisfying the relevant eligibility criteria provided the child meets the definition of a dependent child. Availing professional services of an expert immigration consultant will enable you to understand the options if you are planning to bring your dependent child to Canada.
Sponsoring your dependent children
You can sponsor your dependent children outside Canada who meet the following definition:
Definitions of dependent children
Your child or the child of your spouse or common-law partner can be considered a dependent child if that child meets the requirements below on the day we receive your complete application:
- They’re under 22 years old, and
- They don’t have a spouse or common-law partner.
Children 22 years old or older qualify as dependants if they meet both of these requirements:
- They have depended on their parents for financial support since before the age of 22, and
- They are unable to financially support themselves because of a mental or physical condition.
With the exception of age, dependants must continue to meet these requirements until we finish processing your application.
Important: If the person you are sponsoring (or their child) has one or more children in the sole custody of their other parent, you must still declare the child in the application. Even if there’s a written agreement or court order to show that the sponsored person doesn’t have custody or responsibility, you must list the child on the application and this child must undergo a medical exam and pass any applicable background and security checks. Doing this gives the sponsored person the possibility to sponsor their child as a member of the family class in the future when there may be changes to the custody or living arrangements. If a permanent resident doesn’t declare all their family members on their application, they could risk losing their permanent resident status.
The person you’re sponsoring has a child in the sole custody of a previous spouse. Do they need to include this child in their application?
Yes. Children in the custody of a previous spouse or partner are considered dependent children.
Even if there’s a written agreement or court order to show that the sponsored person doesn’t have custody or responsibility, you must list the child on the application and this child must undergo a medical exam and pass any background and security checks, if applicable.
Doing this gives the sponsored person the possibility to sponsor their child as a member of the family class in the future when there may be changes to the custody or living arrangements. Also, if a permanent resident doesn’t declare all of their family members on their application, they could risk losing their permanent resident status.
Hiring an immigration expert will help you through all stages of submission to sponsor your dependent child. Nrich Immigration is a trustworthy resource having vast experience to support aspirants to study, work and settle in Canada.