Step-by-Step Process to Sponsor Your Child to Canada
The Canadian government is deeply dedicated to maintaining family unity and thus permits parents to sponsor their dependent children for immigration to Canada.
A parent who meets the eligibility criteria to be a sponsor can apply for their child to become a permanent resident in Canada, provided the child meets the definition of a dependent.
Canada’s family-class immigration program permits the sponsorship of various relatives, including children, spouses, common-law/conjugal partners, parents, and grandparents, with family-class immigration accounting for approximately 25% of all new permanent residents admitted into Canada annually.
The likelihood of a child being a Canadian citizen is high if they were born in Canada or if one of their parents is a citizen of Canada. To confirm eligibility, one can use Canada’s citizenship tool. To be eligible for sponsorship, the sponsoring parent and the dependent child must meet the requirements established by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
What requirements are needed for a parent to sponsor their child’s immigration to Canada?
To be considered as a sponsor, a person must meet two requirements: they must be 18 years old or above, and they must hold either Canadian citizenship or permanent residency status.
Sponsors must commit to fulfilling the essential requirements of their intended sponsored person and sign a pledge to offer financial aid to their sponsored family member after they acquire permanent residency. Furthermore, they must reimburse any social assistance payments obtained by the sponsored family member throughout the pledge.
Some circumstances exist that could make a parent unqualified to act as a sponsor for their child:
- If the sponsoring parent became a Canadian permanent resident less than five years ago and has no intention of living in Canada with the sponsored child upon their permanent residency.
- If the sponsoring parent is a permanent resident of Canada but resides outside the country, except for Canadian citizens who can apply for sponsorship from any country with the intent to live in Canada with the sponsored relative.
- If the sponsoring parent is receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability.
- If the sponsoring parent is incarcerated or has a criminal record, particularly for offenses committed against relatives.
Typically, the parent who is sponsoring does not need to demonstrate evidence of their financial earnings. Nevertheless, if the child who is being sponsored has their dependent children, then the sponsoring parent must satisfy a specific income criterion.
If you reside in Quebec and intend to support a child, it is important to acknowledge that you need to fulfill the immigration sponsorship criteria of Quebec along with the prerequisites stated in this piece.
Alternative Option: The Super Visa
If parents or grandparents cannot apply through the Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP) due to invitation limits or processing times, they can choose the Super Visa route.
The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to:
- Stay in Canada for up to two years per visit.
- Enjoy multiple entries over 10 years.
Canada PR Application Fees (Express Entry)
While this program does not grant permanent residency, it allows quicker family reunification. Applicants must have medical insurance and cannot work in Canada unless specifically authorized. Processing is typically faster, and no invitation is required—eligible applicants can apply at any time.
What are the qualifications that must be met for a child to be sponsored for immigration to Canada?
Before sponsoring a child for Canadian immigration, it is essential to confirm that your child meets Canada’s criteria for a dependent. There are two ways to establish dependent status:
| Children under 22 | The child must be younger than 22 years old and must not be married or living with a partner. |
|---|---|
| Children 22 or older | The child must have a mental or physical condition that prevents them from supporting themselves financially and must have relied on their parents for financial support before turning 22. |
To be eligible for sponsorship, you can sponsor your own child or your partner’s child. If you are sponsoring your partner’s child who is not biologically yours, you must also sponsor your partner.
Sponsoring adopted children in Canada follows a separate procedure. To check if your child qualifies as a dependent, you can use the IRCC’s online tool to verify eligibility.
Additionally, applicants must not have any inadmissibility issues, such as criminal convictions or medical conditions that could pose a risk to public safety. It is important to note, however, that a medical condition alone, even if costly, is not a reason to deny entry to sponsored family members.
What is the process for sponsoring a child for immigration to Canada?
The process of sponsoring a child for Canadian immigration consists of two parts. Firstly, the applicant needs to demonstrate their eligibility as a sponsor. Secondly, they must provide evidence that the child meets the criteria for Canadian permanent residency sponsorship. The IRCC’s Guide 5525 offers information on the family sponsorship application process that can be useful for applicants in preparing their application.
It’s important to be aware that the requirements for family sponsorship applications differ depending on the country. To find out about the specific requirements, applicants should visit IRCC’s family sponsorship application page and provide their details. IRCC will then produce the relevant checklists, forms, and instructions related to sponsoring the child.
The family sponsorship applications are not online, so they must be completed in hard copy and sent to IRCC in a single envelope by mail or courier. Sponsoring a child requires a fee of CAD 175, and the processing time depends on the country where the sponsored child resides.
Do you want to sponsor children who live within or outside of your local area?
While the terms inland and outland are common in spousal sponsorship, they do not apply to child sponsorship.
All child sponsorship applications are processed through Canadian visa offices, regardless of whether the child lives inside or outside Canada.
The concepts of family sponsorship and Express Entry are being discussed
The Express Entry system - used for economic immigration programs also supports family inclusion. This means that eligible applicants can include their spouse/partner and dependent children in their permanent residence application from the start.
Doing so eliminates the need for separate sponsorship later, allowing families to move to Canada together.
However, candidates must first create an Express Entry profile, meet the eligibility criteria, and receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) before proceeding.
How to Apply for Canada Child Sponsorship
Applying for a Canada Child Sponsorship program allows parents or guardians to bring their dependent children to Canada as permanent residents. The process ensures that families can reunite and build a future together in a secure environment. Follow the steps below to apply successfully:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Before applying, ensure that both the sponsor and the child meet the eligibility requirements.
- The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident aged 18 or older.
- The child must be under 22 years of age, unmarried, and financially dependent on the parent.
- The sponsor must not have any criminal history or previous sponsorship violations.
Step 2: Gather the Required Documents
Prepare all necessary documents before submitting your application. This includes:
- Proof of relationship (birth certificate, adoption papers, etc.)
- Identity and status documents for both sponsor and child
- Police clearance certificates and medical examination reports
- Financial documents proving your ability to support the child
Step 3: Complete the Application Package
Download and fill out the sponsorship and permanent residence forms available on the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) website. Make sure to complete both:
- Sponsorship Application
- Permanent Residence Application for the child
Double-check all information for accuracy to avoid delays.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fees
Pay the required fees online, which may include:
- Sponsorship fee
- Processing fee
- Right of Permanent Residence fee
Keep the payment receipt as proof for your application submission.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
After completing the forms and payment, submit the application online through the IRCC portal or by mail (if applicable). Ensure that all documents are uploaded in the correct format and that your application package is complete.
Step 6: Wait for Processing and Approval
IRCC will review your application, verify eligibility, and may request additional documents or interviews. Processing times vary depending on the country and application volume. Once approved, your child will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and can travel to Canada.
Step 7: Welcome Your Child to Canada
Once your child arrives in Canada, they officially become a permanent resident, gaining access to healthcare, education, and other social benefits.
Why Choose Apical Immigration Experts?
At Apical Immigration Experts, we understand that sponsoring your child to Canada is not just a process—it’s a life-changing journey to reunite your family. Our team of licensed immigration professionals and consultants ensures that every step of your Canada Child Sponsorship application is handled with precision, care, and dedication.
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Trusted Expertise in Family Sponsorship
With years of proven experience in Canadian immigration, our consultants specialize in family reunification cases, including child sponsorship, spouse visas, and parent programs. We ensure that your application meets all IRCC requirements and stands the best chance of approval. -
Personalized Guidance
Every family’s situation is unique. Our experts provide one-on-one consultations to understand your background, eligibility, and documentation needs—helping you prepare a strong, error-free application tailored to your specific case. -
End-to-End Assistance
From initial eligibility checks to document preparation, application submission, and follow-up with IRCC, we handle the entire process for you. Our team keeps you informed at every stage, ensuring transparency and peace of mind. -
High Success Rate
Our exceptional track record in family visa approvals speaks for itself. We work diligently to minimize rejections, delays, or application errors—helping families reunite faster in Canada. -
Dedicated Support and Updates
Immigration policies can change frequently. Our experts continuously stay updated with the latest IRCC guidelines and program updates, so you always receive accurate, current advice and solutions.
Start your Canada Child Sponsorship journey today with Apical Immigration Experts — your trusted partner in building a brighter future for your family in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Canada Dependent Child Sponsorship is a program under family-class immigration that allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their dependent children for permanent residency. It ensures families can reunite in Canada while providing the child access to healthcare, education, and social benefits. The process is managed by IRCC and requires meeting specific eligibility criteria for both the sponsor and the child.
A parent or legal guardian who is at least 18 years old and is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident can sponsor a child. Sponsors must commit to financially supporting the child and fulfill IRCC requirements. Certain conditions, like receiving social assistance (for non-disability reasons) or having a criminal record, can make someone ineligible.
A dependent child must be under 22 years old, unmarried, and not living with a partner. Children 22 or older may qualify if they have a physical or mental condition preventing financial independence and have depended on their parents since before age 22. Adopted children also have separate sponsorship procedures under IRCC guidelines.
Processing times vary depending on the child’s country of residence. Generally, it can take several months to over a year. IRCC reviews both the sponsor’s eligibility and the child’s documentation. Providing complete and accurate documents can help reduce delays and improve the chances of approval.
Yes, children can be included in an Express Entry application if their parent qualifies under economic immigration programs. This allows the entire family, including spouses and dependent children, to apply for permanent residency together, eliminating the need for a separate sponsorship later. Applicants must first create an Express Entry profile and receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
