How to Sponsor a Dependent Child for Permanent Residence in Canada

Family reunification is a key part of Canada’s immigration system. Through the family sponsorship program, Canadian citizens and permanent residents may be able to sponsor their children to become permanent residents.

Sponsoring a child for permanent residence allows families to live together in Canada and gives the child access to many of the same rights and opportunities as other permanent residents.

Understanding the eligibility rules, responsibilities, and application process is essential before submitting a sponsorship application.

Who Can Sponsor a Dependent Child

To sponsor a child for Canadian permanent residence, the sponsor must meet certain requirements established by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Generally, a sponsor must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered under the Canadian Indian Act
• Be able to financially support the child being sponsored
• Not be receiving social assistance
• Live in Canada, or demonstrate plans to return once the child becomes a permanent resident
• Not be in default of a previous sponsorship undertaking
• Not have certain criminal convictions, particularly those involving violence or offences against a family member

Canadian citizens may sponsor their children while living outside Canada, provided they show that they intend to return to Canada when the sponsorship is approved.

Permanent residents, however, must be physically residing in Canada when submitting the sponsorship.

In most cases, there is no formal minimum income requirement when sponsoring a dependent child. However, sponsors must still demonstrate that they can meet the financial needs of the child. A minimum income requirement may apply if the dependent child has children of their own.

Sponsors must also obtain approval from Quebec’s Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI), including a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), and sign a separate provincial undertaking.

 

Situations That May Prevent Someone From Sponsoring

Even if a person meets the basic eligibility criteria, there are certain circumstances that may prevent them from becoming a sponsor.

Some common examples include:

• Being in default of a previous immigration sponsorship agreement
• Owing money related to immigration loans or government benefits
• Receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability
• Being involved in bankruptcy proceedings that have not been discharged
• Having certain criminal convictions
• Being subject to a removal order from Canada

These restrictions exist to ensure that sponsors are able to meet the financial and legal responsibilities associated with the sponsorship process.

 

Who Qualifies as a Dependent Child

To be sponsored, the child must meet the definition of a dependent child under Canadian immigration law.

Typically, a child qualifies if they are:

• The biological or adopted child of the sponsor or their spouse or partner
• Under 22 years of age
• Not married and not in a common-law relationship

Children who are 22 years of age or older may still qualify as dependents in certain situations.

This may apply if the child:

• Has a physical or mental condition that prevents them from financially supporting themselves
• Has depended financially on their parents since before turning 22

The child must continue to meet the dependency requirements until their permanent residence application is finalized.

Understanding the Sponsorship Undertaking

When submitting a sponsorship application, the sponsor must sign an undertaking agreement with the Canadian government.

This is a legal commitment stating that the sponsor will provide financial support for the child once they become a permanent resident.

The undertaking covers basic needs such as:

• Food
• Housing
• Clothing
• Healthcare costs not covered by public insurance

The sponsor also agrees to ensure that the child does not need to rely on government social assistance during the undertaking period. If the child does receive social assistance, the sponsor may be required to repay the amount to the government.

How Long the Sponsorship Commitment Lasts

The length of the sponsorship commitment depends on the child’s age when they become a permanent resident.

Typically:

• Children under 22: The undertaking lasts 10 years or until the child turns 25, whichever comes first.
• Children 22 or older: The commitment generally lasts 3 years.

This varies in Quebec as they have their own undertaking rules.

This obligation remains in place even if the sponsor’s financial situation changes.

 

How to Apply to Sponsor a Child

Sponsoring a dependent child requires submitting two connected applications:

• A sponsorship application from the parent or sponsor
• A permanent residence application for the child

These applications are usually submitted together online through the PR Portal.

The general process includes:

 

Step 1 – Prepare the Application Package

Applicants must review the official instruction guide and gather the required forms and documents listed in their personalized checklist.

 

Step 2 – Collect Supporting Documents

Typical documents may include:

• Proof of relationship between the sponsor and child
• Identity documents
• Civil status documents
• Additional forms required by IRCC

In some cases, police certificates may be required if the dependent has lived outside Canada for extended periods after turning 18.

 

Step 3 – Complete the Online Forms

All required forms must be completed, signed, and validated before submission.

 

Step 4 – Pay the Required Fees

The standard processing fees for sponsoring a dependent child total $255, which may include:

• Sponsorship processing fee
• Permanent residence application fee
• Biometrics fee (if applicable)
• Biometrics are generally required for applicants aged 14 or older.

 

Step 5 – Submit the Application

Once the forms, documents, and fees are completed, the application can be submitted through the online portal.

IRCC may request additional documents during processing if further information is needed.

Processing times can vary depending on the child’s country of residence and the complexity of the application.

 

Special Rules for Quebec Residents

Individuals living in Quebec must follow additional steps when sponsoring a dependent child.

Because Quebec manages its own immigration selection process, sponsors must apply through both:

• The federal government (IRCC), and
• The provincial immigration ministry.

Quebec also requires sponsors to sign a provincial undertaking agreement and may apply different financial assessment rules.

Applicants living in Quebec should carefully review provincial requirements before submitting their sponsorship application.

 

Bringing it to Northia

At Northia Immigration, we understand that sponsoring a child is more than an immigration process, it’s about keeping families together.

Our team assists families at every stage of the dependent child sponsorship process, helping ensure that applications are prepared accurately and in accordance with current immigration regulations.

Family sponsorship applications may appear straightforward, but missing documents or misunderstandings about eligibility can lead to delays.

Working with experienced professionals can help ensure that your application is complete and properly structured from the start.

Book a consultation with Northia Immigration.