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Dependent Child

Bring Your Child Home to Canada: Expert Guidance for Dependent Child Sponsorship
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Dependent Child

Dependent child sponsorship is a Canadian immigration program that allows citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their biological or adopted child, as well as the dependent child of their sponsored spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner, to join them in Canada and become permanent residents.

who Can be a Sponsor?

To be eligible as a sponsor, you must meet the following requirements:

At Least 18 Years Old

You must be at least 18 years old to be eligible to sponsor someone. This age requirement ensures you are legally an adult and can enter into a formal sponsorship agreement, which includes financial and legal responsibilities.

Canadian Status

To sponsor someone, you need to be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act. This requirement ensures that you have a recognized and stable status within Canada.

Citizens living abroad

If you are a Canadian citizen living abroad, you must show your plan to return and live in Canada when your sponsored family members become permanent residents. You can't sponsor someone if your a permanent resident living outside Canada.

No social assistance

You must prove that you are not receiving social assistance for reasons other than a disability. There isn't an income requirement to sponsor a partner or dependent child, but you must show that you are financially stable.

Financial ability

You must be capable of providing for the basic needs of the persons you wish to sponsor. This includes having adequate income or resources to support them without requiring additional government assistance.

Not living in Quebec:

If you live outside Quebec, you can sponsor your spouse, partner, or dependent child. If you live in Quebec, you must meet additional provincial requirements and sign an undertaking with the Quebec immigration authorities.

Who Can I Sponsor?

As a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident living in Canada, or a registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act, you can sponsor a dependent child for permanent residence in Canada if they fall into one of the two categories below:

under 22

Under 22 years old

You can sponsor your biological child, a legally adopted child, or a child of a sponsored spouse if they are under 22 years old and single, meaning they are not married, in a common-law relationship, or have a partner.

over 22

22 years old and older

You can sponsor a biological child, a legally adopted child, or a child of a sponsored spouse if they are 22 years or older, have depended on their parents for financial support since before they were 22, and are unable to support themselves financially due to a mental or physical condition.

Apply to sponsor my child

How to Sponsor your spouse, partner or child

Here’s a 5-step process to sponsor your spouse, partner, or child to come to Canada:

Check your eligibility

Ensure you meet the requirements to be a sponsor, and verify that the person you want to sponsor is eligible. You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered under the Canadian Indian Act, and you must not face any disqualifications such as financial issues or criminal convictions.

Gather Required Documents

Collect all necessary forms and supporting documents, including proof of your relationship, financial documents, police certificate, photo, and identity documents. Make sure to follow the specific document checklist provided by IRCC.

Complete Your Application

Complete your application by accurately filling out all required forms, attaching the necessary supporting documents, paying the processing fees, and submitting the entire package online through the PR portal. Be sure to track your status and respond promptly to any additional requests. Also, if your application is incomplete, IRCC will return it without processing. 

Provide Biometrics

After submitting your application, IRCC will send a Biometrics Collection Letter. The person you’re sponsoring has 30 days to complete their biometrics. Additionally, they may have to undergo an immigration medical exam (IME) by a panel physician. This exam can be done upfront (in advance) or upon request from IRCC.

Get Approved and Prepare to Come to Canada

Once your application is approved, your family member will receive instructions on the next steps to become a permanent resident. They must meet a CBSA (immigration) officer at the point of entry in Canada before their documents expire. After arrival, they will receive their permanent resident card and can access settlement services.

The Canadian spousal sponsorship process can be overwhelming, with intricate steps like filling out detailed forms, proving the authenticity of your relationship, and submitting a wide array of supporting documents. Cantrust Visa can manage all these complexities on your behalf, so you can focus on being with your loved one and planning your life together in Canada.

Get Started Now!

Dependent child FAQs

How can I tell if my child is a Canadian Citizen?
To determine if your child is a Canadian citizen, consider the following factors:
  1. Child Born in Canada: If your child was born in Canada, they are automatically a Canadian citizen, except in certain cases involving foreign diplomats.
  2. Child Born Outside Canada to a Canadian Parent: If your child was born outside of Canada and you, the parent, were either born in Canada or naturalized as a Canadian citizen before their birth, your child is likely a Canadian citizen.
  3. Proof of Citizenship: To confirm your child’s status, you can apply for a “Proof of Canadian Citizenship” document, sometimes called a citizenship certificate, from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This document officially verifies your child’s citizenship status.
If you are unsure or your situation is complex, Cantrust Visa can provide expert guidance and help you navigate the process to determine your child’s citizenship status with confidence.
What is an "age lock-in" date?

The “age lock-in” date is the point at which Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) freezes the age of a dependent child in an immigration application. This means that the child’s age won’t change, regardless of how long it takes to process the application, ensuring they remain eligible as a dependent.

The specific age lock-in date varies depending on the immigration program or category. For most programs, it’s the date IRCC receives your complete application for permanent residence. However, some programs involve multiple steps, and the age may be locked in earlier, before submitting the full application.

Type A, B, or C dependent child, what's the difference?

Type A, B, and C dependent children differ based on their age and dependency status:

  • Type A (most common): The dependent child is under 22 years old and single, meaning they are not married or in a common-law relationship.
  • Type B (rare): This type applies only if the child’s age was locked in before August 1, 2014. The child must be a full-time student at an accredited post-secondary institution and financially dependent on a parent either before turning 22 or since marrying or entering a common-law relationship before the age of 22.
  • Type C (occasional): The dependent child is 22 years or older and has been financially dependent on their parent due to a physical or mental condition since before turning 22.
 
Can I sponsor a dependent child as part of a spousal Application?

Yes, you can sponsor a dependent child as part of a spousal application. When sponsoring your spouse or partner, you can include any dependent children they have, allowing them to also apply for permanent residency.

The child must meet the definition of a dependent under Canadian immigration law, typically meaning they are under 22 years of age and not married or in a common-law relationship.

Who can't sponsor their spouse, partner, or child?

You can’t sponsor your spouse, partner, or child if:

  • You’re less than 18 years old.
  • You won’t live in Canada when the persons you want to sponsor become permanent residents.
  • You’re not a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a person registered as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
  • You’re a temporary resident in Canada (visitor, student, or worker on a visa or permit).
  • Your permanent residence application is still in process (you must have permanent resident status when submitting the sponsorship application).
  • You don’t have enough money to support the persons you want to sponsor (if applicable).

You may not be eligible to sponsor your spouse or partner if:

  • You were sponsored by a spouse or partner and became a permanent resident less than 5 years ago.
  • You’re still financially responsible for a previous spouse or partner that you sponsored.

You may not be eligible to sponsor your spouse, partner, or child if:

  • You’ve already applied to sponsor the person you’re currently seeking to sponsor, and a decision hasn’t been made.
  • You’re in jail, prison, or a penitentiary.
  • You didn’t pay back:
    • An immigration loan.
    • A performance bond.
    • Court-ordered family support payments (e.g., alimony or child support) (not applicable if you live in Quebec).
  • You didn’t provide the financial support agreed upon in a previous sponsorship agreement (not applicable if you live in Quebec).
  • You declared bankruptcy and are not discharged (not applicable if you live in Quebec).
  • You receive social assistance for a reason other than a disability.
  • You were convicted of a violent criminal offence, any offence against a relative, or any sexual offence inside or outside Canada.
  • You can’t legally stay in Canada and must leave because of a Removal Order.

There may be other reasons for ineligibility, and if you’re not eligible, you’ll be informed of the reason,

How much is a Dependent Child Application?

A Dependent Child Sponsorship Application for Canada generally costs CAD $175 per child when applied for directly through the Government of Canada. Processing times can vary based on factors like application completeness, the location of the applicant, and individual circumstances.

At Cantrust Visa, we provide a comprehensive Dependent Child Application service for USD $1,000 (single child) and USD $500 (per additional child). This fee covers expert guidance throughout the process, helping to ensure your application is accurate and submitted promptly. Please note that this fee does not include government fees.

What are the processing times for a Dependent Child Application?

The processing times for a Dependent Child Sponsorship Application can vary based on several factors, such as the applicant’s location, the completeness of the application, and the specifics of the case. As of the most recent updates, the general processing time is approximately 8 to 12 months from the time the application is received by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

However, this is only an estimate, and actual processing times can be shorter or longer depending on various circumstances. For example, if additional documentation is requested or if the case involves unique complexities, it may take longer. On the other hand, a well-prepared application with all necessary documents submitted can sometimes result in faster processing.

To ensure your application is processed as efficiently as possible, Cantrust Visa can assist you in preparing a complete and accurate application, minimizing the likelihood of delays.

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