Canada demonstrates its commitment to family reunification through its Family Class immigration programs, which allow citizens and permanent residents to sponsor spouses, common-law partners, parents, grandparents, and dependent children. This category accounts for about a quarter of Canada’s annual permanent resident intake. Parents can sponsor their dependent children if eligibility requirements are met, and consulting an experienced immigration professional can assist in navigating the process.
Qualifying for Dependent Child Sponsorship
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) mandates that certain qualifying conditions be met for parent and dependent child sponsorship. A child linked to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident through birth or adoption can qualify for immigration through sponsorship.
A dependent child should be below 22 years of age. However, this age criterion doesn’t apply to a child who is disabled and incapable of supporting themselves. Meeting the specific definition of a dependent child is pivotal for eligibility.
To sponsor a dependent child, parents must meet the following conditions:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Be over 18 years of age.
- Have no criminal record.
- Have no history of bankruptcy.
- Provide proof of relationship with the dependent child.
Evidence of the relationship can take the form of a birth certificate or an adoption certificate. Parents can apply for sponsorship even if the adoption process is in its final stages.
The Dependent Child Sponsorship Process
A sponsoring parent must sign an undertaking agreeing to fully support the child’s housing, clothing, food, personal needs, and medical costs. This commitment lasts until the child turns 25 or for 10 years from the start of sponsorship, whichever comes first. For a dependent child over 22 with a disability, the undertaking lasts for 3 years.
Sponsoring Process
- Obtain an application package from the relevant government website, which includes guidance for form completion.
- Make online payments for application fees, Right of Permanent Residence, biometrics, and other applicable fees.
- Submit a complete application as per the provided guidelines.
- Provide necessary supporting documents in response to IRCC’s instructions.
Disqualifying Scenarios
Certain scenarios could disqualify a parent from sponsoring a dependent child, including:
- Receiving social assistance (except for disability)
- Lack of intention to reside with the dependent child in Canada after they become a permanent resident
- Having a criminal record or history of offenses against relatives
- Becoming a sponsored permanent resident less than five years before sponsoring a dependent child
- A permanent resident parent not living in Canada cannot sponsor a dependent child unless the parent intends to live with the child in Canada post-sponsorship approval
There are no Minimum Necessary Income criteria to be an eligible parent for sponsoring a dependent child. However, in rare cases where the dependent child has their own dependent children, MNI criteria might apply.
Engaging an expert immigration counselor will provide a clear understanding of various options for sponsoring other family members. Contact us today to explore the possibilities.
