Sponsoring your Child to Canada

Bringing Your Child to Canada

Who is Eligible to Sponsor a Child to Canada?

To be eligible to sponsor a child to Canada, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• You must have enough income to support the child financially for at least 10 years.
• You must not have any criminal convictions or be bankrupt.
• You must be able to provide proof of your relationship to the child you wish to sponsor.

If you meet these requirements, you can apply to sponsor a child to Canada.

Eligibility of the child sponsored

Children qualify as dependents if;

• 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 dependents if;

• They are unable to financially support themselves because of a mental or physical condition, and
• They have depended on their parents for financial support since before the age of 22.

Check if your child qualifies as a dependent here

Whom can you sponsor as a dependent child?

• Your own child
  • If you’re sponsoring only your child, without sponsoring your spouse or partner, you will have to show that the other parent or legal guardian agrees to your child immigrating to Canada. Then the child will be named your child as the principal applicant in the application.
  • If the child you want to sponsor has a child of their own who is your grandchild, the grandchild will be named as a dependent in the application.
  • To sponsor an adopted child or an orphaned family member, see adopted child or orphaned family member.
• Your spouse or partner and their child
  • When sponsoring a spouse/partner and a child who is either their own child or a child you’ve had together with your partner, the spouse/partner will be named as the principal applicant and the child will be the dependent in the application.
  • And if the child that is being sponsored has a child of their own, (grandchild) that grandchild will be included as a dependent.

Steps to Sponsor a Child to Canada

Step 1: Gather the Required Documents

To sponsor a child to Canada, you will need to provide the following documents:

• A copy of your passport or permanent resident card.
• Proof of your relationship to the child you wish to sponsor, such as a birth certificate or adoption papers.
• Proof of your income, such as pay stubs, tax returns, or employment letters.
• A completed sponsorship application form.
• A completed permanent residence application form for the child.
• A police clearance certificate for yourself and any adult members of your household.
• A medical examination report for the child.

(Note: the required documentation may vary case by case)

Step 2: Submit the Application

Once you have gathered all the required documents, you can submit your sponsorship and permanent residence application forms to the Government of Canada. The processing time for sponsorship applications varies depending on the country of origin of the child, but it can take up to 12 months or longer.

Step 3: Receive Approval

If your application is approved, you will receive a letter of approval from the Government of Canada. You will then need to provide proof of your financial ability to support the child.

Step 4: The Child Arrives in Canada

Once the child’s permanent residence application is approved, they will receive a visa to come to Canada. As the sponsor, you will be responsible for the child and provide for their needs. You will also need to help the child adjust to their new life in Canada, such as enrolling them in school and helping them learn English or French.

Step 5: Follow-Up

After the child arrives in Canada, you will need to continue to support them.