Dependent Child Sponsorship
Sponsoring Dependent Children
Canada’s dedication to family reunification is evident through its Family Class immigration programs, which encompass the sponsorship of dependent children, parents, grandparents, spouses, and common-law partners. These family-based immigration programs account for nearly a quarter of Canada’s annual intake of new permanent residents.
Parents who wish to bring their dependent children to Canada have the opportunity to do so by meeting the necessary eligibility criteria, as long as the child fits the definition of a dependent child. Engaging the services of a skilled immigration consultant can be invaluable when exploring the options for bringing your dependent child to Canada.
Eligibility for Dependent Child Sponsorship
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) sets forth specific conditions that must be met for the sponsorship of dependent children by their parents. A child who is linked to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident through birth or adoption may qualify for immigration through sponsorship.
A dependent child should be under 22 years of age, but this age requirement does not apply to a child who has a disability and is unable to support themselves. Meeting the precise definition of a dependent child is a crucial aspect of eligibility.
To sponsor a dependent child, parents must fulfill 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 evidence of the relationship with the dependent child, which can be in 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
The sponsoring parent is required to sign an undertaking, assuming full responsibility for supporting the child. Through this undertaking, the parent commits to providing support for the child’s:
- Housing needs.
- Clothing requirements.
- Food and personal necessities.
- Medical expenses.
The process for sponsoring a dependent child involves four key steps:
- Obtain an application package from the relevant government website, including instructions for completing the required forms.
- Make online payments for application fees, Right of Permanent Residence fees, biometrics fees, and other applicable charges.
- Submit a complete application following the provided guidelines.
- Provide the necessary supporting documents in accordance with IRCC’s instructions.
Disqualifying Scenarios
Certain situations can lead to the disqualification of a parent from sponsoring a dependent child, which may include:
- Receiving social assistance, except for disability-related reasons.
- Not having the intention to live with the dependent child in Canada once they attain permanent resident status.
- Having a criminal record or a history of offences involving relatives.
- Becoming a sponsored permanent resident less than five years prior to sponsoring a dependent child.
- A permanent resident parent residing outside Canada cannot sponsor a dependent child unless they plan to reside with the child in Canada after the sponsorship is approved.
There are no specific Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) criteria to qualify as an eligible parent for sponsoring a dependent child. However, in rare cases where the dependent child has their own dependent children, MNI criteria may be applicable.
Seeking the assistance of an immigration expert will provide guidance throughout all stages of the process for sponsoring your dependent child. Nexus Migration is a trustworthy resource with extensive experience in assisting individuals with their studies, employment, and settlement in Canada. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for further information.
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