Dependent Child Sponsorship

The core goal of the Canadian Family Sponsorship programs is to unite families. Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their biological or adopted children to live with them in Canada as permanent residents through the Dependent Child Sponsorship program. Through this program, families are kept together, and children are given access to the same healthcare and educational opportunities as other Canadian citizens.

Who is Eligible for Dependent Child Sponsorship

Both the dependent child and the sponsor must fulfill certain requirements in order to be eligible for dependent child sponsorship. This is what you should know.

Eligibility Requirements for a Sponsor

• Must be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
• The minimum age requirement is 18.
• Must be financially independent and not on social assistance unless they have a disability.
• For a minimum of ten years or until the dependent child turns 25, they must be able to support them financially.

Dependent Children’s Eligibility Requirements

• Must be younger than 22 and not be married or in a common-law partnership.
• If they are 22 years of age or older they must have a physical or mental illness that makes them financially dependent on their parent or parents.

The Dependent Child Sponsorship Process

There are multiple steps in the sponsorship process.

1. Apply for Sponsorship: The sponsor needs to apply to Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
2. Apply for Permanent Residence for the Child: The dependent child must also apply for permanent residence.
3. Background and Medical Examination: Background checks and a medical examination are required for the child, and they might also be performed.
4. Arrival in Canada: The child can relocate to Canada and obtain permanent resident status after being granted permission.

Processing Time for Dependent Child Sponsorship

Processing time for dependent child sponsorship applications can take from 12 to 24 months. It varies by every case.

Reasons a Dependent Child Sponsorship Application May Be Denied

An application for Dependent Child Sponsorship may be rejected in specific circumstances.

• The sponsor’s financial obligations are not fulfilled.
• The child is not financially dependent and is older than 22 years.
• There are violent crimes on the sponsor’s criminal record.
• The child fails the necessary security and medical examinations.
• In the past, the sponsor did not provide financial support to a sponsored family member.

Steps to Apply for Family Sponsorship

Step 1: Verify that you are eligible to sponsor.

Step 2: Verify that the family members you plan to sponsor are eligible.

Step 3: Application must be submitted to the Ministry of Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) at the federal level and to the Ministry of Immigration Francization and Integration (MIFI) at the provincial level if you reside in Quebec. Together with your sponsorship application, you must submit your family members or relatives’ applications for permanent residence (PR) status. The PR application will be assessed after it has been determined that you are qualified to sponsor.

Step 4: The application fee for family sponsorship must be paid.

Step 5: Apply to the actual and correct address. The government website offers a sponsorship guide for download which contains this information.

How CWC Can Help?

CWC is here to make the Depend Child Sponsorship application process simple and stress-free so that you do not have any single problem. We offer a FREE assessment to check your eligibility and guide you through every step.