Dependent Children
Dependent children, whether biological or adopted, can be sponsored by their parents to immigrate to, and live with them in Canada as permanent residents.
To be eligible to sponsor a child to Canada, a sponsor must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident living in Canada, or intending to return to Canada or a person registered under the Indian act of Canada
- Be able to provide for your basic needs and those of your dependent children as well as your spouse, if applicable
- Be able to prove your relationship to your child
- Not have a criminal record
- Not be in prison, charged with a serious offence, or bankrupt
- Not be in default of a previous sponsorship undertaking
- Not be under immigration investigation
- Not be receiving income assistance, except for reasons of disability.
Children qualify as dependants if: they are:
- They are the biological or adopted child of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- They are under 22 years old
- They do not have a spouse or common law partner
Children 22 years old or older qualify as dependants if they meet both requirements below:
- They are unable to financially support themselves because of a mental or physical condition
- They have depended on their parents for financial support since before the age of 22
Except for age, a dependent child must continue to meet these requirements until we finish processing your application.