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.