How to Sponsor Your Dependent Child – Dependent Child Sponsorship Canada

What is Sponsor Dependent Child Canada?

In the context of Canadian immigration, a “sponsor-dependent child” refers to a child who is sponsored by a family member or a relative to come and live in Canada. The sponsorship program is part of Canada’s commitment to family reunification, allowing Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their close family members to join them in the country.

The process involves a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident (the sponsor) undertaking the responsibility of sponsoring a family member, such as a spouse, common-law partner, dependent child, parent, or grandparent, to immigrate to Canada. In this case, a sponsor-dependent child refers specifically to a child who is being sponsored to become a permanent resident in Canada.

Dependent Child Sponsorship Eligibility Criteria

1. Sponsor Eligibility:
   • The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen.
   • The sponsor must be at least 18 years old.
2. Relationship Eligibility:
   • The sponsored child must be the biological child, adopted child, or stepchild of the sponsor.
   • The child must be under 22 years of age and not have a spouse or common-law partner.
3. Financial Responsibility:
   • The sponsor is required to commit to providing financial support to the sponsored child for a specific period after they become a permanent resident. This commitment ensures that the sponsored child does not need to seek social assistance.

Ineligibility Criteria Under Dependent Child Sponsorship

1. Age Requirement: The sponsor must be at least 18 years old.
2. Residency Commitment: The sponsor must intend to live in Canada when the sponsored individuals attain permanent residency.
3. Citizenship or Permanent Residency: The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada.
4. Temporary Residency: Sponsors cannot be temporary residents, including those visiting, studying, or working in Canada on a visa or permit.
5. Ongoing Permanent Residence Application: Sponsors cannot have a pending permanent residence application for themselves.
6. Permanent Resident Status: Sponsors must hold permanent resident status at the time of submitting the sponsorship application.
7. Financial Capacity: Sponsors must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support the individuals they intend to sponsor, if applicable.

Child Qualification For Dependent Child Sponsorship

• Dependent Children Under 22:
  1. Age: Below 22 years old.
  2. Marital Status: No spouse or common-law partner.
• Dependent Children 22 and Older:
  1. Financial Dependency: Unable to financially support themselves due to a mental or physical condition.
  2. Historical Dependency: It depends on parents for financial support since before turning 22.
• Ongoing Requirements:
  • Regardless of age, dependent children must consistently meet these criteria until the application processing is complete.

How To Apply For Sponsor Dependent Child Canada

1. Confirm Your Eligibility:
   • Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria to be a sponsor in Canada. 
2. Ensure Child’s Eligibility:
   • Confirm that the child you want to sponsor meets the eligibility criteria, such as being under 22 years old and not having a spouse or common-law partner.
3. Gather Required Documents:
   • Collect all necessary documents for both the sponsorship application and the dependent child’s permanent residence application. This may include identification, proof of relationship, and supporting financial documents.
4. Complete the Application Package:
   • Obtain the appropriate application package from the IRCC website. This package includes guides and forms that you need to fill out accurately.
5. Pay the Fees:
   • Pay the required sponsorship and permanent residence fees. Ensure that you include the payment receipt with your application.
6. Submit the Application:
   • Mail the completed application package, along with all required documents and fees, to the address provided in the application guide. Ensure that everything is correctly filled out and signed.
7. Wait for Processing:
   • The processing time can vary. Monitor the application status online using the unique identification number provided upon submission.
8. Respond to Requests for Additional Information:
   • If additional information is required, respond promptly to any requests from IRCC to avoid delays in processing.
9. Await Decision:
   • Once the application is processed, you will be notified of the decision. If approved, the dependent child will receive instructions on the next steps.
10. Permanent Residence Application by the Dependent Child:
    • After the sponsorship is approved, the dependent child will need to submit a separate permanent residence application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the processing time for dependent child sponsorship in Canada?

Processing times for dependent child sponsorship in Canada can vary, it typically takes around 12 to 24 months.

What should be the age is a dependent child for CIC?

A dependent child for Canadian immigration purposes is generally defined as someone under the age of 22.

Will my dependent child require medical and background checks?

Yes, dependent children included in a sponsorship application for immigration to Canada are typically required to undergo medical and background checks.