Canada’s immigration system allows families to reunite through the Dependent Child Sponsorship program. Canadian citizens and permanent residents may sponsor their biological or adopted children to become permanent residents and live with them in Canada.
At LB Pathway, in collaboration with LandBird Law Firm, we assist families in navigating the child sponsorship process and preparing complete applications that meet Canadian immigration requirements.
What is Dependent Child Sponsorship?
Dependent Child Sponsorship is part of Canada’s Family Class immigration program. It allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their children living abroad so they can immigrate to Canada as permanent residents.
This program aims to promote family reunification by allowing children to live, study, and grow up with their parents in Canada.
Who Qualifies as a Dependent Child?
Canadian immigration authorities define a dependent child based on age, marital status, and financial dependency.
- Children under 22 years old who are not married or in a common-law relationship
- Children over 22 who depend financially on their parents due to a physical or mental condition
The child must remain eligible as a dependent throughout the entire immigration process until the application is finalized.
Who Can Sponsor a Child?
To sponsor a dependent child, the sponsor must meet certain requirements set by Canadian immigration authorities.
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Live in Canada or intend to return to Canada
- Commit to financially supporting the child
- Sign a sponsorship agreement and undertaking
Sponsors must demonstrate that they can provide basic needs such as housing, food, and financial support for the child.
Financial Responsibility of the Sponsor
Sponsors must agree to financially support the child for a specific period of time after they become a permanent resident. This undertaking ensures that the child does not rely on government social assistance.
In most cases, there is no minimum income requirement to sponsor a dependent child unless the child has dependent children of their own.
Types of Child Sponsorship Applications
Inland Sponsorship
Inland sponsorship applies when the child is already living in Canada with valid immigration status.
Outland Sponsorship
Outland sponsorship applies when the child lives outside Canada and the application is processed through the appropriate visa office abroad.
Both pathways ultimately grant the child permanent resident status once the application is approved.
Documents Required for Child Sponsorship
- Birth certificate or adoption documents
- Proof of relationship between parent and child
- Passport and identity documents
- Medical examination results
- Police clearance (if applicable)
Additional documentation may be required to confirm custody arrangements or obtain consent from the child’s other parent or legal guardian.
Application Process
The child sponsorship process generally includes several steps:
- Confirm sponsor eligibility
- Prepare sponsorship and permanent residence applications
- Submit supporting documentation
- Complete medical and background checks
- Receive permanent residence approval
Applications are usually submitted through the Canadian Permanent Residence portal and processed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Benefits of Dependent Child Sponsorship
- Children receive Canadian permanent residence
- Access to healthcare and education in Canada
- Opportunity to live and grow up with family
- Future pathway to Canadian citizenship
How LB Pathway & LandBird Law Firm Can Help
Child sponsorship applications require proper documentation and careful preparation. Our team assists families throughout the immigration process.
- Family sponsorship eligibility evaluation
- Application preparation and document review
- Relationship documentation guidance
- Immigration consultation for families
- Legal support through LandBird Law Firm
Bring Your Child to Canada
Canada’s family sponsorship programs help parents reunite with their children and build their future together in a safe and welcoming country.
Contact LB Pathway today to learn how you can sponsor your child to become a permanent resident of Canada.