Children and Dependents

Eligibility Requirements for the Sponsor:

• The sponsor must be at least 18 years old.
• The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada (or planning to return to Canada).
• The sponsor must not be in receipt of social assistance, except for reasons related to disability.
• The sponsor must be able to prove they can financially support their child or dependent without relying on social assistance.

Eligibility Requirements for the Applicant (Child or Dependent):

• The applicant must be a biological or adopted child of the sponsor, or a dependent relative (such as a stepchild or a dependent who cannot support themselves financially due to a physical or mental condition).
• Children: To be eligible for sponsorship, children must be under the age of 22 and not have a spouse or common-law partner. If the child is over the age of 22, they may still qualify as a dependent if they rely on their parents financially due to a physical or mental condition.
• Dependents: A dependent is someone who is financially reliant on the sponsor and meets specific criteria (e.g., under 22 years old, or over 22 with a mental or physical disability).
• The applicant must meet health and security requirements, including medical exams and criminal background checks, if applicable.

Key Features of the Sponsoring Children and Dependents Program:

• Permanent Residence: Once approved, the sponsored child or dependent becomes a permanent resident of Canada, granting them the same rights as any other permanent resident, including access to healthcare, work, and education.
• Processing Times: The processing time for sponsoring children and dependents varies depending on the country of origin and the specific circumstances of the application. It can range from several months to over a year.
• Outland vs. Inland Sponsorship:
  • Outland Sponsorship: If the child or dependent is living outside of Canada, the sponsor can apply for an outland sponsorship. The application will be processed by the Canadian visa office in the applicant’s home country or region.
  • Inland Sponsorship: If the child or dependent is already in Canada (e.g., on a visitor visa or study permit), the sponsor can apply for inland sponsorship. This allows the child or dependent to stay in Canada while their application is processed and, in some cases, to apply for an open work permit.

Process of Sponsoring Children and Dependents:

1. Application Submission: The sponsor and the child or dependent submit the required application forms, documents, and supporting evidence (e.g., proof of relationship, financial documents, and medical exams).
2. Application Processing: Immigration officials will assess the application to ensure that both the sponsor and applicant meet the eligibility requirements. They may request additional information or documentation.
3. Decision: If the application is approved, the child or dependent will be granted permanent residence. If the application is refused, the sponsor and applicant may have the option to appeal or reapply.

Considerations and Documentation:

• Proof of Relationship: Sponsors must provide proof that the child or dependent is their biological or adopted child, such as a birth certificate, adoption records, or custody documents.

Financial Support: The sponsor may need to provide evidence of their ability to financially support the child or dependent without social assistance, such as tax documents or employment records.