Children’s Sponsorship is an immigration pathway that allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their children for permanent residency in Canada. The Child Sponsorship Program is part of Canada’s family reunification policy, enabling families to live together in Canada.

If you’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and want to bring your biological or adopted children to Canada, the Children’s Sponsorship is the route for you. This program is part of the Family Class sponsorship system and is designed to make it easier for parents to reunite with their children.

Key Features of Children’s Sponsorship:

1. Eligibility to Sponsor a Child: To sponsor a child, the sponsor (the Canadian citizen or permanent resident) must meet the following criteria:
   • Age Requirement: The sponsor must be at least 18 years old.
   • Canadian Status: The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.
   • Ability to Support: The sponsor must be able to provide financial support for the child, ensuring the child does not require social assistance once they arrive in Canada.
   • No Criminal or Immigration Violations: The sponsor should not have a criminal record, particularly concerning violent or sexual crimes, or any immigration-related violations (e.g., previous failed sponsorships).
   • No Social Assistance: The sponsor must not be receiving social assistance, unless it is for a disability.
2. Eligibility of the Child: The child being sponsored must meet the following requirements:
   • Age: The child must be under the age of 22 at the time of application. If the child is over 22, they may still qualify as a dependent if they are financially dependent on the sponsor due to a physical or mental condition.
   • Relationship: The child must be a biological or legally adopted child of the sponsor.
     • For adopted children, the adoption must be legally recognized, and the child must be adopted in accordance with the legal requirements of both the home country and Canada.
   • Single: The child must be single (not married or in a common-law relationship).
   • Not a Risk to Canada: The child must not be inadmissible to Canada for reasons such as criminal activities or serious medical issues (e.g., contagious diseases or conditions that pose a public health risk).
3. Types of Child Sponsorship:
   • Biological Children: If you have a biological child (your son or daughter), you can sponsor them as long as they meet the eligibility requirements mentioned above.
   • Adopted Children: If you legally adopt a child, you can sponsor them under the Child Sponsorship Program, provided the adoption is valid and recognized by both Canadian law and the laws of the country where the adoption took place.
   • Dependent Children: If your child is over 22 but is financially dependent on you due to a mental or physical condition, they can still be considered a dependent for sponsorship purposes.
4. Proof of Relationship:
   • As with other family sponsorships, the sponsor must provide proof of the parent-child relationship. This can include:
     • Birth certificates (for biological children).
     • Adoption certificates (for adopted children).
     • Legal documents proving custody or guardianship (if applicable).

This is to ensure the relationship is genuine and legally recognized.

The Process of Sponsoring a Child:

1. Prepare the Application:
   • The sponsor must complete and submit a sponsorship application and a permanent residence application for the child.
   • The application forms will include detailed information about the sponsor and the child, including supporting documents like:
     • Proof of citizenship or permanent residency (for the sponsor).
     • Birth or adoption certificates (for the child).
     • Proof of financial support and the sponsor’s ability to support the child once they arrive in Canada.
     • Police clearance certificates, medical records, and other required documents.
2. Submit the Application:
   • Submit the complete application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The application should include both the sponsorship forms and the permanent residency application for the child.
   • Application fees need to be paid, including processing fees for the sponsor and the child, as well as the right of permanent residence fee for the child.
3. Processing Times:
   • Processing times for children’s sponsorship applications vary, but on average, it can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months, depending on the complexity of the case and the visa office responsible for processing the application.
   • Processing times can be affected by factors such as missing documents, security checks, medical examinations, and the applicant’s country of residence.
4. Medical and Security Checks:
   • The child must undergo a medical examination as part of the application process. This is to ensure they do not have any serious medical conditions that could pose a health risk to Canada.
   • The child may also need to provide a police clearance certificate if they are over 18 years old or have lived in a country for an extended period.
5. Decision on the Application:
   • Once IRCC processes the application, a decision will be made. If the application is approved, the child will receive permanent resident status and can join their sponsor in Canada.
   • If the application is refused, the sponsor can appeal the decision, provided there are valid grounds for appeal.
6. Arrival in Canada:
   • Once approved, the child will receive a confirmation of permanent residence (COPR) and a permanent resident visa (if applying from outside Canada).
   • Upon arrival in Canada, the child will become a permanent resident and can enjoy the benefits of living in Canada, including access to healthcare, education, and social services.

Key Points to Remember:

• Age Limit: Children must be under 22 years old to be eligible for sponsorship unless they are dependent due to physical or mental conditions.
• Proof of Relationship: You must provide official documentation to prove the child is your biological or adopted child.
• Genuine Relationship: IRCC will assess the genuineness of the relationship to ensure that the child being sponsored is truly the sponsor’s dependent and not part of fraudulent or misrepresented claims.
• No Financial Minimum for Certain Cases: Unlike other family sponsorship categories, there is generally no minimum income requirement to sponsor a child, although sponsors must demonstrate they can financially support the child.
• Adoption Requirements: If sponsoring an adopted child, the adoption must be recognized by both Canada and the country where the child was adopted.

Conclusion:

Sponsoring a child for permanent residency is a wonderful way to reunite with your family and bring your children to Canada. If you meet the requirements and have all the necessary documentation, the process can be relatively straightforward. However, make sure to follow the application guidelines carefully to avoid delays.

If you need further details or have specific questions regarding the sponsorship process, feel free to ask! I’m happy to help!

Sponsoring a Child for Canadian Permanent Residence

Frequently asked questions for parents and guardians

Important: This FAQ provides general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules, forms, fees and processing practices can change. Review the current Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) instructions before applying. Information reviewed October 7, 2026.

Eligibility

1. Who can sponsor a child for permanent residence?

A sponsor generally must be at least 18 years old and be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a person registered in Canada under the Indian Act. A permanent resident must live in Canada. A Canadian citizen living abroad may qualify if they show that they plan to live in Canada when the child becomes a permanent resident. The sponsor must sign an undertaking and meet all other legal requirements.

2. Which children may qualify as dependants?

A child generally qualifies if they are the biological or adopted child of the sponsor, or of the sponsor’s spouse or partner, are under 22 years old, and do not have a spouse or common-law partner. A child aged 22 or older may qualify if they have depended substantially on a parent for financial support since before age 22 and cannot support themselves because of a physical or mental condition.

3. What is the age lock-in date?

For this category, the child’s age is generally locked in on the date IRCC receives the complete permanent residence application. This can protect a child who turns 22 while the application is processing. Except for age, the child must continue to meet the applicable dependency requirements until processing is complete.

4. Can a married child or a child with a common-law partner be sponsored?

A child under 22 must not have a spouse or common-law partner to qualify as a dependent child. If the child marries or enters a common-law relationship before becoming a permanent resident, eligibility may be lost and IRCC must be informed.

5. Can a child over 22 be sponsored?

Only in limited circumstances. The child must have depended on a parent for financial support since before turning 22 and be unable to support themselves because of a physical or mental condition. Detailed medical, financial and dependency evidence is normally required.

6. What can make a person ineligible to sponsor?

Possible barriers include being in prison; being subject to a removal order; receiving social assistance for a reason other than disability; being an undischarged bankrupt; defaulting on certain immigration loans, support payments or a previous undertaking; or being affected by specified criminal or immigration restrictions. Quebec applies its own sponsorship requirements.

Parentage, Custody and Adoption

7. What if only the child is being sponsored?

The child is normally listed as the principal applicant. The sponsor must provide proof of the parent-child relationship and usually show that the other parent or legal guardian agrees to the child immigrating to Canada.

8. Is the other parent’s consent required?

IRCC generally requires evidence that a non-accompanying parent or guardian consents to the child’s permanent immigration. If consent is unavailable, provide relevant custody orders, death certificates, evidence that parental rights have been terminated, or a detailed explanation supported by legal documents. Immigration approval does not override family-law or custody obligations.

9. What if the sponsor has sole custody?

Provide a complete and current court order or other legally recognized proof of sole decision-making authority and the right to relocate the child. IRCC may request additional evidence if the order is unclear, contested, temporary or does not address international relocation.

10. Does a child of a Canadian citizen need sponsorship?

Not always. A child may already be a Canadian citizen by descent, depending on the parent’s citizenship history and the law in effect. Check the child’s citizenship status before filing a permanent residence application. If the child may be Canadian, a citizenship certificate or Canadian passport process may be more appropriate.

11. Can an adopted child be sponsored?

Yes, but intercountry adoption follows a separate process involving immigration law, the laws of the child’s country, and the requirements of the Canadian province or territory where the child will live. The adoption must create a genuine parent-child relationship and must not involve child trafficking or improper gain. Contact the relevant provincial or territorial adoption authority before proceeding.

12. Can a stepchild be sponsored?

A stepchild may qualify as the dependent child of the sponsor’s spouse or partner. The legal relationship, the spouse or partner’s own application or status, custody, consent and whether the child was previously declared and examined can affect the correct route.

13. What if the child was not declared in a previous immigration application?

This can create serious legal consequences because family members generally must be declared and examined. A regulatory public policy may provide a limited route in some cases, but it does not apply universally. Obtain case-specific advice before submitting an application.

Financial Responsibility and Applying

14. Is there a minimum income requirement?

In most dependent-child sponsorship cases, there is no fixed minimum income threshold. An income requirement may apply if the child being sponsored has one or more dependent children of their own. The sponsor must still be able to provide basic needs and must not receive social assistance for a reason other than disability. Quebec applies separate financial rules.

15. How long is the sponsorship undertaking?

Outside Quebec, the undertaking for a dependent child under 22 generally lasts 10 years from the day the child becomes a permanent resident or until the child turns 25, whichever comes first. For a dependent child aged 22 or older, it generally lasts three years. Quebec undertaking periods differ.

16. What does the sponsor agree to provide?

The sponsor agrees to provide basic needs, including food, clothing, shelter and health-related needs not covered by public health services. If the child receives social assistance during the undertaking period, the sponsor may have to repay it. Once permanent residence is granted, the undertaking cannot be shortened because of family conflict, relocation, unemployment or a change in finances.

17. How is the application submitted?

There are two linked applications: the sponsorship application and the child’s permanent residence application. They are normally submitted together online through the Permanent Residence Portal using the current forms and document checklist. If the child is under 18, a parent or legal guardian may complete and submit the child’s forms as permitted by IRCC.

18. What documents are commonly required?

Documents may include passports, birth or adoption records, proof of the sponsor’s Canadian status, custody and consent documents, photographs, medical examination results, evidence of dependency for a child aged 22 or older, and country-specific civil documents. Documents not in English or French generally require a compliant translation.

19. How much does the application cost?

Government fees depend on the child’s circumstances and may include processing and biometrics fees. Additional costs may include medical examinations, translations, police certificates where applicable, DNA testing if requested, and civil-document procurement. Confirm current fees on the official IRCC website before paying.

20. Does the child need a medical examination?

Yes, a sponsored child normally requires an immigration medical examination by an approved panel physician when instructed. Medical inadmissibility rules can be complex, particularly for a child with significant health needs, although excessive-demand rules do not apply to every Family Class situation in the same way.

21. Are police certificates required for a child?

Police certificate requirements depend on age, residence history and IRCC instructions. Follow the personalized document checklist and any later request rather than assuming that a certificate is or is not required.

Processing and Special Situations

22. How long does processing take?

Processing times vary with the country of residence, application completeness, custody review, medical and background checks, document verification, annual admissions levels and the speed of responses to IRCC. Published processing times are estimates, not guarantees.

23. Can the child visit or study in Canada while the application is processing?

The child may need separate temporary resident authorization, such as a visitor visa, electronic travel authorization or study permit, depending on nationality and circumstances. A permanent residence application does not guarantee temporary entry. School-enrolment and study-permit rules should be checked for the child’s province and status.

24. Can a newborn be added to an application already in process?

IRCC must be told promptly about the birth of a child. If processing is not complete, IRCC will provide instructions about forms, fees, birth records and medical requirements. A child generally cannot be added after the parent has already become a permanent resident; a separate sponsorship may then be required.

25. What if the child’s custody or family situation changes?

Notify IRCC immediately of a new custody order, withdrawal of consent, adoption, marriage, common-law relationship, change in dependency, serious medical development, death of a parent, or address change. Do not allow IRCC to decide the application using outdated information.

26. Are the rules different in Quebec?

Yes. IRCC assesses the federal sponsorship and permanent residence requirements, while Quebec has a separate undertaking and provincial eligibility process. Do not submit the Quebec undertaking until IRCC instructs you to do so.

27. Can IRCC request DNA testing?

IRCC may suggest DNA testing when documentary evidence does not adequately establish a biological relationship. Testing must follow IRCC’s instructions and use an accredited laboratory. It is generally treated as a last-resort method, and the applicant usually pays the cost.

28. What if the application is refused?

Review the refusal letter and the officer’s reasons carefully. Depending on the facts, options may include correcting the problem and reapplying, appealing to the Immigration Appeal Division, or seeking judicial review in Federal Court. Deadlines can be short, so obtain qualified legal advice promptly.

29. Do we need an immigration representative?

No. Families may prepare the application themselves. A qualified representative may be useful where there are custody disputes, missing consent, an over-age dependant, adoption issues, prior non-disclosure, uncertain citizenship, medical concerns or a previous refusal. If paying a representative, verify that the person is authorized under Canadian law.

30. How should an RCIC-IRB be hired for a child sponsorship application?

Start by deciding whether professional representation is needed. An authorized representative may be particularly useful where the case involves disputed or missing parental consent, complex custody or relocation orders, adoption, an over-age dependant, uncertain citizenship, a previously undeclared child, medical or criminal inadmissibility, DNA evidence, a previous refusal, or a potential sponsorship appeal. For a routine application submitted to IRCC, an RCIC-IRB licence is not mandatory; an authorized RCIC may represent the family. The RCIC-IRB designation adds authorization to practise before the Immigration and Refugee Board and may be relevant if a refused Family Class application could proceed to the Immigration Appeal Division.

Before hiring, search the consultant’s name on the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants’ Public Register. Confirm that the licence is active, the person is entitled to practise, the listed contact information matches, and—if IRB representation may be required—the licence class is L3 RCIC-IRB. Review any restrictions or disciplinary history shown on the register.

Interview the consultant before signing. Ask about their experience with dependent-child sponsorships involving facts similar to yours, who will perform the work, how custody and consent issues will be assessed, what evidence is required, how updates will be communicated, and whether appeal work is included or separately retained. Request a written service agreement that clearly states the scope of work, professional fees, government and third-party costs, payment terms, refund policy, file-access arrangements, and complaint process. Do not sign blank forms, provide false information, or accept a promise of guaranteed approval or faster processing. Obtain receipts and copies of the complete application and every submission. Even when represented, the sponsor and applicant remain responsible for ensuring that all information is truthful, accurate and complete.

Before You Apply

1. Confirm whether the child is already a Canadian citizen.
2. Check the child’s dependent status and age lock-in date.
3. Confirm sponsor eligibility and residence requirements.
4. Resolve custody, consent and relocation issues.
5. Gather complete birth, adoption and civil-status records.
6. Address any previous failure to declare or examine the child.
7. Use the current country-specific checklist, forms and fees.
8. Arrange translations and keep names and dates consistent.
9. Notify IRCC promptly of any family or status changes.
10. Keep a full copy of the application and every later submission.

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