Dependent Child Sponsorship

 The Dependent Child Sponsorship Program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their dependent children for permanent residence in Canada. The program is part of the family class immigration category, aimed at keeping families together by enabling parents to bring their children to Canada. 

Sponsor Requirements:

1. Must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident.                                                                                                                                                    
2. Must be at least 18 years old.                                                                                                                                                                                        
3. Must be able to provide financial support for the dependent child and any other dependents.                                                                                              
4. Must not be receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability.

Dependent Child Requirements:

1. Must be under 22 years old and not married or in a common-law relationship (though there are exceptions for children over 22 if they are dependent on their parents due to a physical or mental condition).                                                                                                                   
2. Must be the biological or adopted child of the sponsor, or in the case of stepchildren, must be the child of a spouse or common-law partner.

Confirm Eligibility:

   - Ensure you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
   - Verify that the child meets the age and dependency criteria

Prepare Required Documents:

   - Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency.
   - Evidence of relationship to the child (e.g., birth certificates, adoption papers).
   - Proof of financial ability to support the child.
   - Medical exams and police clearance certificates for the child, if required.

Complete Application Forms:

   - Fill out the sponsorship application forms and the application for permanent residence.
   - Forms are available on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

Pay Application Fees:

   - Submit the required application fees as specified by IRCC.

Submit Application:

   - Send the completed forms and supporting documents to the address provided by IRCC.

Attend Medical Exam and Interview:

   - The child may need to undergo a medical examination and attend an interview.

Wait for Processing:

   - Processing times vary. Monitor the status of your application through your IRCC account.

Receive Decision:

   - If approved, the child will be granted permanent residency and can join you in Canada.

Sponsors must demonstrate that they meet the minimum necessary income level to support their dependents. This is assessed based on the Low-Income Measure (LIM) or a similar standard.