Child or Other Dependent Sponsorship
Canada’s Child or Other Dependent Sponsorship Program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their dependent children or certain eligible relatives to become permanent residents of Canada. This program supports family reunification by enabling families to live together and build their future in Canada.
Through this program, eligible sponsors can help their children or dependents join them in Canada and benefit from the opportunities available to permanent residents.
Once the application is approved, the sponsored individual may receive permanent resident status, allowing them to live, study, and work in Canada.
Sponsors must demonstrate that they can financially support the sponsored child or dependent and ensure their basic needs are met.
Eligibility Criteria
Sponsor Eligibility
To sponsor a child or dependent, the sponsor must:
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a person registered in Canada under the Canadian Indian Act
- Be at least 18 years old
- Reside in Canada if they are a permanent resident
- Demonstrate the ability to financially support the sponsored child or dependent
Relationship Eligibility
Eligible dependents may include:
- Biological children
- Adopted children
- Other dependent children who meet the immigration requirements
In some cases, other family members may qualify if they meet specific eligibility conditions set by immigration authorities.
Financial Eligibility
Sponsors must show that they are able to financially support the sponsored child or dependent and provide for their essential needs without relying on social assistance.
Required Documents
Applicants applying for child or dependent sponsorship are generally required to provide several supporting documents.
Application Forms
Sponsors and applicants must complete the required immigration application forms accurately and submit them with supporting documentation.
Proof of Relationship
Applicants must provide documents confirming the family relationship, such as:
- Birth certificates
- Adoption documents
- Legal guardianship documents
- Other relevant records
Financial Documents
Sponsors must submit documents demonstrating their ability to financially support the sponsored individual, which may include:
- Income tax documents
- Employment letters
- Bank statements or financial records
Medical Examination
Sponsored children or dependents must complete a medical examination conducted by an approved panel physician.
Police Clearance Certificates
Applicants may need to provide police clearance certificates from countries where they have lived for more than six months.
Application Fees
All required government processing fees must be paid at the time of application submission.
Sponsorship Responsibilities
Sponsors must commit to supporting their sponsored child or dependent by covering essential needs, including:
- Housing and accommodation
- Food and clothing
- Basic living expenses
- Health-related expenses not covered by public health insurance
This commitment ensures that the sponsored individual does not rely on government financial assistance.
Important Note
Applications under the Child or Other Dependent Sponsorship Program must clearly demonstrate the family relationship between the sponsor and the applicant. Immigration authorities carefully review all documents to ensure the application meets the requirements before granting permanent residence.