Sponsoring Dependent Children for Permanent Residence in Canada
Canadian citizens and permanent residents have the opportunity to sponsor their dependent child(ren) for permanent residence in Canada, facilitating family reunification.
Sponsor Eligibility
To be eligible as a sponsor, you must be at least 18 years old, a citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian, and reside in Canada. In some cases, citizens may apply from abroad. An income requirement is in place only if your child has dependent children. Certain restrictions apply, such as being bankrupt, receiving social assistance (excluding disability benefits), being incarcerated, or facing a removal order.
Child Eligibility
A child is considered eligible if they are under the age of 22 and not married or in a common-law relationship. Children who are 22 years old or older may still qualify if they are unable to financially support themselves due to a condition and have been dependent since before turning 22.
Sponsorship Commitment
As a sponsor, you are required to provide financial support for the sponsored child. The commitment varies based on the age of the child:
- For children under 22: support is required for up to 10 years or until the child reaches the age of 25.
- For children aged 22 and older: support is necessary for a period of 3 years.
It is important to note that this commitment cannot be revoked once the sponsored child obtains permanent residence status.