Sponsoring Your Child for Canadian PR
A visual guide to reuniting your family in Canada, breaking down the requirements, process, and commitments.
Key Requirement: Child's Age
The primary definition of a dependent child is one who is under the age of 22 and does not have a spouse or partner. This is a critical first check in the eligibility process.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Before you begin, you must meet several key requirements as a sponsor. The process also hinges on your child meeting the official definition of a dependant.
Are You Eligible to Sponsor?
As a parent, you must meet these conditions to be a sponsor.
- ✓ Be at least 18 years old.
- ✓ Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian.
- ✓ Reside in Canada (or prove intent to return if you're a citizen abroad).
- ✓ Sign a legal undertaking to provide financial support.
- ✓ Not be receiving social assistance (unless for a disability).
Is Your Child Eligible?
Use this quick flowchart to see if your child qualifies as a dependant. This is a crucial step that determines if you can proceed.
Step 2: The Sponsorship Journey
The application is a structured, four-step process. Both your sponsorship application and your child's permanent residence application are submitted together.
1. Get the Application Package
Download the correct forms, instruction guide, and document checklist from the official IRCC website. This is your roadmap for the entire process.
2. Pay the Application Fees
All required fees must be paid online. You will need to include the payment receipt with your application submission.
3. Submit Your Application Online
The principal applicant (your child) submits both the sponsorship and permanent residence applications together through the online PR Portal.
4. Complete Medical & Background Checks
After submission, your child must complete a medical exam. Applicants aged 18+ will also need to provide police certificates.
Step 3: Understanding the Costs & Commitments
Sponsorship involves both upfront application fees and a long-term financial promise to support your child.
Application Fee Breakdown
The total cost is composed of several mandatory government fees. The chart below shows how the approximate total of $830 is divided.
Your Financial Undertaking
You are legally required to provide for your child's basic needs for a set period after they become a permanent resident. The length of this commitment depends on their age.
Final Considerations
Keep these important factors in mind as you prepare your application.
Other Parent's Consent
If the child's other parent or legal guardian is not immigrating, you must provide legal proof of their written consent for the child to come to Canada.
Living in Quebec?
The province of Quebec has its own additional immigration requirements and a separate undertaking agreement. You must apply to Quebec after receiving instructions from IRCC.
