Child or Dependent Sponsorship

Child or Dependent Sponsorship

Through the Family Sponsorship Program, Canadians or permanent residents who are the parents of a child abroad can apply to sponsor their child, or any other dependent, to move to Canada permanently. This will help reunite families by enabling them to sponsor their child, or another dependent, for permanent residence in Canada.

Definition of a Dependent Child


Sponsorship is only available to children who meet the definition of a dependent child. Whether they are a biological or adopted child of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, a child is considered to be a dependent if they are under 22 and not married or in a common-law relationship. If a child over the age of 22 suffers from a physical or mental condition that prevents them from being able to support themselves, they will be considered dependent.

Dependent Child Sponsorship Minimum Necessary Income

Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada who are sponsoring dependent children are not required to meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) condition provided that the dependent children do not have any children of their own. If a dependent child being sponsored has children of their own as well, then the sponsor must also meet the MNI requirements required for their family unit size.

Dependent Child Sponsorship Requirements

For permanent residence to be granted to the sponsored child, both the sponsor and sponsored person must meet eligibility requirements. The sponsoring parents must:

Be Canadian citizens or permanent residents

Be at least 18 years of age

Not be in prison, charged with a serious offense, or bankrupt

In addition, parents must provide proof of their relationship with the child, whether it be a birth certificate or adoption certificate. When parents are in the final stages of an adoption process, they may sponsor the adopted child before the adoption is finalized. Sponsored persons must either be the biological child or the adopted child of the sponsor or the sponsor’s spouse, as well as meeting the definition of a dependent child.