Sponsoring Your Dependent Child for Canadian Permanent Residence: Complete Guide for 2025
At Sayal Immigration, we understand that family reunification is one of the most important aspects of the Canadian immigration journey. As Canada’s family sponsorship immigration experts, we help Canadian citizens and permanent residents navigate the complex process of bringing their dependent children to Canada through our comprehensive family sponsorship services.
The Canadian government prioritizes keeping families together, making dependent child sponsorship one of the most accessible pathways for family reunification. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), this program represents a cornerstone of Canada’s commitment to family reunification. This guide provides everything you need to know about sponsoring your child for Canadian permanent residence in 2025.
Sponsor Eligibility Requirements
Who Can Sponsor
To qualify as a sponsor through our client representation services, you must meet specific criteria established by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). As outlined in the official sponsorship eligibility guide, sponsors must be at least 18 years old and hold Canadian citizenship, permanent residence status, or be registered under the Canadian Indian Act.
A crucial distinction exists for permanent residents: only Canadian citizens can sponsor while living outside Canada, whereas permanent residents must reside in Canada or demonstrate intent to return upon their child’s arrival. This requirement ensures sponsors can fulfill their financial undertaking obligations within Canada’s social support framework.
Financial Responsibilities
Most dependent child sponsorships have no minimum income requirements unless the child being sponsored has their own dependent children. In such cases, sponsors must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) threshold using the Financial Evaluation form (IMM 1283). Our experienced immigration consultant in Canada provides detailed guidance on meeting these financial requirements through our personalized consultation services.
Dependent Child Eligibility
Defining a Dependent Child
Children qualify as dependents if they are the biological or adopted child of the sponsor or their spouse, are under 22 years old, and are not married or in common-law relationships. The official definition of dependent children ensures that only genuine dependent relationships receive sponsorship consideration.
Children over 22 may still qualify if they cannot support themselves financially due to physical or mental conditions and have been financially dependent on their parents since before turning 22. These cases require additional medical documentation and proof of continuous dependency.
Maintaining Eligibility
Importantly, dependency criteria must be maintained throughout the entire application process until IRCC renders a final decision. Changes in marital status, age milestones, or dependency circumstances can affect eligibility, making timely application submission crucial for families throughout Ontario, whether they’re working with an immigration consultant in Toronto or seeking services from an immigration consultant in Mississauga.
Financial Undertaking Commitments
Sponsorship Agreement Duration
Sponsors must sign a legally binding undertaking agreement committing to provide comprehensive financial support for specified periods. The official sponsorship application forms detail these requirements. For children under 22, this commitment lasts 10 years or until age 25 (whichever comes first), while children 22 and older require 3 years of support.
Support Obligations
The undertaking covers essential needs including housing, food, clothing, and medical expenses not provided by public health services. Sponsors must also ensure their child doesn’t require social assistance; if they do, sponsors must repay the full amount and cannot sponsor others until resolved. Our team helps families understand these long-term commitments through detailed financial planning consultations, serving clients from our immigration consultant in Brampton office throughout the Greater Toronto Area.
Application Process and Documentation
Dual Application Submission
The process requires two simultaneous applications: the sponsorship application and the permanent residence application. The official application guide provides comprehensive instructions for submitting both applications together through IRCC’s online Permanent Residence (PR) Portal.
Required Documentation
Essential documents include proof of relationship through birth or adoption certificates, the other parent’s consent for immigration, and comprehensive identity documentation. For dependents 18 or older, police certificates are mandatory from every country where they lived for six or more consecutive months.
Whether you’re working with our team as an immigration consultant in Kitchener or seeking guidance from the best immigration consultant in London Ontario, proper documentation preparation remains crucial for application success.
Application Fees
Total fees amount to $255, including the sponsorship fee ($85), application processing fee ($85), and biometrics fee ($85) for dependents 14 and older. Additional fees apply if the sponsored child has their own dependent children ($175).
Quebec’s Unique Immigration System
Separate Provincial Requirements
Quebec operates its own family reunification system under agreements with the federal government, requiring applications to both IRCC and the Ministère de l’immigration, de la francisation et de l’intégration (MIFI). The Quebec government’s official sponsorship page outlines these distinct requirements. This dual system has distinct undertaking periods, income assessments, and application procedures.
Current Application Restrictions
Quebec is not currently accepting undertaking applications for dependent children aged 18 and over until June 25, 2026, due to reaching its annual intake cap. This restriction is detailed in the official Quebec government announcement. Applications submitted during this period will be returned with fee refunds. Our team monitors these changes closely and advises clients on optimal timing for Quebec applications.
Processing Times and Next Steps
Variable Processing Periods
Processing times vary significantly based on the child’s country of residence and application completeness. Complete applications with all required documentation typically process more efficiently than those requiring additional information requests.
Post-Approval Considerations
Successfully sponsored children receive unconditional permanent residence status with full rights to live, work, and study in Canada. They become eligible for Canadian citizenship after meeting residency requirements, completing the family’s immigration journey.
How Sayal Immigration Can Help
As your trusted immigration consultant in Scarborough and throughout Ontario, we provide comprehensive support throughout the dependent child sponsorship process. Our services include eligibility assessments, document preparation, application submission, and ongoing case management until your child receives permanent residence.
Our experienced Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) team understands the complexities of family sponsorship and provides personalized guidance based on each family’s unique circumstances. We also offer specialized support for complex cases, including rejections and appeals if needed.
For families seeking to reunite in Canada, dependent child sponsorship represents one of the most reliable pathways available. With proper guidance and complete documentation, most eligible sponsors successfully bring their children to Canada as permanent residents.
Contact Sayal Immigration today to begin your family’s journey toward Canadian permanent residence through our proven sponsorship services. Our commitment to honest, ethical, and effective consultation ensures your family’s success in navigating Canada’s immigration system, whether you’re located in the Greater Toronto Area or anywhere across Canada.