September 12, 2025

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.

December 28, 2024

Canada Ends Same-Day Immigration Services at Border for Temporary Residents

Canada has implemented a major policy shift affecting temporary residents – those on work or study permits. The practice of receiving same-day immigration services, known as flagpoling, is now largely prohibited. Temporary residents must now apply directly to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permit renewals or extensions.

For those seeking a smooth transition under the new rules, working with the best immigration consultant in Canada can provide much-needed guidance.

Submit the Assessment Form to Discover your Eligibility

What Is Flagpoling?

Flagpoling was a process that allowed temporary residents to expedite immigration services. It involved briefly exiting Canada and re-entering through a port of entry, often enabling same-day decisions for work or study permits.

While this method was previously legal and efficient, it placed significant strain on resources. Canada’s government has now banned the practice to improve fairness and allocate resources more effectively.

If you’re unsure about navigating these changes, consulting with a top immigration consultant in Canada can ensure a smoother process for your permit renewal or extension.


Exceptions to the New Rule

While the flagpoling ban applies broadly, certain groups are still permitted to process their permits at the border:

  • U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents
  • Professionals under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs): Technicians and professionals arriving under FTAs with countries such as the United States, Mexico, Chile, Panama, Peru, Colombia, or South Korea.
  • Spouses of FTA Professionals: Spouses or common-law partners of professionals under FTAs with Panama, Colombia, or South Korea.
  • International Truck Drivers: Drivers holding work permits who must leave Canada temporarily as part of their employment and have maintained their permit status through prior renewal applications.
  • Pre-Scheduled Appointments with CBSA: Individuals with a pre-existing appointment with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for permit processing.

For tailored advice regarding your unique situation, reach out to one of the top 10 immigration consultants in Canada, like Sayal Immigration.


Why Is Canada Ending Flagpoling?

The discontinuation of flagpoling addresses concerns about border resource allocation and fairness. It was a popular option among temporary residents seeking quicker processing times, but the practice diverted resources from other critical functions.

Immigration Minister Marc Miller stated:

“A strong Canada-U.S. relationship keeps people and goods moving safely while protecting both sides of the border. This change will ease border congestion, improve fairness for applicants, and enhance the efficiency and security of our borders.”

The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) reported that over 69,300 flagpoling cases were processed between April 2023 and March 2024. By centralizing permit applications through IRCC, the government aims to streamline immigration services.


How to Navigate the Changes

Temporary residents must now submit their permit renewal or extension applications directly to IRCC. This process may result in longer wait times, but it ensures fair treatment for all applicants.

Planning ahead is key. Applying for permit extensions well before expiry can help you avoid disruptions. Consulting an experienced immigration consultant in Canada, such as Sayal Immigration, can provide personalized guidance and help navigate the updated procedures.


Services Offered by Sayal Immigration

Sayal Immigration, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consulting firm, provides a wide range of services for individuals navigating the Canadian immigration system. Whether you’re a worker, student, or business entrepreneur, Sayal Immigration’s team is here to help.

  • Work Permits: Guidance on obtaining Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs), open work permits, and closed work permits.
  • Study Permits: Assistance for international students applying for Canadian educational institutions and post-graduation work permits (PGWPs).
  • Permanent Residency: Support for Express Entry applications, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), and family sponsorships.
  • Business Immigration: Expert assistance with PNP Entrepreneur Programs and Canada’s Startup Visa program.

With Sayal Immigration, you’re working with one of the top immigration consultants in Canada, known for professionalism, transparency, and client success.


Why Choose Sayal Immigration?

Sayal Immigration stands out as one of the best immigration consultants in Canada due to its client-centric approach and comprehensive expertise. The firm is led by Sahil Sayal, a trusted Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) who provides ethical, transparent, and tailored solutions to meet each client’s needs.

For those navigating Canada’s evolving immigration policies, Sayal Immigration’s expert services can make all the difference. Visit Sayal Immigration to learn more about how they can help.


Conclusion

The ban on flagpoling marks a pivotal change in Canada’s immigration policy. While it requires temporary residents to adapt, the government emphasizes that the shift enhances efficiency, fairness, and security.

For individuals impacted by these changes, planning ahead and working with a trusted immigration consultant in Canada like Sayal Immigration ensures a smoother journey. Their expertise spans work permits, study visas, permanent residency, and business immigration, making them one of the top 10 immigration consultants in Canada.

Book an Appointment with Sahil for any Immigration related Queries

To make your immigration process seamless, schedule a consultation with Sahil Sayal today.