Sponsoring Your Child for Canadian Permanent Residence: Complete Guide 2025
Canadian citizens and permanent residents may be eligible to sponsor their dependent child(ren) for permanent residence (PR). This pathway allows families to reunite and ensures children can grow and thrive in Canada under the care of their parents.
This guide explains:
- Who qualifies to sponsor a dependent child
- Who can be sponsored
- Sponsorship agreements and financial responsibilities
- Application steps
- Quebec-specific rules
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors
To sponsor your dependent child, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian.
- Live in Canada (or plan to move to Canada once your child obtains PR).
- Meet minimum annual income requirements to support yourself, the child, and dependents (if applicable).
Special Notes
- Only Canadian citizens can sponsor a dependent child while living abroad. Permanent residents must be residing in Canada.
- If the child has no dependents of their own, there is no income requirement.
When You Cannot Sponsor a Dependent
Even if eligible, you may be disqualified if:
- You already have a sponsorship application for the same dependent in process.
- You are behind on immigration loan repayments, child support, or other obligations.
- You failed to provide required support in a previous sponsorship undertaking.
- You declared bankruptcy (not yet discharged).
- You are on social assistance (except for disability).
- You were convicted of a violent or sexual offence.
- You are in prison or under a removal order.
(Note: Some restrictions do not apply in Quebec.)
Who Can Be Sponsored
Your child may be considered a dependent if they are:
- Your biological or adopted child (or your spouse/partner’s child).
- Under 22 years old, unmarried, and not in a common-law relationship.
Children 22 or older can still qualify if:
- They are unable to support themselves financially due to a physical or mental condition.
- They have been financially dependent on parents since before turning 22.
They must maintain dependency status until IRCC finalizes their application.
Sponsorship Agreement & Undertaking
When you sponsor your child, you must sign an undertaking to provide financial support for:
- Food, housing, clothing, and other basic needs.
- Health care not covered by public services (e.g., dental, vision).
- Preventing them from requiring social assistance (if they do, you must repay).
Undertaking Period by Child’s Age
| Child’s Age at PR Approval | Sponsorship Commitment |
|---|---|
| Under 22 years | 10 years OR until age 25 (whichever comes first) |
| 22 years and older | 3 years |
Withdrawal of sponsorship is only possible before PR is granted.
How to Apply
Two applications must be submitted together online:
- Sponsorship application (for the parent/sponsor).
- Permanent residence application (for the child/dependent).
Steps to Apply
- Download the application package (includes instructions, forms, and checklist).
- Prepare required documents (passport, birth certificate, police certificate if 18+ and lived abroad >6 months, etc.).
- Complete forms online via PR Portal.
- Pay required fees:
| Fee Type | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Sponsorship fee | $85 |
| Application processing fee | $85 |
| Biometrics fee (if 14+) | $85 |
| Additional dependent (if applicable) | $175 |
- Submit the application online.
- Provide any additional documents if IRCC requests them.
Quebec-Specific Rules
Since Quebec runs its own immigration system, additional requirements apply:
- Application must be submitted to both IRCC and MIFI (Ministère de l’immigration, de la francisation et de l’intégration).
- Quebec residents must sign a separate sponsorship undertaking with the province.
- Different undertaking lengths and income requirements may apply.
- As of now, Quebec is not accepting applications for dependent children aged 18+ until June 25, 2026, due to a cap. Applications submitted earlier will be returned with fees refunded.
Key Highlights in Table
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age to Sponsor | 18 years |
| Who Can Sponsor | Citizen, PR, or Registered Indian |
| Living Abroad | Only citizens (not PRs) |
| Minimum Income | Required only if child has dependents |
| Age of Dependent | Under 22 (unmarried), or 22+ with financial/medical dependency |
| Undertaking Length | Up to 10 years or until age 25 (if under 22), 3 years (if 22+) |
| Quebec Exception | Cap on 18+ dependent sponsorship until June 25, 2026 |
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
