Canadian Dependent Child and Other Sponsorship Program
Dependent Child and Other Sponsorship Canada is an essential immigration program that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their dependent children and other eligible relatives for permanent residency. This program is designed to reunite families, ensuring that children and relatives can join their loved ones in Canada and build a life together.
The sponsorship process involves the Canadian sponsor submitting a sponsorship application and the dependent child or other eligible relative applying for permanent residence. Sponsors must demonstrate their ability to support their sponsored family members financially and commit to providing for their basic needs for a specific period, usually up to ten years.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processes these applications concurrently, facilitating a smooth and efficient pathway to reunification. Dependent Child and Other Sponsorship Canada underscores the country’s commitment to family reunification, allowing families to stay together and contribute to Canadian society.
This program strengthens family bonds and enriches Canada’s cultural and social fabric by welcoming the valuable contributions and diverse experiences of dependent children and other eligible relatives from around the world.
Eligibility Criteria for Dependent Child and Other Sponsorship Canada
Sponsor Eligibility:
Status: The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is at least 18 years old.
Financial Responsibility: The sponsor must demonstrate the ability to financially support the sponsored dependent child or other eligible relatives. This includes meeting the minimum necessary income requirements and signing an undertaking to financially support the sponsored person for a specified period after they become permanent residents.
No Default on Past Sponsorship Obligations: The sponsor must not have failed to provide financial support to a previously sponsored relative who received social assistance from the government.
Not in Receipt of Social Assistance: The sponsor must not be in receipt of social assistance, except for disability-related assistance.
Sponsored Person Eligibility:
Dependent Child: The sponsored child must be under the age of 22 and not have a spouse or common-law partner. Alternatively, if the child is over 22, they must have been continuously enrolled and financially dependent on their parent since before the age of 22 due to a physical or mental condition.
Other Eligible Relatives: This category may include parents or grandparents who meet specific criteria, such as being orphaned, under the age of 18, and not married or in a common-law relationship.
Admissibility: The sponsored person must be admissible to Canada. This includes passing medical, criminal, and security checks, unless eligible for an exemption under humanitarian and compassionate grounds.
Intent to Reside in Canada: Both the sponsor and the sponsored person must intend for the sponsored person to live in Canada once they become permanent residents.
Prohibition: The sponsored person must not be prohibited from entering Canada (e.g., criminality, security reasons).
Additional Considerations:
- Documentation: Provide all required documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates (if applicable), proof of relationship, police certificates (if applicable), and medical examination results.
- Application Process: Follow the specific application process outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), including filling out application forms correctly and paying any required fees.
How to Apply?
Check Eligibility: Ensure both you (the sponsor) and the sponsored person (dependent child or other eligible relative) meet the eligibility criteria set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Gather Required Documents:
- For the Sponsor: Gather proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, proof of identity, and proof of relationship with the sponsored person (e.g., birth certificates, adoption certificates, marriage certificates).
- For the Sponsored Person: Depending on the relationship (child, parent, grandparent), gather identity documents, proof of relationship with the sponsor, and any required personal documents such as birth certificates, police certificates (if applicable), and medical examination results.
Complete Application Forms: Obtain the appropriate application forms from the IRCC website or a visa application center (VAC). Complete all forms accurately and honestly, ensuring all required information is provided.
Pay Fees: Pay the application processing fees as required by IRCC. Fees may vary depending on the type of sponsorship and whether biometrics are required.
Submit the Application: Submit the completed application forms along with all required supporting documents to IRCC. You can apply online through your IRCC account (if available for your application type) or by mail to the appropriate IRCC office.
Biometrics (if required): Depending on your nationality and circumstances, you and the sponsored person may need to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) at a biometric collection service point.
Wait for Processing: IRCC will process your application, which can take several months. During this time, they may request additional information or documentation from you or the sponsored person.
Interview (if required): In some cases, IRCC may request an interview with the sponsor and/or the sponsored person to further assess the application. Prepare thoroughly for the interview by reviewing your application and supporting documents.
Receive a Decision: Once IRCC has processed your application, they will notify you of their decision in writing. If approved, the sponsored person will receive permanent residency status in Canada.
Permanent Residency: Upon approval, the sponsored person may receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and can then move to Canada as a permanent resident.