Family Sponsorship - Dependent Child
Canada
Last updated: December 21, 2025
Permanent (renewable)
$175
13-17 months
Low
About this Visa
This visa lets a Canadian parent or guardian bring their child to Canada to live permanently. Your child becomes a permanent resident, which means they can live, work, and study in Canada without restrictions. The visa is for children under 22 who are not married. If your child is 22 or older, they must be unable to support themselves due to a disability and have depended on you financially since before age 22. Unlike other immigration programs, this one has no minimum income requirement. You just need to prove you can support your child.
Key Benefits
- Work anywhere in Canada without restrictions
- Free public elementary and high school education
- Free university/college tuition at in-province rates
- Provincial health insurance coverage
- Travel in and out of Canada with PR card
- Apply for Canadian citizenship after 3 years
- Eligible for Canada Child Benefit
- Spouse and other children can be included in application
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Sponsor must be 18 or older
- Sponsor must be Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Sponsor must live in Canada (or plan to after child approval)
- Sponsor cannot receive government financial help except disability
- Sponsor must not have criminal record for violent crimes
- Sponsor must not owe money from previous sponsorship
- Child must be under 22 and not married, OR 22+ unable to support self due to disability
- Child must be biological or legally adopted child
- Child must have no criminal record if 18 or older
- Child must pass medical examination
Financial Requirement
No minimum income required (unless your child has their own children). You must sign a legal agreement to support your child for 10 years if under 22 (or until age 25, whichever comes first), or 3 years if 22+ with disability.
Documents
- Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residencyCitizenship certificate, birth certificate, or PR card
- Tax returns and Notice of AssessmentLast 2 years of tax documents
- Employment letterRecent letter showing current employment and salary
- Bank statements3-6 months of recent statements
- Child's birth or adoption certificateOriginal or certified copy
- Child's valid passportCurrent or recent passport
- Passport-size photosRecent color photos of child
- Police certificateRequired if child is 18 or older
- Medical exam reportFrom IRCC-approved panel physician
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.