Sponsoring dependent children
Family sponsorship is listed with IRCC’s active programs. Read on IRCC’s page on November 9, 2026.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their dependent children for permanent residence, and dependent children can be included in a parent’s own application. A dependent child is generally under 22 and not a spouse or partner, or older and unable to support themselves because of a physical or mental condition.
Who is eligible
- A biological or adopted child who is under 22 and not a spouse or common-law partner, or 22 or older, financially dependent on the parent since before 22 and unable to be self-supporting because of a physical or mental condition (IRPR s 2).
- The sponsor must meet the sponsor requirements in IRPR s 130 and s 133; no minimum income applies to a dependent child with no children of their own (IRPR s 133(4)(c)).
Steps
- Confirm the child meets the definition on the date that counts for your application (IRCC explains the lock-in date).
- Apply through the family class.
Documents you’ll usually need
- Birth certificate naming the parent, or adoption documents.
- Proof of dependency for a child 22 or older.
What the law says
“is less than 22 years of age and is not a spouse or common-law partner”
Definition of “dependent child”.
“a dependent child of the sponsor”
A dependent child is a member of the family class.
“the last day of the period of 10 years following the day on which the foreign national becomes a permanent resident”
The undertaking for a child under 22 at landing runs 10 years or until age 25, whichever is earlier.
Official IRCC pages
Program rules not written in the statute, plus current fees and processing times, are on IRCC’s own pages:
Common mistakes
- Not declaring a child in your own application — an undeclared family member generally can’t be sponsored later as a family-class member.
Frequently asked questions
Until what age is a child “dependent” for immigration?
Under 22 and not a spouse or partner, or older if dependent because of a physical or mental condition (IRPR s 2).
Policy analysis
- Canada’s 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan: what changed, and what it means if you’re already here
The 2027–2029 plan holds permanent admissions at 380,000 a year and new temporary arrivals at 370,000, and adds a one-time 2027 measure for up to 200,000 people already in Canada.
Related streams
- Spousal, common-law and conjugal sponsorship Open
A citizen or permanent resident sponsors their spouse or partner for permanent residence.
- Parents and grandparents (and the super visa) Paused
Sponsoring parents or grandparents for permanent residence, and the super visa for long visits.