Family & sponsorship
Canadian Dependent Child Sponsorship
Lets a Canadian citizen or permanent resident sponsor their dependent children, including adopted children, for permanent residence.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Canada government website before you apply.
On this page
- Official name
- Sponsor your spouse, partner or children (dependent child)
- Route type
- Family-class sponsorship for permanent residence
- Dependent child (general rule)
- Under 22 and without a spouse or common-law partner
- Income requirement
- Generally none unless the dependent child has dependent children of their own
Who it is for
- Canadian citizens and permanent residents wanting to bring their dependent children to Canada permanently
- Biological and adopted children who meet the dependent-child definition
Requirements
- Sponsor is at least 18 and a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered under the Canadian Indian Act
- The child meets the definition of a dependent child (age and marital status, or dependency due to a condition)
- Sponsor signs an undertaking to support the child's basic needs
- Adoptions must meet applicable legal and genuineness requirements
How to apply
- Complete the sponsorship and permanent residence applications for the child
- Submit both together online through the Permanent Residence Portal
- Dependent children can be included in a spouse/partner application or sponsored separately
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
Related Canadian visas
- FAMILYPARENTS GRANDPARENTSEXTENDED VISITSCanada Super VisaA visa for the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, allowing extended visits to family in Canada.View visa details
- FAMILYPARTNERPERMANENT RESIDENCESpouse or Common-Law Partner SponsorshipLets a Canadian citizen or permanent resident sponsor their spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner for permanent residence in Canada.View visa details
- FAMILYPARENTS GRANDPARENTSPERMANENT RESIDENCEParents and Grandparents Sponsorship (PGP)Lets eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence, subject to an income requirement and an invitation-based intake.View visa details