Overview
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their dependent children for permanent residence. A child qualifies if they are under 22 and do not have a spouse or common-law partner, or if they are 22 or older and have depended on their parents since before age 22 because of a physical or mental condition. In most cases no minimum income is required, and once in Canada your child can study, work and access provincial health care as a permanent resident.
Who it’s for
- Canadian citizens and permanent residents whose children live abroad
- New permanent residents whose children were declared but did not immigrate with them
- Parents of an adult child who depends on them because of a physical or mental condition
- Canadian citizens abroad planning to return to Canada with their children
Key requirements
- The sponsor is the child's parent, at least 18, and a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person registered under the Indian Act
- Permanent residents must live in Canada; citizens abroad must show they will return when the child becomes a permanent resident
- The child is under 22 and does not have a spouse or common-law partner on the date IRCC receives the complete application
- Children aged 22 or older qualify if a physical or mental condition has kept them financially dependent on a parent since before 22
- Proof of the parent–child relationship, such as birth or adoption records — IRCC may request DNA testing
- Custody or consent documents where the child is a minor and the other parent is not immigrating
- The child is admissible to Canada (medical, security and criminality checks)
How it works
- 01
Confirm eligibility
We check your child's age and dependency, your eligibility as a sponsor, and any past applications that could affect the case.
- 02
Gather documents
We help you collect birth or adoption records, custody or consent documents, and identity and civil-status papers for your child.
- 03
Submit both applications
We prepare the sponsorship and permanent residence applications and submit them together online to IRCC.
- 04
Biometrics, medicals & requests
We guide your child through biometrics and medical exams and respond to any IRCC requests, including DNA testing if needed.
- 05
Arrival in Canada
After approval, your child receives confirmation of permanent residence and lands in Canada to begin school and family life here.
Advantages
- Children under 22 qualify without having to prove financial dependency
- Generally no minimum income requirement for the sponsor
- Your child's age is locked in when IRCC receives a complete application, so turning 22 during processing does not affect eligibility
- As permanent residents, children can attend public school and generally pay domestic tuition at Canadian colleges and universities
Good to know
- Children not declared and examined when you immigrated may be excluded from sponsorship — tell us about past applications so we can assess this early.
- Adopted children, and children you plan to adopt, follow separate processes with additional requirements.
- Sponsors living in Québec must also meet Québec's own sponsorship requirements.
FAQ
My child will turn 22 during processing — are they still eligible?
Yes. Your child's age is locked in on the date IRCC receives your complete application, so turning 22 afterwards does not affect eligibility.
Can I sponsor my child while living outside Canada?
Canadian citizens can, if they show they will live in Canada once the child becomes a permanent resident. Permanent residents must be living in Canada to sponsor.
What if my child is adopted?
Adopted children can be sponsored, but international adoptions have specific requirements, and Canadian citizen parents may be able to apply for a citizenship grant instead. We help you choose the right route.
Last reviewed: October 2026. This page provides general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules change often — we confirm the latest requirements for your situation during your consultation.