Dependent Child Sponsorship

You can sponsor your spouse, partner, or dependent children for permanent residency in Canada, allowing them to join and settle with you. As a sponsor, you are responsible for covering their essential needs, including food, shelter, and any healthcare that is not provided through public services. To fulfill this role, you must ensure they do not require government-funded social assistance by meeting their financial needs. Sponsoring dependent children means committing to their stability and well-being for the entire sponsorship period. This obligation reflects Canada’s dedication to family unity and integration, and it remains binding regardless of any changes in your financial situation, making it a long-term commitment. Furthermore, maintaining open communication and support during this process is crucial for their successful adaptation to life in Canada, helping them build a strong foundation in their new home.

Eligibility to Sponsor Dependent Child Sponsorship

Eligibility to Sponsor Spouse, Partner, or Child

Age Requirement:
You must be at least 18 years old.
Citizenship or Residency Status:
You need to be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or registered as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
Intent to Reside in Canada:
If you are a Canadian citizen living outside Canada, you must demonstrate your intention to return to Canada when your sponsored family members become permanent residents.
Note: Permanent residents living outside Canada cannot sponsor anyone.
Financial Stability:
You must prove that you are not receiving social assistance for reasons other than a disability and that you can provide for the basic needs of the persons you wish to sponsor.

Commitment to Financial Support

Undertaking:
You are required to make a promise to financially support your sponsored family members for a designated period, known as the undertaking.
Financial Support Obligations:
The undertaking requires you to:
- Provide financial support starting when they become permanent residents.
- Repay any provincial social assistance your sponsored family members receive during that time.

Application Process

Completion of Forms:
When applying, you must complete and sign a form that includes both the undertaking and the sponsorship agreement.

Income Requirement

General Income Requirement:
In most cases, there is no income requirement to sponsor your spouse, partner, or dependent child.
Specific Situations:
You must show sufficient income if:
- You’re sponsoring a dependent child who has one or more dependent children of their own.
- You’re sponsoring a spouse or partner with a dependent child, and that child has one or more children of their own.
Financial Evaluation:
Instructions for the Financial Evaluation form will outline how much money you need to show and how to complete the form, which will be included in your application package.

Responsibilities During the Undertaking Period

Sponsorship Agreement:
Both you and your sponsored family members must agree to specific responsibilities outlined in the sponsorship agreement.

You will provide for their basic needs.
The person you sponsor will make every effort to support themselves and their family members.

Important Considerations for Sponsorship Eligibility

Criminal Record Check:
You must not have a criminal record that would prevent you from sponsoring someone. This includes serious offenses that could impact your eligibility.
Sponsorship Limitations:
If you have previously sponsored someone and they received social assistance during the undertaking period, you may face limitations on your ability to sponsor additional individuals until you repay that amount.
Relationship Validity:
You must provide evidence of a genuine relationship with your spouse, partner, or dependent child. This can include documentation such as marriage certificates, joint bank statements, and photographs.
Compliance with Conditions:
Both the sponsor and the sponsored individuals must comply with all conditions set forth by immigration authorities throughout the sponsorship process and during the undertaking period.
Continuous Communication:
Maintaining open communication with your sponsored family members and being actively involved in their integration into Canadian society is crucial for a successful sponsorship experience.