How to Sponsor Your Child for Canadian Permanent Residence in 2025

Canada has announced key updates for families looking to reunite under the Canada dependent child sponsorship program. As a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you now have more clarity on how to sponsor your child for Canadian permanent residence. This latest move by Canada's immigration sponsorship authorities strengthens the family reunification stream and simplifies the process for parents.

If you’ve been wondering how to sponsor a child for Canada PR, here’s everything you need to know about eligibility, documentation, costs, and timelines.

Highlights of the Canada Dependent Child Sponsorship Program

This program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their biological or adopted children to Canada as permanent residents under the Canada PR for child pathway.

Who Can Sponsor a Child for Canadian Permanent Residence

To be eligible for Canada immigration sponsorship, you must:

1. Be at least 18 years old
2. Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian
3. Live in Canada or plan to live in Canada when your child arrives
4. Meet minimum annual income requirements to support yourself and your child

Important Note:

1. Canadian citizens can sponsor a dependent child even while living abroad.
2. Permanent residents must reside in Canada to sponsor a dependent child.
3. If your dependent child has no children of their own, there is no minimum income requirement.

Who Can Be Sponsored under the Canada Dependent Child Sponsorship

Children must meet the following conditions to be eligible for Canadian permanent residence as a child:

1. Must be under 22 years old and unmarried or not in a common-law relationship.
2. Children over 22 can still qualify if they are unable to support themselves financially due to a physical or mental condition and have been financially dependent since before age 22.

Your child must continue to meet all dependency criteria until IRCC finalizes their Canada PR for child application.

Ineligibility Factors for Sponsoring a Child

You may be barred from Canada immigration sponsorship if you:

1. Are you behind on immigration loan repayments or court-ordered support
2. Have failed to provide financial support under a previous sponsorship
3. Are in jail or under a removal order
4. Have declared bankruptcy and not been discharged
5. Have been convicted of certain criminal offenses

(Quebec residents have slightly different rules — more below.)

Sponsorship Undertaking Period in Canada

When you sponsor your child for Canadian permanent residence, you sign an undertaking agreement promising to support your child financially.

During this period, you are responsible for your child’s:

1. Food, housing, clothing, and basic needs
2. Uninsured health costs, such as dental and eye care
3. Ensuring your child does not need social assistance from the government

Step-by-Step: How to Sponsor a Child for Canada PR

Fees for Canada Dependent Child Sponsorship

Quebec’s Special Rules for Child Sponsorship

If you live in Quebec, the Canadian dependent child sponsorship process differs:

1. You must apply to both IRCC and the Ministère de l’immigration, de la francisation et de l’intégration (MIFI).
2. Quebec has its own income assessment and undertaking commitments.
3. As of now, Quebec has paused new undertaking applications for dependent children aged 18 and over until June 25, 2026 (with limited exceptions).

Key Tips to Succeed in Canada Dependent Child Sponsorship

1. Apply Early:

Processing times for Canada PR for a child vary by country.

2. Prepare Strong Documentation:

Make sure your child’s police certificates and legal permissions are included.

3. Stay Updated on Rules:

Canada immigration sponsorship rules can change, especially in Quebec.

4. Seek Professional Guidance:

Having an expert manage your application can improve success rates.

How Visa Solutions 4u Can Help You Sponsor a Child for Canada PR

The dependent child sponsorship process for Canada can be complicated. At Visa Solutions 4u, we will simplify the process for you:

1. Eligibility Check:

We review your profile and confirm you're eligible to sponsor your child for Canadian permanent residence.

2. Document Preparation:

We assist you in gathering and organizing all of the necessary documents for Canada PR for a child's Canada PR.

3. Application Submissions:

We complete the application with you online and submit it properly the first time.

4. Follow-up with IRCC:

Visa Solutions 4u will follow your application and will respond to IRCC about any queries.

5. Quebec-Specific:

If you live in Quebec, we will walk you through the MIFI situations and timelines.

With visasolutions4u as your partner, you will be able to prepare your family to settle in Canada while we handle the paperwork.

Bringing Families Together Under Canada Immigration Sponsorship

Canada's dependent child sponsorship programme is a very important feature of immigration policy, providing a means for families to reunify under Canadian permanent residence for child pathways. The process to apply is clearer than before, with clear rules, online applications, and clear fees. Parents now have an easier process to bring their child to Canada.

By understanding what makes you and your dependents eligible, the application steps, and working with reputable consultants such as Visa Solutions 4u, you are much closer to achieving your goal of being together in Canada. The Canadian immigration sponsorship process can have a lot to it, but with the appropriate preparation, it can be very manageable!