If you are a Canadian citizen or a Permanent Resident of Canada, you can submit an application to sponsor your child to Canada if your child meets the definition of a dependent child, meaning for example that they are under the maximum age designated in the regulations. Once the application is submitted, the application gets “locked in” at the time that IRCC receives the application therefore even if your child passes the maximum allowed age during the processing of the application, this does not disqualify the application. Either one or both parents can sponsor the child as a sponsor and a co-sponsor if both parents are Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents married or in a common law relationship.
Although there is no income requirement for child sponsorship applications, there is a financial requirement meaning that the officer must be satisfied that the financial needs of the child will be met once the child gets landed as a resident of Canada. In order for the officer to approve the application, the officer must be satisfied that there exists a real parent and relationship through identity documentation. The processing time for a child sponsorship application will vary depending on backlogs as well as the overseas office which will assess the application. It is important to include all required documentation to ensure a smooth processing. Certain visa office will have specific country documentation on top of the standard IRCC document checklist.
If your child is over 18 years old, he/she will also need to submit required police clearances. All children, regardless of age will also need to undergo a medical examination. If your child is a minor and you have joint custody with the other parent, the other parent will need to authorize the immigration to Canada by signing a specific form which will need to be notarized. To determine if you are eligible to sponsor your child and ensure that you submit a strong and complete application to avoid refusals or delays, contact our office for a consultation.
