Your complete roadmap to bringing your child to Canada
On This Page You Will Find:
- Exact eligibility requirements for sponsors and dependents (including the surprising age rule)
- Step-by-step application process with current fees and processing times
- Critical undertaking commitments that last up to 10 years
- Special Quebec rules and current restrictions through 2026
- Common mistakes that lead to application rejections
- Financial requirements and income thresholds you must meet
Summary:
Sponsoring your child for Canadian permanent residence involves navigating complex eligibility criteria, financial commitments, and legal undertakings that can last a decade. This comprehensive guide breaks down the entire process, from determining if your child qualifies as a dependent (hint: the age rules might surprise you) to understanding your 10-year financial responsibility. Whether you're a Canadian citizen living abroad or a permanent resident planning to stay in Canada, you'll discover the exact steps, fees, and documents needed to bring your child home. Plus, we'll cover the special Quebec requirements and why applications for older dependents are currently suspended until 2026.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- You can sponsor dependent children under 22, or older children with disabilities who've been financially dependent since before turning 22
- Your undertaking commitment lasts 10 years for children under 22, or until they turn 25 (whichever comes first)
- No minimum income requirement exists unless your child has their own dependent children
- Quebec residents face different rules and current restrictions on sponsoring dependents 18+ until June 2026
- The total application fee is $255, covering sponsorship, processing, and biometrics (if applicable)
Picture this: Maria, a Canadian citizen living in Toronto, hadn't seen her 19-year-old daughter Sofia in three years. After finally securing stable employment and housing, Maria decided it was time to bring Sofia from Colombia to start their new life together in Canada. But when she started researching the sponsorship process, she quickly realized this wasn't just about filling out forms—she was about to make a legal commitment that would last until Sofia turned 25.
If you're in a similar situation, wondering how to navigate the complex world of child sponsorship for Canadian permanent residence, you're not alone. Every year, thousands of Canadian citizens and permanent residents work to reunite with their children through this process. The journey involves understanding strict eligibility criteria, making long-term financial commitments, and navigating paperwork that can feel overwhelming.
Here's what you need to know to successfully sponsor your child for Canadian permanent residence in 2025.
Who Can Sponsor: Your Eligibility Requirements
Before you start dreaming about your reunion, let's make sure you qualify as a sponsor. The requirements are more specific than you might expect, and missing even one can derail your entire application.
Basic Sponsor Requirements
You must check all these boxes to sponsor your child:
Age and Status Requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold Canadian citizenship, permanent residence, or be a registered Indian under the Indian Act
- Live in Canada (or plan to return once your child becomes a permanent resident)
Here's where it gets interesting: if you're a Canadian citizen, you can sponsor your child while living outside Canada. However, if you're "only" a permanent resident, you must be physically present in Canada throughout the process. This distinction catches many people off guard.
The Financial Reality Check
Here's some good news: if your dependent child has no children of their own, there's no minimum income requirement. You read that right—no specific dollar amount you need to earn.
However, if your child has their own dependent children (making you a sponsor for multiple people), you'll need to meet minimum income thresholds. Use Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's (IRCC) Financial Evaluation form (IMM 1283) to determine your specific requirements.
What Can Disqualify You
Even if you meet the basic requirements, certain circumstances will make you ineligible to sponsor. These deal-breakers include:
Financial Red Flags:
- Outstanding immigration loans or performance bonds
- Unpaid court-ordered family support (alimony or child support)
- Failed to meet previous sponsorship undertaking obligations
- Current bankruptcy (before discharge)
- Receiving social assistance (unless for disability reasons)
Legal Issues:
- Violent criminal convictions
- Currently incarcerated
- Subject to a removal order from Canada
Administrative Conflicts:
- Already sponsoring the same child in a pending application
One important note: if you're a Quebec resident, some financial restrictions don't apply to you due to the province's separate immigration agreement with the federal government.
Who Qualifies as Your Dependent Child
This is where many applications hit their first roadblock. The definition of "dependent child" is more nuanced than simply being your biological or adopted child.
The Age Rule That Surprises Everyone
Your child qualifies as a dependent if they are:
- Under 22 years old, AND
- Not married or in a common-law relationship
But here's the part that surprises many parents: children over 22 can still qualify if they meet both these conditions:
- They cannot financially support themselves due to a physical or mental condition
- They've been financially dependent on you since before turning 22
This means if your 25-year-old child has a disability that prevents them from working, and you've been supporting them since they were 21, they still qualify. However, if that same child became financially independent at 23 and then needed support again at 25, they wouldn't qualify.
The Continuous Dependency Requirement
Your child must continue meeting all dependency criteria throughout the entire application process. If your 21-year-old gets married while their application is being processed, they're no longer eligible—even if they were single when you applied.
Permission Requirements
You'll need to prove that any other parent or legal guardian has given permission for your child to immigrate to Canada. This can become complicated in situations involving divorce, separation, or strained relationships with ex-partners.
Understanding Your 10-Year Commitment
When you sponsor your child, you're not just helping them immigrate—you're signing a legally binding agreement that could last up to a decade. Let's break down what this really means for your family's future.
The Undertaking Agreement Explained
By signing the undertaking and sponsorship agreement, you're promising to:
- Provide financial support for basic needs (food, clothing, shelter)
- Cover health needs not covered by public healthcare (dental, vision, prescription drugs)
- Ensure your child won't need social assistance
- Repay any social assistance they do receive
How Long Your Commitment Lasts
The duration of your undertaking depends on your child's age when they receive permanent residence status:
Under 22 years old: 10 years OR until they turn 25 (whichever happens first) 22 years or older: 3 years
Let's put this in perspective: if you sponsor your 16-year-old, you'll be financially responsible until they're 26. If you sponsor your 23-year-old with a disability, your commitment ends when they're 26.
The Financial Reality
During the undertaking period, if your child receives social assistance, you must repay every dollar. Until you do, you cannot sponsor anyone else. This isn't just a guideline—it's a legal requirement that can affect your ability to sponsor other family members, including spouses or parents.
Can You Change Your Mind?
Once your child becomes a permanent resident, you cannot withdraw your undertaking. The only time you can back out is before they receive their permanent residence status. After that, you're committed for the full undertaking period, regardless of changes in your relationship or circumstances.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Ready to start the process? Here's exactly what you need to do, in the order you need to do it.
Step 1: Get Your Application Package
Visit IRCC's website and obtain the complete application package. This isn't just forms—it includes an instruction guide and a personalized document checklist generated specifically for your situation. Don't skip the instruction guide; it contains crucial details that could make or break your application.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
This is often the most time-consuming part of the process. Your personalized checklist will specify exactly what you need, but common requirements include:
For You (the Sponsor):
- Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residence
- Identity documents
- Proof of income
- Police certificates (if applicable)
For Your Child:
- Birth certificate proving your relationship
- Identity documents (passport, national ID)
- Police certificates from every country where they lived 6+ consecutive months since turning 18
- Medical examinations
- Photos meeting IRCC specifications
Special Requirement: If your child has lived outside Canada since turning 18, they'll need police certificates from every country where they resided for six or more consecutive months. Start requesting these early—some countries take months to process these requests.
Step 3: Complete Online Forms
Both you and your child will need to complete, sign, and validate forms through IRCC's Permanent Residence (PR) Portal. The principal applicant (your child) will submit both applications together.
Step 4: Pay the Fees
The total cost is $255, broken down as follows:
- Sponsorship fee: $85
- Application processing fee: $85
- Biometrics fee: $85 (only for dependents 14 years and older)
If your child has their own dependent child, add another $175 to the total.
Step 5: Submit and Wait
Submit your complete application through the PR Portal. Processing times vary significantly based on your child's country of residence—some applications process in months, others take over a year.
Step 6: Respond to Additional Requests
IRCC may request additional documentation or information. Respond quickly and completely to avoid delays.
Special Rules for Quebec Residents
If you live in Quebec, almost everything changes. Quebec operates its own immigration system under a federal-provincial agreement, which means different rules, different processes, and different fees.
Dual Application Process
As a Quebec resident, you must submit applications to both:
- IRCC (federal government)
- Ministère de l'immigration, de la francisation et de l'intégration (MIFI) (Quebec government)
Quebec will evaluate your eligibility as a sponsor and inform IRCC of their decision. You need approval from both levels of government.
Different Undertaking Periods
Quebec has its own undertaking periods that may differ from federal requirements. You'll sign your undertaking agreement with the provincial government, not the federal government.
Current Restrictions You Need to Know
Here's crucial information if you're planning to sponsor a child 18 or older: Quebec is not currently accepting undertaking applications for dependent children aged 18 and over until June 25, 2026. They've reached their cap for this category.
If you submit an application for an 18+ dependent before June 25, 2026, it will be returned unprocessed and your fees will be refunded. Some exceptions apply, but they're limited.
Income Assessment Requirements
If your dependent child has their own dependent child, you must complete an income assessment through MIFI, similar to the federal Financial Evaluation form but with Quebec-specific criteria.
Common Mistakes That Delay Applications
After reviewing hundreds of sponsorship cases, certain mistakes appear repeatedly. Avoiding these can save you months of processing delays.
Documentation Errors
Missing Police Certificates: Many applicants underestimate how long police certificates take to obtain. Start requesting these immediately, especially from countries with slower processing times.
Insufficient Relationship Proof: Simply stating someone is your child isn't enough. You need official documentation proving the parent-child relationship, such as birth certificates or adoption papers.
Incomplete Financial Information: Even though there might not be a minimum income requirement, you still need to demonstrate your ability to support your child.
Timing Mistakes
Age Miscalculations: Remember, your child must remain under 22 and unmarried throughout the entire processing period, not just when you apply.
Expired Documents: Some documents have validity periods. Medical exams, for example, are typically valid for one year.
Process Errors
Incomplete Applications: IRCC will return incomplete applications, adding months to your timeline. Use your personalized checklist religiously.
Wrong Application Type: Make sure you're using the correct forms for dependent child sponsorship, not spouse or parent sponsorship forms.
What Happens After Approval
Once your child receives permanent residence, your responsibilities are just beginning. Understanding what comes next helps you prepare for successful integration.
Immediate Responsibilities
Your child will need to:
- Land in Canada within the validity period of their Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
- Apply for essential documents (Social Insurance Number, health card)
- Understand their rights and responsibilities as a permanent resident
Your Ongoing Obligations
Remember, your undertaking commitment continues for years after their arrival. You're responsible for:
- Ensuring they don't require social assistance
- Supporting their basic needs during the undertaking period
- Helping them integrate into Canadian society
Path to Citizenship
Your child can apply for Canadian citizenship once they meet the residency requirements (typically 3 out of 5 years as a permanent resident). However, your undertaking commitment continues regardless of their citizenship status.
Planning for Success
Sponsoring your child for Canadian permanent residence is more than an immigration process—it's a long-term commitment that will reshape both your lives. The 10-year undertaking period, complex documentation requirements, and varying processing times mean this journey requires patience, preparation, and persistence.
Start by honestly assessing your eligibility and financial capacity to support your child for up to a decade. Gather required documents early, especially police certificates that can take months to obtain. If you're in Quebec, factor in the current restrictions for dependents 18 and older.
Most importantly, remember that this process, while complex, reunites families and creates new opportunities. Your child will gain access to Canadian healthcare, education, and eventually citizenship—benefits that extend far beyond the undertaking period.
The paperwork may be overwhelming, the wait times frustrating, and the financial commitment significant, but for families like Maria and Sofia, the moment they're reunited in Canada makes every challenge worthwhile. Your journey to bring your child home starts with understanding these requirements and taking that first step toward application.
FAQ
Q: How long does it take to sponsor a child for Canadian permanent residence in 2025?
Processing times vary significantly based on your child's country of residence and current IRCC workloads. Currently, most child sponsorship applications take between 12-24 months to process. However, applications from certain countries may process faster (8-12 months) while others can take up to 36 months. The key factors affecting timing include: completeness of your initial application, how quickly you respond to additional document requests, and whether medical exams or police certificates cause delays. For Quebec residents, add an additional 3-6 months since you need approval from both provincial and federal governments. To minimize delays, submit a complete application with all required documents upfront, and start gathering police certificates early since some countries take 4-6 months to issue them.
Q: Can I sponsor my 23-year-old child who has a disability for Canadian permanent residence?
Yes, you can sponsor a child over 22 if they meet specific criteria related to financial dependency due to a physical or mental condition. Your 23-year-old qualifies as a dependent child if: they cannot financially support themselves due to their disability, and they've been financially dependent on you continuously since before turning 22. This means if your child became financially independent at any point after turning 22 and then needed support again, they wouldn't qualify. You'll need medical evidence documenting their condition and financial records proving continuous dependency. Your undertaking commitment for a child over 22 lasts 3 years from when they receive permanent residence. Important note: if you're a Quebec resident, current restrictions apply to dependents 18+ until June 2026, though disability cases may have exceptions.
Q: What exactly am I committing to with the 10-year undertaking agreement when sponsoring my child?
The undertaking agreement is a legally binding contract requiring you to financially support your child and ensure they don't need social assistance. Your specific obligations include: providing basic necessities (food, clothing, shelter), covering healthcare costs not covered by public insurance (dental, vision, prescriptions), and repaying any social assistance your child receives during the undertaking period. The commitment duration depends on your child's age when they become a permanent resident: 10 years OR until they turn 25 (whichever comes first) for children under 22, or 3 years for children 22 and older. For example, if you sponsor your 16-year-old, you're committed until they're 26. This obligation cannot be cancelled once your child receives permanent residence, regardless of changing circumstances like family disputes or your child's behavior.
Q: Do I need to meet minimum income requirements to sponsor my dependent child?
If your child has no dependent children of their own, there's no minimum income requirement—you just need to demonstrate ability to support them. However, you must still prove you can financially provide for your child's basic needs without them requiring social assistance. If your child has their own dependent children, you'll need to meet the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) requirements based on your family size and location. Use IRCC's Financial Evaluation form (IMM 1283) to determine specific income thresholds. You cannot be receiving social assistance yourself (except for disability), be in bankruptcy, or have outstanding immigration debts. Quebec residents may have different income assessment requirements through MIFI. Remember, even without minimum income requirements, you're still making a legal commitment to financially support your child for years.
Q: What are the current restrictions for Quebec residents sponsoring children, and how do they differ from other provinces?
Quebec operates under a separate immigration agreement, creating significant differences from other provinces. Most importantly, Quebec is not accepting new undertaking applications for dependent children aged 18 and older until June 25, 2026, due to reaching their quota. Applications submitted before this date for 18+ dependents will be returned with fees refunded. Quebec residents must submit dual applications to both IRCC (federal) and MIFI (provincial), requiring approval from both levels. The process typically takes 3-6 months longer than other provinces. Quebec has its own undertaking periods and financial assessment criteria that may differ from federal requirements. You'll sign your undertaking agreement with the provincial government, not federal. However, some exceptions to the 18+ restriction may apply in special circumstances, so consult with MIFI directly if you have an urgent situation.
Q: What documents do I need to gather for my child's sponsorship application, and how long does document collection typically take?
Document collection is often the most time-consuming part, typically taking 3-6 months. Key documents include: for you as sponsor - proof of Canadian citizenship/permanent residence, identity documents, income proof, and police certificates if required; for your child - birth certificate proving your relationship, passport/national ID, police certificates from every country where they lived 6+ consecutive months since turning 18, medical examinations from IRCC-approved doctors, and properly sized photos. Police certificates are usually the biggest bottleneck, taking 2-6 months depending on the country. Medical exams are valid for one year, so time these carefully. You'll also need consent from other parents/guardians if applicable. Start gathering documents immediately upon deciding to apply, and request police certificates first since they take longest. Use IRCC's personalized document checklist tool to ensure you have everything required for your specific situation.
Q: What happens if my child gets married or turns 22 while our sponsorship application is being processed?
Your child must continue meeting all dependency criteria throughout the entire application process, not just when you initially apply. If your child gets married, enters a common-law relationship, or turns 22 while unmarried during processing, they generally lose their dependent status and the application will be refused. However, there are important exceptions: if your child turns 22 but remains unmarried, they may still qualify if they've been financially dependent on you due to a physical or mental condition since before turning 22. The key is continuous dependency due to their condition. If your child's circumstances change during processing, contact IRCC immediately to discuss your options. In some cases, you might be able to withdraw and resubmit under a different category, though this would mean starting over. This is why accurate timing and realistic assessment of your child's likelihood of marriage during the 12-24 month processing period is crucial.
