LMIA FinderSponsor Dependent Children
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their dependent children for permanent residence. A dependent child must be under 22 years of age and not have a spouse or common-law partner. Children over 22 may qualify if they have substantially depended on a parent for financial support since before age 22 due to a medical condition.
Eligibility Requirements
- You are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- You are at least 18 years old
- The child is your biological or adopted child
- The child is under 22 years of age
- The child does not have a spouse or common-law partner
- The child is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident already
Documents Checklist
Processing Timeline
Submission & AOR
Weeks 1-4Submit application and receive Acknowledgement of Receipt.
Eligibility assessment
Months 2-6IRCC verifies sponsor eligibility and child dependency status.
Background checks
Months 6-10Medical and security screening for the child.
Decision
Months 10-12Decision issued. If approved, COPR is sent and the child can travel to Canada.
Fees
| Fee | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Sponsorship fee | $75 |
| PR processing fee (dependent child) | $75 |
| Right of permanent residence fee | N/A (under 22) |
| Biometrics (if 14+) | $85 |
| Total | $155-$235 |
Tips & Important Notes
Children included in a spousal sponsorship application do not need a separate application. They can be added as dependents.
A dependent child who turns 22 during processing will still be processed as a dependent if they were under 22 at the time of application (lock-in date).
If the child has their own dependent children, they may need a separate sponsorship application.
Adopted children require additional documentation including proof of adoption through a government-recognized process.
Consent from the non-sponsoring parent may be required, especially in cases of shared custody.