Family Sponsorship Immigration for Adopted Children

The family sponsorship program serves as a bridge for families separated by geographical boundaries, allowing Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are parents of children abroad to apply for their child's, or other dependent's, Canadian permanent residence.

Dependent Child Sponsorship

Dependent child sponsorship, a facet of the Family Class sponsorship program, facilitates the reunion of family members living in different countries, enabling them to reside together in Canada. Essentially, this initiative permits Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their children from abroad to Canada as permanent residents.

Biological or adopted dependent children can be sponsored to live with their parent(s) as permanent residents in Canada.

Eligibility for Sponsorship

To sponsor your child’s immigration to Canada, certain criteria must be met:

  • Age: You must be 18 years or older.
  • Citizenship/Residency: You must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident residing in Canada with intentions to return, or a person registered under the Indian Act of Canada.
  • Financial Capability: Ability to provide for your basic needs, those of your dependent children, and your spouse if applicable.
  • Relationship Proof: Ability to demonstrate your relationship with your child.
  • Criminal Record: No criminal record.
  • Legal Status: Not in prison, charged with a serious offence, or bankrupt.
  • Past Sponsorship: Not in default of a previous sponsorship undertaking.
  • Immigration Status: Not under immigration investigation.
  • Financial Assistance: Not receiving income assistance, except for disability reasons.

Child Qualification Criteria

Children eligible for sponsorship must meet specific criteria:

  • Relationship: They must be the biological or adopted child of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  • Marital Status: They should not be married or in a common-law relationship.
  • Age: They must be under the age of 22.

Children over 22 may qualify as dependents if they

  • Have a physical or mental condition preventing self-support.
  • Have relied on parental financial support since before the age of 22.

Requirements for Sponsoring a Child

As a sponsor, you commit to providing for your child’s basic needs by signing an undertaking, which includes provisions for housing, clothing, food, and medical expenses not covered by the public health system. The duration of the undertaking varies based on the age of the child, typically lasting 10 years or until the child turns 25 for those under 22, and 3 years for those over 22.

Sponsorship Process Overview

Sponsoring a child involves the following steps:

  1. Obtain the application package from the government website.
  2. Pay the online application fee.
  3. Apply as per the provided instructions.
  4. Submit required supporting documents upon request by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Quebec-Specific Considerations

Quebec has its own immigration procedures, necessitating additional steps for residents of the province. Applicants must apply at both federal and provincial levels, acquiring a Quebec Selection Certificate (QSC) and signing an undertaking with the province.

This undertaking commits the sponsor to provide for the basic needs of the sponsored person and possibly reimburse the government for any social assistance provided during the sponsorship period. The duration of the undertaking varies in Quebec, particularly for children, based on age.

Post-Sponsorship: Rights of Sponsored Children

Children sponsored through the Family Class receive Canadian permanent residence, granting them the right to study and work in Canada.

Wants to know more on Dependent Child Sponsorship?

Other Family Sponsorship

Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents

The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit Canada for extended periods, staying up to 5 years per visit without renewing their status. It’s a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years.

Spousal or Common Law Partner Sponsorship

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for permanent residency. This program supports family reunification with both inland and outland application options.

Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship

This program enables Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency, offering a pathway for family reunification. Selection is often done through a lottery system due to high demand.

Minimum Necessary Income (MNI)

To sponsor certain family members, like parents or grandparents, sponsors must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirements, proving they can financially support their relatives without relying on social assistance.

Dependent Child Sponsorship

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their biological or adopted dependent children for permanent residency, ensuring they can live together as a family in Canada.