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Dependent Child Sponsorship Canada 2026
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Dependent Child Sponsorship Canada 2026

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Sponsoring a dependent child to Canada can be done through a child sponsorship application – and in some families, the child may also be included as a dependent in a spousal sponsorship application. This guide explains who qualifies as a dependent child, how the under-22 rule and key exceptions work, and how IRCC’s age “lock-in” can protect a child from aging out – so long as IRCC receives a complete application.

You’ll also learn why IRCC requires you to declare all family members, even if they won’t immigrate to Canada right now, and how this can affect future reunification options. Where a child is included as a dependent on a parent’s application, the guide clarifies accompanying vs. non-accompanying dependents – and why IRCC may still require non-accompanying family members to complete an immigration medical exam in some situations.

For minors, the guide highlights practical documentation issues that often determine whether an application moves smoothly, including custody and consent requirements when relevant. It also explains sponsor responsibilities, including when income requirements apply (in many cases, they don’t) and what the undertaking means for dependent children.

For families with children born abroad, first check whether your child may already be eligible for Citizenship by Descent – or whether sponsorship is required. If your child is a minor, you can learn what documents and steps apply by reviewing our guide on minors born outside Canada.

Sponsoring a dependent child requires careful preparation to avoid delays, returned applications, or refusal risks. Our licensed Canadian immigration consultants provide end-to-end support – from confirming eligibility and lock-in timing to preparing custody/consent documentation and submitting a complete, well-organized application package. From 2023 to 2025, we successfully supported 1000+ family class sponsorship applicants (including Spousal Open Work Permit cases). Book a consultation for tailored advice, or explore our service fees to learn more.

Who Qualifies as a Dependent Child?

Who is a Dependent Child

IRCC generally considers a child a dependent child if they meet both of the following conditions:

  • Under 22 years old, and
  • Not married and not in a common-law relationship

A common-law relationship usually means living together in a marriage-like relationship for at least 12 consecutive months. Being engaged or dating does not change dependency, but marriage or becoming common-law does.

Children 22 or older (limited exception)

A child aged 22 or older may still qualify as a dependent child only if:

  • they depended on their parents financially since before age 22, and
  • they cannot financially support themselves due to a physical or mental condition

These cases usually require medical evidence and proof of long-term financial support.

Dependent child of a dependent child

A dependent child’s own dependent child (often described as a grandchild) may also be included if they meet the dependent definition.

Age lock-in (to prevent “aging out”)

IRCC uses an age lock-in rule so a child does not become ineligible due to processing delays. For most family sponsorship applications, the lock-in date is the day IRCC receives a complete permanent residence application.

Important: if an application is returned as incomplete, the lock-in date is lost and the child may “age out” if they turn 22 before the corrected package is resubmitted.

Marital status does not lock in. The child must remain not married and not common-law until they become a permanent resident.

Eligibility Requirements

Most spousal sponsorship applications that include dependent children do not require a minimum income. However, sponsors must still meet basic eligibility expectations and accept financial responsibility through the sponsorship undertaking.

When Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) applies

Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) may apply if:

  • you are sponsoring a dependent child who has dependent children of their own, or
  • you are sponsoring a spouse/partner with a dependent child, and that dependent child has dependent children

When MNI applies, the required income depends on family size (based on LICO), and IRCC may require a Financial Evaluation (IMM 1283), depending on the checklist.

Sponsorship undertaking 

Sponsors sign an undertaking promising to provide basic needs (such as food, clothing, shelter, and uncovered health needs) and to ensure the sponsored family members do not rely on social assistance. If they do, the sponsor may need to repay it and may be restricted from sponsoring again.

Undertaking length

The undertaking begins when the person becomes a permanent resident.

  • Dependent child under 22: 10 years or until age 25 (whichever comes first)
  • Dependent child 22 or older: 3 years

Quebec has its own rules and process.

Once PR is granted, the undertaking generally cannot be cancelled or shortened.

Accompanying Child

A dependent child may be listed as accompanying or non-accompanying, but in most cases, all children must be declared in the permanent residence application.

What “accompanying” means

An accompanying dependent child is included in the PR application and processed as part of the same case. They may travel with the principal applicant or finalize later, depending on instructions, but are assessed as part of the file.

Declaring all children matters

Even if a child is not coming to Canada now, they should still be declared. Undeclared children can become excluded under immigration rules and may lose the option to be sponsored in the future.

Medical exams

IRCC generally requires dependent children to complete an immigration medical exam even if they are listed as non-accompanying. This helps IRCC assess admissibility and preserves the child’s eligibility for future sponsorship.

Children born outside Canada

Some children born outside Canada may already be Canadian citizens by descent, depending on the parent’s citizenship status at the time of birth. If a child is already a citizen, they generally should not be processed as a dependent on a PR application.

Proof of Relationship

When including a dependent child in a sponsorship application, IRCC expects clear proof of the parent–child relationship. The applicant is responsible for providing identity and relationship evidence.

Biological child

A birth certificate naming the parent(s) is usually the primary document. Supporting documents may be accepted in some countries where birth registration is delayed.

Assisted reproduction 

IRCC guidance recognizes that children born through assisted reproductive technologies may still qualify as a biological child for immigration purposes. IRCC may request additional documentation showing the circumstances of birth and the parent relationship.

Surrogacy

In surrogacy cases, IRCC generally treats the surrogate who gave birth as the legal parent until a separate legal process (such as adoption or another recognized legal parentage process) establishes a legal parent–child relationship.

Stepchild

For a spouse/partner’s child, you typically need proof of:

  • your relationship to your spouse/partner, and
  • your spouse/partner’s relationship to the child (birth or adoption documentation)

Adopted children

If the child is adopted or will be adopted in Canada, IRCC may require a different application process and kit than the standard spousal sponsorship stream.

Custody & Consent

Custody and consent issues usually come up when a dependent child is immigrating without both legal parents or guardians, especially in situations involving divorce, separation, shared custody, or court restrictions.

Custody documentation

IRCC may request proof showing who has legal decision-making authority for the child and whether the child is permitted to leave the other parent’s jurisdiction. Depending on the case, this may include custody agreements, court orders, guardianship documentation, or a death certificate (if a parent is deceased).

IMM 5604 (Declaration from non-accompanying parent/guardian)

IRCC often uses IMM 5604 when a minor is immigrating without one parent/guardian. This is typically witnessed by a notary and may be requested with supporting identification for the non-accompanying parent/guardian.

Consent letter (travel authorization)

A consent letter is a practical travel document showing that the child has permission to travel when one parent is not accompanying them. It often includes the child’s details, travel dates, destination, the accompanying adult’s information, and the non-accompanying parent’s contact and signature details, supported by ID.

IRCC Application Process

Document Checklist Requirements

For spousal sponsorship applications that include dependent children, IRCC expects you to follow the official application package checklist(s)—because the required documents depend on your situation (in-Canada vs outside Canada), the child’s country of residence, and whether there are special circumstances (like custody).

Children born outside Canada may not always require permanent residence documents. Before selecting a checklist, confirm the child’s status.

IRCC’s “How to apply” page specifically directs applicants to use the application package for the document checklist for you and the people you’re sponsoring, plus any country-specific instructions.

The standard checklist most people use for this pathway is IMM 5533: Document Checklist – Spouse (Including Dependent Children). If you’re sponsoring a dependent child as a principal applicant (child sponsorship on its own), IRCC also has IMM 5534: Document Checklist – Dependent Child.

Best practice to mention on your page: submit clear copies (IRCC notes they generally accept copies, but you should keep originals in case they ask later), and treat the checklist like a “must-have” compliance list—missing items can trigger delays or returns.

IRCC Processing Time

IRCC processing times change often, so please check IRCC’s official processing times tool. IRCC explains that the displayed processing time is an estimate of how long it would take if they received an application today, based on their inventory and capacity—and it includes the time needed to give biometrics.

IRCC also clarifies an important detail: processing time starts the day they receive a complete application and ends when a decision is made. This is useful context for families adding a child, because completeness (correct forms, signatures, fees, and supporting documents) can affect whether your file moves forward smoothly.

It’s also worth noting that timelines can vary by factors such as the applicant’s location, document complexity (for example, custody situations), and whether IRCC requests additional information.

IRCC Application Fees

IRCC publishes a single official fee list for sponsorship. For spouse/partner sponsorship, the full set is listed as $1,205 CAD (sponsorship fee + processing fee + right of permanent residence fee), and IRCC also lists a lower total without the right of permanent residence fee.

If you’re adding a dependent child to the same application with your spouse/partner, IRCC lists an additional fee of $175 CAD per child (“Include any dependent child on an application with your spouse or partner”).

You may also need to budget for biometrics fees (if required) and other third-party costs (translations, police certificates where applicable, medical exams). IRCC’s fee list and online payment portal are the best references for the government fees themselves.

Application Status Tracker

After you apply, IRCC offers several ways to follow progress. IRCC’s “After you apply” guidance for sponsoring a spouse/partner/child says applicants can create an IRCC secure account and link their application (paper or online) once IRCC has started processing and the applicant has an application number.

IRCC also provides the Application Status Tracker for family class PR applications (including spouse/partner and dependent child categories). In addition, the older Client Application Status (ECAS) tool is still available for status checks using identifiers like UCI or application number.

You generally won’t be able to track anything until you receive an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) and an application number, because that’s when IRCC’s systems can recognize and link the file.

Sponsor Adopted Child From Another Country to Canada

Dependent Child Sponsorship Canada 2026

Key Challenges in the Immigration (Sponsorship) Phase

When Canadian citizens or permanent residents adopt a child from another country, they must complete two separate processes—adoption and immigration—before the child can come to Canada. Because these are handled under different laws and authorities, families often face delays, complex requirements, and uncertainty along the way.

1. Separate legal systems

Adoption and immigration are handled by different authorities and laws in Canada, each with its own rules and approval steps. Navigating both processes at the same time often leads to overlapping requirements, added coordination, and uncertainty about timelines and responsibilities for families.

2. Lengthy and unpredictable timelines

Immigration processing for adopted children can take many months and varies depending on the child’s country of origin and case details. Even after an adoption is legally completed, families may face extended waiting periods before the child is approved to travel to Canada.

3. Documentation and verification requirements

Families must provide extensive documentation to demonstrate that the adoption is legal, genuine, and in the child’s best interests under Canadian standards. Obtaining, translating, and validating records from another country can be challenging and may delay processing if documents are missing or inconsistent.

4. Medical, travel, and settlement pressures

Before a child can enter Canada, immigration medical exams, clearances, and travel authorizations must be completed and approved. After arrival, families must also arrange healthcare, schooling, and settlement supports while helping the child adjust to a new environment.

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