by Cristina Zohil-Morton
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by Cristina Zohil-Morton
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How To Sponsor Dependent Children To Canada
Sponsoring dependent children to Canada is often assumed to be straightforward, especially where parents are already Canadian citizens or permanent residents. In practice, IRCC applies strict legal definitions, evidentiary standards, and admissibility requirements that can result in refusals if applications are not carefully prepared. In 2026, errors around age, dependency, custody, and documentation remain among the most common reasons family sponsorship applications fail.
Understanding how IRCC assesses dependent children sponsorship applications is essential for parents seeking to reunite with their children or include them as part of a broader permanent residence strategy.
Who Qualifies As A Dependent Child Under Canadian Immigration Law
When sponsoring dependent children to Canada, IRCC applies a precise legal definition of “dependent child.” In most cases, a dependent child must be under 22 years old and not have a spouse or common-law partner. Children over 22 may still qualify if they have depended substantially on their parents due to a physical or mental condition.
Age is assessed based on the child’s age at the time IRCC receives a complete application. Misunderstanding this timing rule can result in a child aging out of eligibility, even where parents believed they qualified.
If you are close to an age threshold or unsure whether your child meets the dependency definition, contact us before filing to assess risk and timing.
Who Can Sponsor Dependent Children To Canada
Parents who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents may sponsor dependent children to Canada, provided they are not subject to a sponsorship bar and are able to meet basic sponsorship obligations. While there is generally no minimum income requirement for most dependent child sponsorships, sponsors must still demonstrate the ability to support the child upon arrival.
Sponsors with prior sponsorship undertakings, unresolved family law disputes, or periods of non-compliance may face increased scrutiny. These issues should be addressed proactively rather than disclosed without explanation.
Custody, Consent, And Family Law Considerations
One of the most complex aspects of sponsoring dependent children to Canada involves custody and consent. Where one parent is not immigrating, IRCC requires clear proof that the sponsoring parent has legal custody or written consent for the child to immigrate permanently.
Applications are frequently delayed or refused due to incomplete custody orders, unclear parental rights, or missing consent documentation. Family law and immigration law often intersect in these cases, requiring careful coordination.
Medical And Admissibility Requirements For Dependent Children
All dependent children included in a sponsorship application must undergo medical examinations and meet admissibility requirements. While criminal inadmissibility is less common for children, medical inadmissibility may arise in cases involving complex health needs.
Failure to properly disclose medical information or address potential inadmissibility concerns can result in refusals or procedural fairness letters. Strategic preparation is especially important where a child has known medical conditions.
Common Reasons Dependent Child Sponsorship Applications Are Refused
Despite meeting basic eligibility criteria, applications for sponsoring dependent children to Canada are often refused due to:
- Incorrect age or dependency assessment
- Missing or insufficient custody documentation
- Lack of required parental consent
- Incomplete disclosure of family circumstances
- Failure to address admissibility concerns
Many of these refusals are preventable with proper legal planning and evidence organization.
Including Dependent Children In Broader Immigration Strategy
For families pursuing permanent residence through Express Entry or provincial nominee programs, sponsoring dependent children to Canada must be planned alongside the principal applicant’s pathway. Timing, documentation, and family composition changes can all affect eligibility.
At Zohil-Morton Law, we assist families with dependent child sponsorships, custody-related immigration issues, and complex family class applications.
Still have questions? Book a consultation with Cristina Zohil-Morton and the team at Zohil-Morton Law.
Stay Informed
We’re here to keep you informed and empowered on your Canadian immigration journey.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a licensed immigration professional regarding your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sponsoring Dependent Children To Canada
Is there an age limit for sponsoring dependent children?
In most cases, a dependent child must be under 22 years old and not married or in a common-law relationship.
Do both parents need to consent to the child immigrating to Canada?
Yes. Where one parent is not immigrating, IRCC generally requires proof of legal custody or written consent.
Can dependent children be sponsored separately from a spouse?
Yes. Dependent children may be sponsored independently or included in a broader family sponsorship strategy, depending on the circumstances.
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