Key Takeaways
- A dependent child is a biological or adopted child under 22 years old and unmarried, or over 22 with a physical or mental condition.
- The sponsor must be 18+, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and meet income requirements to provide basic needs for the child.
- Meeting the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) is essential, and failure to do so may lead to application rejection.
- Gathering accurate and complete documents, including birth/adoption certificates and financial information, is crucial for a successful application.
- The application process involves submitting the application, undergoing background and medical checks, and obtaining a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) if applicable.
Definition of a Dependent Child
When determining eligibility for child sponsorship, it’s essential to understand the definition of a dependent child, which is a biological or adopted child of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who meets specific criteria.
To qualify, the child must be under the age of 22 and not be married or in a common-law relationship. However, children over 22 can be considered dependents if they suffer from a physical or mental condition that prevents them from being able to support themselves.
As the principal applicant, you’ll need to provide proof of your relationship with the dependent child. This can include birth or adoption certificates, as well as other supporting documents. It’s important to understand that the dependent child’s marital status and age play a significant role in determining eligibility for sponsorship.
Dependent Child Sponsorship Requirements
As you prepare to sponsor your dependent child, you’ll need to understand who’s eligible to sponsor and who can be sponsored.
You, as the sponsor, must meet specific requirements, including being at least 18 years old and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Your child must meet the definition of a dependent child, which includes being under 22 and unmarried, or over 22 with a physical or mental condition that prevents self-support.
Who Is Eligible to Sponsor?
To sponsor a dependent child, you must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident living in Canada, or a person registered under the Indian Act of Canada, and meet specific eligibility requirements.
As a sponsor, you must be at least 18 years old and provide for the basic needs of the child, including housing, clothing, food, and medical expenses.
You mustn’t have a criminal record, be in prison, or be in default of a previous sponsorship undertaking. Also, you mustn’t be under immigration investigation or receiving income assistance, except for reasons of disability.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents are eligible to sponsor their dependent children. Parents who are sponsoring their child must meet the definition of a dependent child and must be the biological or adopted child of the sponsor or the sponsor’s spouse.
Meeting these eligibility requirements is crucial to successfully sponsoring your dependent child. By understanding who’s eligible to sponsor, you can take the first step towards bringing your loved one to Canada.
Who Can Be Sponsored?
You can sponsor your biological or adopted child as a dependent child if they meet the definition of a dependent child and you’re their biological or adopted parent or the spouse of their biological or adopted parent.
This means that your child must be under the age of 22 and not be married or in a common-law relationship. However, if your child is over 22, they may still be eligible if they’ve a physical or mental condition that prevents them from supporting themselves.
Dependent Child Sponsorship Minimum Necessary Income
What is the minimum necessary income required to sponsor a dependent child, and how does it impact the sponsorship process?
As a sponsor, you must demonstrate financial stability to provide for your dependent child’s basic needs. The minimum necessary income (MNI) varies based on the family unit size and the number of dependent children.
| Family Unit Size | Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) |
|---|---|
| 2 people | $32,899 |
| 3 people | $40,445 |
| 4 people | $49,106 |
| 5 people | $58,551 |
| 6 people | $67,983 |
If your dependent child has dependent children of their own, you must meet the MNI required for your entire family unit size.
Failure to meet the MNI may result in your application being rejected. Ensure you review the MNI requirements carefully to avoid any complications in the sponsorship process.
By meeting the minimum necessary income, you can confidently proceed with sponsoring your dependent child and providing them with a better life in Canada.
Sponsoring a Dependent Child in Quebec
When sponsoring a dependent child in Quebec, you’ll need to meet specific requirements set by the province.
You’ll be required to sign an undertaking with the province, which includes financial support for the child, and the duration of this undertaking varies depending on the child’s age.
You’ll need to meet Quebec’s income requirements, which consider factors such as your income, the number of dependents, and any social assistance received.
Quebec Sponsorship Requirements
In Quebec, the sponsor must sign an undertaking with the province, which includes financial support for the child, with the duration of the undertaking varying depending on the child’s age.
As a sponsor, you’ll need to meet specific requirements to bring your dependent child to Quebec. You must be at least 18 years old, a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered under the Indian Act of Canada.
You’ll also need to provide for the child’s basic needs, including housing, clothing, food, and medical expenses. Additionally, you can’t have a criminal record, be in prison, or be in default of a previous sponsorship undertaking.
You also can’t be under immigration investigation or receiving income assistance, except for reasons of disability. By meeting these Quebec sponsorship requirements, you can successfully sponsor your dependent child and help them build a new life in Quebec.
Quebec Income Requirements
You must meet the financial criteria for sponsoring immigrants intending to live in Quebec, considering factors such as your income, the number of dependents, and any social assistance received.
To sponsor a dependent child in Quebec, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to provide for their basic needs. This includes housing, clothing, food, and medical expenses.
The Quebec government sets specific income requirements for sponsors, which vary based on the number of dependents and other factors. You’ll need to provide proof of income that meets or exceeds the minimum required amount.
You may need to disclose any social assistance you’re receiving, as this can impact your eligibility to sponsor. It’s essential to carefully review the Quebec income requirements to ensure you meet the necessary criteria.
How to Sponsor Your Child for Immigration to Canada
To sponsor your child for immigration to Canada, you’ll need to follow a series of steps.
You’ll start by determining your child’s eligibility and gathering the required documents, then submit the application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Ministry of Immigration, Francization, and Integration (MIFI) in Quebec.
From there, your application will undergo processing, and if approved, your child will receive a Quebec Selection Certificate and can apply for permanent residence.
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Determine whether your child meets the definition of a dependent child and ensure you meet the eligibility requirements as a sponsor before proceeding with the application process.
As a sponsor, you must be at least 18 years old, a Canadian citizen, permanent resident living in Canada, or a person registered under the Indian Act of Canada. You must also be able to provide for the basic needs of the child, including housing, clothing, food, and medical expenses.
Additionally, you mustn’t have a criminal record, be in prison, charged with a serious offence, or bankrupt.
Your child must also meet the definition of a dependent child, which includes being under the age of 22 and not married or in a common-law relationship. If your child is over 22, they may still be considered a dependent if they suffer from a physical or mental condition that prevents them from supporting themselves.
As the principal applicant, you must ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and that your child meets the definition of a dependent child. This is a crucial step in the sponsorship process, and it’s essential to get it right to avoid any delays or complications.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility and your child’s dependent status, it’s time to collect the necessary documents to support your sponsorship application.
Gathering required documents is a crucial step in the child sponsorship process. You’ll need to provide proof of your relationship with your child, such as birth or adoption certificates, as well as proof of identity and citizenship.
You’ll also need to provide financial information, including proof of income and employment, to demonstrate your ability to support your child. Additionally, you may need to provide other documents, such as divorce or separation agreements, if applicable.
Make sure to gather all required documents and ensure they’re up-to-date and accurate. Incomplete or inaccurate documents can delay your application, so it’s essential to double-check everything before submitting your application.
Remember to organize your documents carefully and keep copies for your records. With all your documents in order, you’ll be one step closer to bringing your child to Canada.
Step 3: Complete and Submit the Application
With your documents in order, you’re now ready to complete and submit the application for sponsoring your child’s immigration to Canada. This step requires careful attention to detail to ensure a smooth and successful process.
You’ll need to fill out the application form, which can be obtained from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or downloaded from their website. Make sure to provide accurate and complete information, as incomplete or inaccurate applications may be delayed or rejected.
Attach all required documents, including birth or adoption certificates, proof of relationship, and financial information. Once you’ve completed the application, review it carefully to ensure everything is in order.
Step 4: Application Processing
After submitting your application, IRCC and MIFI will review it and conduct background and medical checks to ensure your child’s eligibility for sponsorship. This step is crucial in the child sponsorship process, as it determines whether your child meets the requirements for immigration to Canada.
During this phase, your application will be thoroughly reviewed, and your child’s background and medical history will be scrutinized. This is a critical step, as any discrepancies or issues can delay or even reject the application.
It’s essential to ensure that all necessary documents are submitted, and information is accurate to avoid any delays. The processing times for child sponsorship applications vary, but you can check the status of your application through the IRCC website or by contacting them directly.
Step 5: Post-Approval Steps
Upon approval, your child will receive a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) and can apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This marks the beginning of the post-approval steps in the dependent child sponsorship process.
As the sponsor, you’ll need to ensure your child completes the necessary medical and background checks. These checks are mandatory for all applicants, including dependents. Your child will also need to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints and a photo, as part of the application process.
Once these steps are completed, your child can submit their application for permanent residence through IRCC. You, as the sponsor, will be required to sign an undertaking, committing to provide for your child’s basic needs, including housing, clothing, food, and medical expenses. The duration of this undertaking varies depending on your child’s age.
As you explore the post-approval steps, it’s essential to stay organized and ensure all required documents are submitted on time. This will help facilitate a smooth transition for your child as they begin their new life in Canada.
Responsibilities and Obligations of the Sponsor
As a sponsor, you’re legally bound to provide for the basic needs of your dependent child, including housing, clothing, food, and medical expenses, for a specified period of time. This undertaking is a critical aspect of the sponsorship process, and you must understand the responsibilities that come with it.
By signing the undertaking, you agree to provide financial support to your dependent child for a certain number of years, depending on their age. For children under 16, the undertaking is typically 10 years, while for those 16 or older, it’s 3 years. You must also ensure that your child doesn’t become a burden to the Canadian government or the province of Quebec.
As a sponsor, you’re responsible for providing emotional and financial support to your child, ensuring they have access to education, healthcare, and other essential services. By fulfilling these responsibilities, you can help your child thrive in their new life in Canada.