Children
Canadian citizens and permanent residents may sponsor dependent children for permanent residence so families can reunite. Dependent children include biological or adopted children who meet regulatory dependency rules.
Sponsors must generally be 18+ and reside in Canada (or meet rules for citizens abroad). Dependent children are usually under 22 and not married or in a common-law relationship, unless an exception applies for financial dependency due to a physical or mental condition. Sponsors sign a financial undertaking.
Cohen Visa advises families on eligibility, undertakings, and documentation for sponsorship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about sponsoring dependent children
Generally, a dependent child is under 22 years of age and not married or in a common-law relationship, or qualifies under regulatory exceptions where older children have depended substantially on the parent for financial support since before age 22 due to a physical or mental condition. Each case depends on facts and timing.
Yes, when the adoption meets Canadian immigration requirements and custody laws, and the child meets the definition of a dependent under the regulations. Intercountry adoption often requires extra steps and provincial or foreign documentation.
Permanent resident sponsors must ordinarily reside in Canada. Citizens may sponsor from abroad in some circumstances if they demonstrate intent to reside in Canada when the sponsored family member lands, subject to program rules.
Sponsors commit to financially supporting the child for a prescribed period so the child does not need social assistance. The undertaking length depends on the child's age and category at the time of sponsorship.
Yes. Dependents must complete immigration medical exams and satisfy background and admissibility requirements like other permanent residence applicants.
We confirm dependency and eligibility, prepare forms and identity or custody evidence, advise on adoption files, and manage undertakings and compliance with IRCC instructions.