How to Bring a Dependent Child to Canada in 2025?

Who Is Considered a Dependent Child Under Canadian Immigration Law?

Canada defines a “dependent child” based on age and marital status. A child is considered a dependent if they are under 22 years old and not married or in a common-law relationship. This definition applies across most IRCC programs, including applications for permanent residence, study permits, work permits, and temporary resident visas. The definition includes a biological or adopted child.

However, the law makes allowances for children who are 22 or older but have depended on their parent(s) financially since before their 22nd birthday due to a physical or mental condition that prevents them from supporting themselves. Medical evidence must confirm that the child’s condition existed before age 22 and continues to make them dependent.

These rules apply whether the parent is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, international student, or temporary foreign worker. But the applicable process, and the documentation required, differs significantly depending on the parent’s own immigration status and the child’s purpose in coming to Canada.

IRCC’s Age Cutoff and the Lock-In Date Rule

When assessing if a child qualifies as a dependent, IRCC uses a concept called the “lock-in date.” This is the date at which the child’s age is frozen for immigration purposes, regardless of how long the application takes to process. For most programs, this is the date IRCC receives the completed application for permanent residence. For some programs, such as the Provincial Nominee Program, the lock-in date is earlier, when the province receives the nomination application.

This means that a child who is 21 on the lock-in date will still be considered a dependent even if they turn 22 while the application is being processed, as long as they remain unmarried and otherwise eligible.

Important Documentation Parents Must Provide

To prove the parent-child relationship, IRCC typically requires that the application package includes:

• A birth certificate listing both parents

• Custody or guardianship orders (in cases of separation or divorce)

• Adoption records (if applicable)

• A notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent (when only one parent is bringing the child)

Missing or inconsistent documentation is one of the leading causes of delay or refusal. Where custody is contested or a parent cannot be located, legal remedies such as a family court order may be necessary.

Immigration Options to Bring a Dependent Child to Canada

Temporary Resident Visa (Visitor Visa for Child)

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) allows a child to visit Canada for a short period, typically up to six months. This may be appropriate for family visits, accompanying a parent for a school tour or medical consultation, or waiting for permanent residence processing to be completed.

The application must include proof of the relationship (such as a birth certificate), the child’s passport, a letter of invitation from the parent in Canada, and a notarized consent letter if one parent is not accompanying the child. The parent will need to show that they can financially support the child for the duration of the trip. While TRVs are usually valid for six months, they can be renewed from within Canada if justified.

Study Permit for a Dependent Child

Children who will attend school in Canada for more than six months generally need a study permit. Exceptions apply depending on the parent’s status. For example, minor children already in Canada with a parent on a valid work or study permit may study at the primary or secondary level without needing a separate study permit, although IRCC encourages applying for one anyway. A study permit ensures easier access to certain services and allows children to continue studying beyond the age of majority.

A study permit application requires a letter of acceptance from a Canadian school, the child’s passport, proof of the parent’s status, and a custodianship declaration for minors under 17 who will not live with a parent.

Differences for Children of International Students, Temporary Workers, and PRs/Citizens

• Children of Canadian citizens or permanent residents do not require a study permit.

• Children of temporary foreign workers or international students usually do, unless exempt under provincial policies or accompanying a parent with the proper permit.

• If the child enters Canada before receiving a permit, they must have valid visitor status.

Study permits for primary students are generally issued for one year, while secondary students can receive a permit for up to four years.

Open Work Permit for Dependent Children (if applicable)

Dependent children aged 18 or older may be eligible if their parent is employed in a high-skilled occupation under TEER 0 to 3, and they were listed as dependants in a permanent residence application. This is also applicable to a spouse or common law partner.

If they not fit under the eligibility criteria and are not eligible for an open work permit, they may still apply for a job-specific permit or remain in Canada as visitors or students, depending on their circumstances.

Dependent Child Sponsorship for Permanent Residence

This is the most direct route for Canadian citizens or permanent residents wishing to bring their children to Canada permanently, under the dependent child sponsorship. Children can be sponsored from inside Canada (inland) or outside (outland). Inland sponsorship applications apply when both the sponsor and child is already in Canada with valid status; outland applies if the child is abroad. There is no minimum necessary income requirement or minimum income requirement to sponsor your dependant child, however in the application you will still be required to provide financial support to your dependant child, showcasing financial stability.

Sponsored children must complete medical exams, biometrics, and, if applicable, background checks. Once approved, they receive permanent resident status, a PR card, access to free public schooling, and provincial health insurance.

Special Cases & Humanitarian Pathways

Children Adopted Abroad

Children adopted from another country must meet the IRCC's adoption and sponsorship criteria. A sponsorship application for an adopted child must follow the process outlined in Guide 5196 and demonstrate the legal completion of the adoption under both countries' laws. The adoption process is different in each country, and so it is imperative that you understand the immigration process of the child sponsorship application so that when you obtain the adoption certificate it is clear that you are the sole legal guardian. If there are any issues with the documentation then you may not fit under the family class , which could cause higher processing time.

Children of Refugees or Protected Persons

Children born abroad to refugees or protected persons may qualify under family reunification programs. In many cases, they are exempt from certain requirements due to their status. This may include if the child abroad has a physical condition they may be exempt from medical inadmissibility. If the sponsoring parent is not financially independent and is on social assistance and does not have the income to cover basic needs, in which case you may need to argue an exemption.

Reuniting in Cases of Exceptional Hardship

In exceptional circumstances, such as a parent’s serious illness or the child’s lack of care abroad, an application may be made on Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) grounds. These are discretionary and evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Sponsoring a Child Not Biologically Related

You may be able to sponsor a child who is not your biological child, such as a stepchild or a child for whom you have de facto custody, if you can demonstrate a genuine parent-child relationship through legal documentation and long-term caregiving history.

Required Documents to Prove the Parent-Child Relationship

In all cases, documentation is essential. This may include:

• A birth certificate listing the parent(s)

• Custody or guardianship orders

• Adoption papers

• Consent letters if a parent is not accompanying

• A custodianship declaration if the child is under 17 and not living with a parent

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Refusal of Parental Consent

If the other parent refuses to consent or cannot be located, you may need a court order granting full custody or legal authorization to travel with the child.

Children Over the Age Limit

Children over 22 are only eligible if they meet the criteria for a dependent with a medical or mental health condition. Strong medical documentation is necessary to support this claim.

Processing Delays or Medical Inadmissibility

Delays may arise due to backlogs or incomplete paperwork. If medical inadmissibility is raised, especially in permanent residence applications, legal submissions addressing excessive demand and access to care may be required.

Errors or Omissions in the Application

Many applications are refused due to technical errors, missing documents, or inconsistent information. These issues can be avoided by working with experienced legal counsel.

Public Policy for Undeclared Family Members

If you failed to declare a child on your own PR application, you may still sponsor them under a public policy in effect until September 10, 2026, provided they meet other eligibility requirements.

How Immigration Lawyers from AKM Law Can Help

At AKM Law, we help parents assess the best immigration option based on their status and their child’s circumstances, whether that means applying for a visitor visa, study permit, or permanent residence through sponsorship. We assist with gathering the necessary documents, addressing consent and custody issues, managing age lock-in concerns, and preparing strong legal submissions for complex or humanitarian cases. If your child’s application involves medical or admissibility issues, undeclared family history, or falls under the public policy for past omissions, we will help ensure nothing is missed. Our team is committed to providing practical, reliable guidance at every step so your family can reunite in Canada.

Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal advice, consult the relevant legislation or regulations, or contact our immigration lawyers directly.