Are you a Canadian citizen or permanent resident looking forward to reuniting with your adult child, family sponsorship may still be an option. While many people assume sponsorship is only available for children under 22, Canada’s immigration rules allow some adult children aged 22 or older to qualify as dependents if they meet specific eligibility requirements.
Under Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) rules, you can sponsor your dependent child or that of your spouse for permanent residence if they meet the legal definition of a dependent.
The information below applies to sponsors planning to live anywhere in Canada except Quebec, which operates its own family sponsorship system with separate eligibility requirements.
Qualifications for sponsorship
Here are some criteria that your child must meet to be eligible for this process:
The child must be dependent
Canadian immigration law recognizes two categories of dependent children.
Children Under 22: A child generally qualifies as a dependent if they are younger than 22 years old, unmarried or not living in a common-law relationship. One important detail is that the child’s age is ‘locked in’ on the day the sponsorship application lands at the IRCC. That means that in the event where your child turns 22 while the application is being processed, they are still eligible.
Adult Children Aged 22 or Older: Some adult children over the age of 22 may still qualify for sponsorship. However, the child must have a physical or mental condition that prevents them from becoming financially independent. The child must also have relied on their parent(s) for financial support continuously since before turning 22. This category is designed for adult children whose medical circumstances make independent living or employment difficult.
Your child must be admissible to Canada
Meeting the definition of a dependent child is only part of the process. Your child must also be admissible to Canada. IRCC assesses whether applicants meet Canada’s immigration and public safety requirements.
A child could be found inadmissible because of:
- Certain criminal convictions
- Medical conditions that create grounds for inadmissibility under Canadian immigration law
- Security-related concerns
IRCC reviews each application individually, so supporting documents and accurate disclosures are essential.
Who can sponsor a dependent child?
To sponsor an adult child who qualifies as a dependent, you must satisfy several eligibility requirements.
Generally, you must be 18 years old, be a Canadian citizen, hold a permanent residency status, or be registered as an Indian under the Indian Act, intend to live in Canada with your sponsored child; and, and sign an undertaking agreeing to provide financial support for the required period.
If you are applying as a permanent resident, it is mandatory to continue living in Canada for the whole of the sponsorship process.
