CA Family Permanent
Dependent Child Sponsorship (Family Class)
Bring your dependent children to Canada for PR - no income requirement.
Official Canada pageWho this route is for
Citizens, registered Indians or PRs (18+) sponsoring their own or their spouse's dependent children, including adopted children.
Eligibility requirements
- The child must be under 22 and not married or in a common-law relationship (age 'locks in' on the date IRCC receives the application)
- Children 22 or older qualify only if they have depended on a parent for financial support since before age 22 because of a physical or mental condition
- NO minimum income / LICO requirement for a dependent child (unless the child has dependent children of their own)
- Sponsor signs an undertaking: 10 years or until the child turns 25 (whichever is first) for children under 22; 3 years for dependent children 22+
- Child passes medical, security and criminality checks; genuine parent-child relationship must be proven (DNA may be requested)
Requirements reviewed June 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.
Other Canada routes
Spouse, Common-Law or Conjugal Partner Sponsorship (Family Class)
PermanentA citizen or PR sponsors their spouse or partner for PR - with no income requirement.
Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
PermanentSponsor your parents or grandparents for PR - invitation-only, with no new intake for 2026.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (Express Entry)
PermanentClassic points route to PR for skilled professionals with foreign work experience.
Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry)
PermanentThe fastest in-Canada route - turns skilled Canadian experience into PR.