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Family Reunification
Family Class Sponsorship
Sponsor your dependent children, adopted children, or other eligible relatives to become Canadian permanent residents. Family reunification is a cornerstone of Canadian immigration.
Processing
12 months (dependent children), 24+ months (adoption)
Total Fees
$150 per child
Undertaking
10 years
Include
Dependents
Program Overview
About Family Class Sponsorship
Family class sponsorship covers several categories beyond spouses and parents. Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor dependent children, adopted children, and in some cases, other relatives.
Dependent children must be under 22 years old and not married or in a common-law relationship. There is no age limit if the child depends substantially on the parent due to a medical condition.
International adoption requires additional steps including provincial approval and compliance with the Hague Convention if the child's country is a signatory. Lone relative sponsorship applies when you have no other family in Canada and want to sponsor a relative like a sibling, niece, or nephew.
Free Assessment
Find out if you qualify to sponsor your family member. Our RCIC consultants will review your case.
Book ConsultationRCIC License: R515110
Eligibility
Who Can Sponsor & Be Sponsored
Who Can Sponsor
- Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- At least 18 years old
- Living in Canada (for most categories)
- Able to provide for the sponsored person
- Not convicted of certain offenses
Who Can Be Sponsored
- Dependent children under 22
- Dependent children 22+ with medical dependency
- Adopted children (international or domestic)
- Orphaned relatives under 18 (siblings, nieces, nephews, grandchildren)
- Lone relative (if you have no family in Canada)
Documentation
Required Documents
Dependent Child Sponsorship
- Child must be under 22 years old
- Child must be unmarried and not in common-law
- Child must not have their own dependents
- Proof of parent-child relationship
International Adoption
- Provincial approval letter
- Home study by licensed agency
- Hague Convention compliance (if applicable)
- Adoption finalized before or in Canada
Orphaned Relatives
- Both parents deceased
- Under 18 years old
- Unmarried
- Related by blood or adoption
Documentation
- Birth certificates
- Custody documents (if applicable)
- Police certificates (if 18+)
- Medical exam
- Photos meeting specifications
Application Process
How to Apply
1
Confirm Eligibility
Verify your child or relative meets the definition of dependent child, orphaned relative, or lone relative.
2
Provincial Process (Adoption)
For international adoption, complete your province home study and obtain approval before immigration steps.
3
Gather Documents
Collect identity documents, relationship proof, and any required police certificates or medical exams.
4
Submit Application
Apply online through the IRCC portal. Include all supporting documents and pay fees.
5
Biometrics and Interview
If required, attend biometrics appointment. Some cases require an interview at a visa office.
6
Decision and Travel
Once approved, coordinate travel to Canada or confirm PR landing if already in country.
Costs
Government Fees
Sponsorship Fee$75
Principal Applicant$75 (child under 22)
Dependent Child$75 per additional child
Total Estimate$150 per child + Right of PR Fee $515 (if 22+)
Fees are subject to change. Check IRCC website for current fee schedule. Additional costs may include medical exams, police certificates, and translation services.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age cutoff for dependent children?
Dependent children must be under 22 and not married or in a common-law relationship. Children 22 or older qualify only if they have depended on a parent due to a physical or mental condition since before age 22.
Can I sponsor my sibling?
Only if they qualify as a lone relative (you have no other family in Canada) or as an orphaned relative (under 18 with both parents deceased). Otherwise, siblings are not eligible for family sponsorship.
How does international adoption work for immigration?
You must first get provincial approval and complete a home study. Then you apply for citizenship (if adopting from Hague country) or permanent residence (non-Hague). The process can take 2-3 years total.
Is there income requirement for sponsoring a child?
No. Unlike parent sponsorship, there is no minimum income requirement to sponsor a dependent child.
What if my child turns 22 during processing?
Your child age is locked in at the date IRCC receives a complete application. As long as they were under 22 when you submitted, they remain eligible.
Can I sponsor a child I did not raise?
Yes, if you are the biological or legal parent. You need to provide DNA evidence or legal documentation proving the relationship.
Ready to Sponsor Your Family?
Our RCIC consultants have helped thousands of families reunite in Canada. Book a consultation to discuss your family sponsorship case.