Bringing dependent children to live in Canada as permanent residents is made possible through the Family Class Sponsorship program. This program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their biological or adopted children, ensuring their well-being and unity as a family. In this informative article, we will explore the eligibility criteria, requirements, and procedures involved in sponsoring a child for Canadian immigration
Eligibility for Sponsors:
To sponsor a child for Canadian immigration, the sponsor must meet certain criteria. Firstly, the sponsor must be 18 years of age or older and either a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident residing in Canada. Additionally, sponsors must be able to provide for the child’s basic needs and furnish evidence of the parent-child relationship. It is important to note that sponsors should not have a criminal record, be incarcerated or charged with a serious offense, be bankrupt, in default of a previous sponsorship undertaking, under immigration investigation, or receiving income assistance (except for disability reasons).
Eligibility for Dependent Children:
For a child to be eligible for sponsorship, they must be a biological or adopted child of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. The child should be unmarried and under the age of 22, relying financially on their parents. However, even if a child turns 22 during the application processing, they can still qualify as a dependent if they have a physical or mental condition preventing self-support and have depended on their parents financially since before the age of 22. It is crucial that the child remains unmarried and not in a common-law relationship throughout the processing until they become a permanent resident.
Definition of Dependent Child:
The definition of a dependent child includes various scenarios. A child who is divorced, widowed, or whose marriage has been annulled, or who is no longer in a common-law relationship at the time of the initial application, can still be considered a dependent child. The relationship between the parent and child can be established through biological ties or adoption. Documentation such as birth certificates or evidence of assisted human reproduction technologies can be submitted to establish the parent-child relationship.
Additional Requirements:
If there are custody orders in place for the child, written consent from the parent or guardian overseas is required. In cases where consent is not provided, a court order may be acceptable. If custody is shared, written confirmation of no objection from the other parent is necessary. These requirements ensure compliance with custody orders and foreign laws while prioritizing the best interests of the child.
Conclusion:
Family Class Sponsorship in Canada offers Canadian citizens and permanent residents the opportunity to bring their dependent children to live with them as permanent residents. By meeting the eligibility criteria and fulfilling the necessary requirements, parents can reunite with their children in Canada, fostering strong family bonds and providing a nurturing environment for their upbringing. The Canadian immigration system recognizes the importance of family unity and strives to facilitate the immigration process for families, ensuring the best interests of the child are protected throughout the sponsorship journey.
