Family sponsorship
Sponsoring a dependent child or other relative
You can sponsor your dependent child, born to you or adopted. A child usually counts as dependent if they are under 22 and not married or in a common-law relationship. Older children can count if a physical or mental condition means they have always depended on you. Other relatives qualify only in a few situations.
Who can you sponsor as a child or relative?
- A child under 22 with no spouse or common-law partner.
- A child 22 or older who cannot support themselves because of a physical or mental condition, and has depended on you since before 22.
- An orphaned brother, sister, nephew, niece or grandchild who is under 18 and not married.
- One other relative, but only if you have no spouse, partner, child, parent or grandparent you could sponsor or who is already a citizen or permanent resident. This is often called the lonely Canadian rule.
How does sponsoring a child or relative work?
- We check that your child or relative fits IRCC's definition.
- We decide whether to add the child to another application, such as your spouse's, or file on its own.
- We collect proof of the relationship and of custody where needed.
- We prepare and submit the application, then deal with IRCC's requests.
What documents do you need to sponsor a child?
- Birth certificates naming the parents, or adoption papers.
- Consent or custody papers from the other parent, where there is one.
- Death certificates of the parents, for an orphaned relative.
- For an older dependent child, medical proof and proof they have depended on you.
IRCC sets the exact list for each application. We give you a checklist for your own file.
Why are child and relative sponsorships refused?
- The child is over the age limit and does not meet the exception.
- No consent or custody papers from the other parent.
- The relative does not fit the narrow rules for other relatives.
- An adoption that IRCC sees as done mainly for immigration.
How can Blue Chip help?
- We check the definitions against your family before you spend money on documents.
- We help you get consent and civil documents in the form IRCC accepts.
- Where it is allowed, we put family members into one application.
Common questions
Up to what age can I sponsor my child?
Under 22, as long as they are not married or in a common-law relationship. Older children can qualify if a physical or mental condition has kept them dependent on you since before 22.
Can I sponsor my brother or sister?
Only in narrow cases: if they are orphaned, under 18 and not married, or under the lonely Canadian rule. Most adult siblings need another route, such as Express Entry.
Can my spouse's child come with them?
Yes. A dependent child of the person you sponsor is usually included in the same application.
Official pages
Fees, processing times and income figures change often. Check them on the official pages:
This page is general information, not legal advice. Every case is different, and no one can guarantee an outcome. Rules checked against canada.ca in October 2026.
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