Dependent child sponsorship — biological / adopted / step

Under IRPR R2, a "dependent child" of the sponsor is:
  (a) Biological or adopted child under 22 years old AND not married or in common-law relationship, OR
  (b) 22+ years old, has been continuously a dependent child since before age 22 (financially + emotionally), AND
      (i) Has been a full-time student in a post-secondary institution since before age 22, OR
      (ii) Has been physically or mentally unable to provide for themselves since before age 22

The 22-year age threshold (effective Oct 2017) replaced the prior 19-year threshold. Children who were dependents under prior threshold + applied before policy change may be grandfathered.

Draft a 500-600 word dependent child sponsorship strategy for [SPONSOR_NAME] sponsoring [CHILD_NAME] ([CHILD_AGE], [RELATIONSHIP], currently in [CHILD_LOCATION]).

§1 — ELIGIBILITY ANALYSIS (180-220 words)

For [CHILD_NAME] aged [CHILD_AGE]:

If [CHILD_AGE] is under 22:
  • Default dependency status applies
  • Must NOT be married or in common-law relationship
  • If married / common-law, child is no longer a dependent under R2

If [CHILD_AGE] is 22 or older:
  • Dependency must be established under R2(b)
  • Two acceptable bases:
    Basis 1: Full-time post-secondary student
      • Must have been continuously enrolled in full-time post-secondary studies since before age 22
      • Studies must be at recognized post-secondary institution (university, college, vocational)
      • Some gap between programs OK if short + reasonable
      • Required evidence: enrollment letters, transcripts, current student ID
    Basis 2: Physical / mental dependency
      • Must have suffered from physical or mental condition since before age 22
      • Condition makes child unable to support themselves
      • Medical evidence required: doctor's report, ongoing care evidence, financial dependence proof

For not applicable (child is under 22) = [details]:
  Confirm dependency basis matches reality.
  Note: officers scrutinize "age + 1 day" dependency claims more carefully.

§2 — RELATIONSHIP TYPE — EVIDENCE BY CATEGORY (200-250 words)

A. Biological child:
  • Birth certificate showing both parents' names
  • Sponsor's name as parent matches sponsor's ID
  • DNA testing if birth certificate is delayed-issued or otherwise questioned

B. Adopted child:
  • Foreign adoption order (legalised under Hague Adoption Convention or country-specific)
  • Provincial / territorial adoption recognition (if adoption from Hague country)
  • OR: separate Citizenship Direct Grant under s.5.1 of Citizenship Act
  • IRCC processes through R117(1)(b) family class — must establish:
    - Adoption was genuine (not for immigration purposes)
    - In best interests of child
    - No corruption / payment for adoption
  • Adoption from India: subject to CARA (Central Adoption Resource Authority) + Hague Convention compliance

C. Step-child:
  • Sponsor's marriage to child's biological parent
  • Child must be a member of the family unit
  • Some scenarios: sponsor's spouse has a child from prior marriage; sponsor becomes step-parent
  • Step-children of common-law / conjugal partners: complex; consult counsel

D. Indian-context specifics:
  • Indian birth certificates: must be original-issued (some Indian states have delayed issuance — late-issued certificates require police records + court documents)
  • Adopted children: CARA-compliant adoption with Indian state authority approval

§3 — INADMISSIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS (80-100 words)

Even dependent children must clear admissibility:
  • Criminality: most children under 22 won't have criminal history, but check
  • Medical: medical exam required; medical inadmissibility (rare but possible — costly treatment that exceeds excessive demand threshold)
  • Misrepresentation: ensure child's prior travel / visa history disclosed accurately

For older dependent children (20s+):
  • Police certificates from all countries lived 6+ months since 18
  • Recent address history
  • Employment history (informational)

§4 — APPLICATION PACKAGE (150-180 words)

Sponsorship (Stage 1) by [SPONSOR_NAME]:
  □ IMM 1344 — Application to Sponsor
  □ Sponsorship undertaking (3-10 years duration depending on child age):
    - Under 16: until age 25 OR 10 years (whichever first)
    - 16-21: 10 years OR until age 25 (whichever first)
    - 22+: 3 years

PR application by [CHILD_NAME]:
  □ IMM 0008 — Generic Application Form
  □ IMM 5669 — Schedule A
  □ IMM 5406 — Additional Family Information
  □ Passport
  □ Photos
  □ Medical exam
  □ Police certificates (if 18+ at time of application)
  □ Biometrics
  □ Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): CAD 575 (under 22), or CAD 575 (over 22 if accompanying parents)

§5 — SPECIAL CASES (60-80 words)

If child has children of their own (i.e. has minor children at age 19+ who are dependent grandchildren):
  • Grandchildren can be included as dependent grandchildren if dependent on the principal applicant
  • Each requires their own documentation

If child has spouse / partner:
  • Child is no longer dependent under R2(a)
  • Child can be sponsored separately as a spouse (if they have a Canadian PR/citizen spouse — different stream entirely)

§6 — TIMELINE (40-60 words)

  • Sponsorship eligibility: 2-4 months
  • PR application for dependent child: 12-18 months
  • Faster than spouse sponsorship typically
  • Quebec sponsors: separate provincial process

End with: "DRAFT DEPENDENT CHILD SPONSORSHIP — for RCIC review. R117(9)(d) excluded relationships apply — sponsor must have declared the child in any prior immigration application to Canada. Children turning 22 during processing remain dependent IF lock-in date was met (typically AOR date)."