Children need careful attention in any family immigration plan, whether they will travel now or later. Eligibility depends on the applicable dependency rules, family relationship and application type. Parentage, custody and the other parent’s consent may need documentation. Before starting sponsorship, also check whether a child may already be Canadian. Accurate disclosure of all family members is essential, including those who are not accompanying the principal applicant.
What to plan
- Check dependency and possible existing citizenship.
- Identify sponsorship or accompanying-family requirements.
- Organize parentage, custody and consent evidence.
- Plan each child’s medical and identity documents.
The process, step by step.
This is the typical sequence to discuss when agreeing your service. The exact requirements depend on your circumstances and current instructions.
Confirm the child’s status and category
Check whether the child is already Canadian, qualifies as a dependant or needs a specific adoption-related process before selecting forms.
Establish parentage and consent
Gather birth, custody and permission documents, and obtain specialist advice when parental authority, adoption or family circumstances are disputed.
Prepare the sponsorship or family file
Follow the applicable checklist, disclose all required family members and complete the child’s identity, background and examination requirements.
Coordinate the decision and move
Respond to requests, review the outcome and arrange travel and schooling only with the documents appropriate to the child’s status.
What to prepare
These are starting points for a discussion. The official checklist and your circumstances determine the documents required for an application.
- Birth certificates and passports
- Parent’s Canadian status or immigration application details
- Custody orders and consent where applicable
- Dependency evidence required for the child’s circumstances
Your questions, answered.
No. First establish citizenship status. A child who is already Canadian needs the appropriate citizenship and travel documents.
No. Follow the application’s family disclosure instructions, including requirements for children who will not move with you.
Check the official guidance
Research checked 13 October 2026. Program rules, intake, fees, and processing times can change. Use the current official instructions before making a decision.