Maple News reports that Canadian citizens and permanent residents may sponsor their adult children for permanent residence, but only under specific circumstances. The key is whether the child qualifies as a dependent under Canadian immigration law—a category that can include many adult sons and daughters.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can sponsor a dependent child. The dependent designation covers adult children in certain situations.
This article focuses on sponsors who intend to live with their child anywhere in Canada outside Quebec, which operates its own process.
Definition of a dependent child—under 22: A child is considered dependent if they are under 22 and not married or in a common-law relationship. For eligibility, the age is locked in at the time you submit your application.
Dependent but aged 22 or older: A child aged 22 or more can still be considered dependent if they cannot financially support themselves due to a physical or mental condition, and they have been financially dependent on their parent(s) since before turning 22.
You can sponsor your dependent children and/or your spouse’s dependent children. Notes: The official sponsorship pathway is handled by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
To proceed, consult IRCC guidelines or talk with an immigration professional to understand required forms, documentation, and processing times. Processing times vary and depend on the country and program specifics.