Dependent Child and other Sponsorship

When completing pretty much any immigration application, you will be asked questions about any possible dependents you might have.

In case of any uncertainty, below is what qualifies as a dependent for the purposes of any immigration application:

A son or daughter is dependent when the child:

• is under age 22 and does not have a spouse or common-law partner,
• is over age 22 and has

1. been enrolled as a full-time student on an ongoing basis and
2. depended largely on the financial support of a parent before age 22
3. became a spouse or a common-law partner before age 22 and has
4. been enrolled as a full-time student on an ongoing basis and
5. depended largely on the financial support of a parent since they became a spouse or common-law partner, or
6. is over age 22 and has depended largely on the financial support of a parent since before age 22 because of a physical or mental condition.

There are also other kinds of dependents, like a de facto dependant.

A de facto dependant is a person considered by the refugee family to be an integral member of the family unit but who does not meet CIC’s definition of a family member. For example, an elderly aunt who has always lived with the principal applicant may be a de facto dependant. Such individuals should be included in the sponsorship.

To be considered as a member of the family unit, such individuals must satisfy the visa officer that they are dependent on the family unit in which membership is claimed. The dependency may be emotional or economic and will often be a combination of the two. Such people would normally, but not exclusively, live with the principal applicant as members of the same household.

Examples of persons who may qualify as de facto dependants:

• An unmarried adult daughter in cultures where it is normal for an unmarried adult daughter to remain dependent until she marries.
• A widowed sister or sister-in-law in a culture where it is normal for the applicant to take on responsibility for her care and sustenance when she has no other means of support.
• Nieces and nephews whose parents have been killed or are missing. In the case of nieces and nephews, you must take into consideration the best interests of the child. To the extent possible, you should work with appropriate authorities in that field to try to avoid any disputes with respect to custody or guardianship.
• Parents of any age living with you and without other children with whom they could reside or without means of support other than yourself.
• Elderly relatives who have lived with you or who are solely, or for the most part, dependent on you for care, shelter, etc.