Bringing Your Kids to Canada: What You Need to Know Before You Apply

Published by: Can X Global Solutions Inc.

Whether you are moving to Canada for a new job, reuniting with a spouse, or applying for permanent residency, your children are part of the picture from day one. And the rules around bringing kids to Canada are worth understanding clearly, because the process is different depending on your own status and how old your children are.

Here is a clear breakdown of what you need to know.

Children Coming as Dependants on a Work or Study Permit Application

If you are coming to Canada on a work permit or study permit, your dependent children can be included in your application as accompanying dependants. This means they travel with you and their status in Canada is tied to yours.

Children who come as dependants do not automatically get their own separate permits. Their authorization to be in Canada flows from your permit. As long as your permit is valid and maintained, they are covered.

Do Your Children Need a Study Permit?

This is one of the most commonly misunderstood points. Children who are accompanying a parent with valid temporary status in Canada can attend primary and secondary school (kindergarten through grade 12) without a separate study permit in most cases.

However, if your child is 18 or older and wants to pursue post-secondary education at a college or university in Canada, they will need their own study permit. Age and education level are the key factors here.

Exceptions Apply

There are also some exceptions based on the parent’s immigration status. If you are a refugee claimant or in certain protected person categories, the rules around your children’s schooling access may differ. Confirm the specific rules applicable to your situation before your child starts school.

If You Are a Permanent Resident or Canadian Citizen Sponsoring Your Children

If your children are not yet in Canada and you want to bring them permanently, you can sponsor your dependent children for permanent residency. This is a family class sponsorship and is separate from spousal sponsorship.

Dependent children are generally defined as your biological or adopted children who are under 22 years of age and do not have a spouse or common-law partner. Children 22 or older may still qualify as dependants if they have been continuously enrolled in school since before turning 22 or if they have a physical or mental condition that makes them dependent on you.

The sponsorship process involves demonstrating your relationship to the child, providing identity and status documents for both you and the child, and having the child complete a medical examination. Processing times vary, but dependent child sponsorships are generally processed more quickly than some other family class categories.

What About Children Who Are Already Canadian Citizens?

If your child was born in Canada, they are already a Canadian citizen by birth. There is no sponsorship or permit required for them. However, if you are applying for permanent residency as their parent, having a Canadian citizen child does not automatically give you permanent residency. What it can do is support a Humanitarian and Compassionate (H and C) application in certain circumstances by demonstrating your establishment and ties to Canada.

Adopted Children

Adopted children can be sponsored for permanent residency by Canadian citizens and permanent residents, but the adoption must meet specific requirements under both Canadian immigration law and the laws of the country where the child was adopted. International adoptions in particular require careful coordination between Canadian immigration requirements and the laws of the child’s birth country.

Practical Things to Sort Out Before Your Children Arrive

School registration in Canada is done through the local school board in the area where you live. Most provinces have settlement resources and newcomer programs to help families integrate. Once you have your housing confirmed, contact the local school board to understand enrollment requirements and timelines.

Health coverage for children varies by province. In British Columbia, for example, newcomers with eligible temporary status can access provincial health coverage after a waiting period. Many families get private health insurance to cover the waiting period. Understanding your province’s specific rules before you arrive avoids gaps in coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my children visit Canada while I wait for my permanent residency?

Yes, your children can visit Canada on a visitor visa or as visa-exempt visitors depending on their passport. The length of stay would be determined by the border officer at entry, typically up to six months. This is not a substitute for proper dependent status if your plan is for them to stay long-term.

What if my custody arrangement is shared with someone in another country?

Children with shared custody require the written consent of the other parent or legal guardian to travel to and live in Canada. IRCC requires evidence of custody arrangements and, in cases of sole custody, documentation confirming this. It is important to resolve custody documentation before starting the application to avoid delays.

Can I include stepchildren in my application?

Yes. Stepchildren and legally adopted children are treated the same as biological children for immigration purposes, provided the relationship began before the child turned 18 and they continue to meet the dependency criteria.