When sponsoring a spouse to Canada, you can include their dependent stepchild on the same application. You must carefully list them on the IMM 0008 form, and the government processing fee is generally $155 CAD per child, plus a biometric fee if applicable.
Blending families across borders is an exciting journey, but the Canadian immigration system requires careful attention to detail. If you are a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident sponsoring your partner, you might also need to sponsor their child from a previous relationship. Whether you are settling down in Toronto, Vancouver, or a quiet suburb in Nova Scotia, the federal rules set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) apply to everyone. Understanding how to properly classify a stepchild can prevent massive delays or heartbreaking refusals.
Step-by-Step Process in Canada
Applying for family sponsorship is essentially filing two applications at once: you apply to be the sponsor, and your spouse applies for Permanent Residence (PR). 👪 When a stepchild is involved, they are added as a “dependent” to your spouse’s PR application.
Step 1: Confirm the Child’s Eligibility
First, you must ensure the child legally qualifies as a dependent under Canadian law. As of May 2026, IRCC generally defines a dependent child as someone who is under 22 years of age and does not have a spouse or common-law partner. If the child is 22 or older, they usually only qualify if they have depended on their parents for financial support since before age 22 due to a physical or mental condition.
Step 2: Obtain Consent from the Other Parent
If the child is moving to Canada, the other biological parent (who is not immigrating) must give legal consent. 📝 You will generally need to provide a signed Declaration from Non-Accompanying Parent/Guardian for Minors Immigrating to Canada (Form IMM 5604). This document must be accompanied by the non-accompanying parent’s photo identification. If the other parent refuses to sign, you may need a Canadian family Lawyer to help you navigate international custody laws, which can be highly complex.
Step 3: Complete the IMM 0008 Form Carefully
The principal applicant (your spouse) must list all family members on the Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008). You must explicitly state whether the stepchild is “accompanying” (moving to Canada now) or “non-accompanying” (staying in their home country for now). Even if the child is non-accompanying, they must be listed. Failing to declare a stepchild is a severe misrepresentation and can result in a lifetime ban on sponsoring them in the future.
Step 4: Complete Medical and Background Checks
Every dependent child, whether accompanying or not, must undergo an upfront immigration medical examination by an IRCC-approved panel physician. 🩺 If the stepchild is 18 years of age or older, they will also need to provide a police clearance certificate from every country they have lived in for six months or more since turning 18. This ensures they are not criminally inadmissible to Canada.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
Adding a stepchild to a spousal sponsorship application increases the overall cost. You must budget for both government fees and external expenses.
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsorship Fee (Per Child) | $75 | Paid to IRCC |
| Principal Applicant Fee (Child) | $80 | Paid to IRCC |
| Biometrics (If 14 or older) | $85 | Required for older dependents |
| Medical Examination | $150 – $300+ | Varies by clinic and country |
How Long Does the Process Take?
IRCC generally aims to process standard spousal sponsorship applications (including those with dependent stepchildren) within 10 to 12 months. ⏳ However, if there are complications regarding child custody, missing IMM 5604 forms, or delayed medical exams, the process can drag on for 18 months or more. Submitting a complete, error-free application is the best way to avoid unnecessary delays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens if the other biological parent refuses to sign the consent form?
If the non-accompanying parent refuses to sign the IMM 5604 form, you generally must obtain a formal court order granting your spouse sole custody and the explicit legal right to remove the child from their home country.
Can the stepchild immigrate later if we list them as non-accompanying?
Yes. As long as the child is fully declared and undergoes a medical exam during the initial spousal application, you can generally sponsor them later under the Family Class, provided they still meet the definition of a dependent child at that time.
Do I need to prove a minimum income to sponsor a stepchild?
Generally, there is no Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement to sponsor a spouse and their dependent child. However, you must prove that you can provide for their basic needs and that you are not receiving provincial social assistance (other than for a disability).
Should we use a Canadian law firm for our application?
While not legally required, hiring a Law Firm is highly recommended when dealing with stepchildren. Custody laws and international travel restrictions can complicate an application, and a legal professional ensures you do not trigger misrepresentation rules.
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