April 28, 2011

Sponsoring brothers & sisters as dependants

Q: I have a younger sister/brother who is a dependant of my parents, can I sponsor her/him as well?

A: Yes, if your sibling is considered a dependent child, then you may include her/him in your parents’ application. To be considered a dependent child, one must satisfy a few conditions, among others:

• to be under 22 years of age and not married/ common-law relationship or
• married before she/he was 22, but has been continuously enrolled as a full-time student before she/he was 22 years of age and is financially dependent on the parents or;
• is 22 years of age or older, but is financially dependent on the parents because of a medical condition

Some applicants are seeking court relief because of the number of years it now requires to sponsor a parent. Some feel we should allow even fewer parents and more siblings but no matter what side of the debate you find yourself on, when it involves family emotion is at the forefront.