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Visiting your sponsored child is a unique opportunity. We are here to help you organize your visit. Please see some important information below. If you have any more questions or concerns, please give us a call or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you.
How do I arrange to visit my sponsored child?
Please contact us at least three months before your visit. Contacting us well in advance allows us time to coordinate with the overseas office to organize your visit. Your sponsored child’s family also needs to be notified about your visit request well ahead of time to ensure they will be available to meet on the proposed date. We will make every effort to arrange a visit with your sponsored child during the time that you are planning to travel in your sponsored child’s country. However, sometimes family or political circumstances can prevent a visit.
Our Sponsor Visit Coordinator would be pleased to help you with any questions you may have and can be reached by email at canosponsorvisit@worldvision.ca or by phone at 1-866-595-5550 .
Please note that, in accordance with our Child Protection Policy, a World Vision staff member must accompany you at all times during your visit. This policy upholds our commitment to being a child-safe organization that supports the safety and protection of children in their communities.
World Vision will notify you as soon as your visit request has been approved.
What are my obligations as a sponsor who wants to visit my sponsored child?
We ask that you complete the following steps at least three months before you intend to visit your sponsored child.
- Read World Vision's Child Protection Policy.
- Complete and sign the Application Form.
- Complete and sign the Child Protection Letter
- Visit your local police authority and obtain a completed Police Security Check (must include a Vulnerable Sector Search). This is required for each visitor over 18 years, and may take up to 6 weeks to process.
- Mail us the above three documents (Application Form, Child Protection Letter and Police Security Check)
Once the forms are received, we will begin processing your sponsor visit.
Are there any expenses involved in visiting my sponsored child?
Yes, you are responsible for covering all the expenses related to the visit for both yourself and the local World Vision staff member. This includes transportation to and from your sponsored child's community and meals. If your sponsored child and an accompanying adult come to meet you, you would be expected to cover their transportation, lodging and meals. In some areas, it may be necessary to hire a translator so you can communicate with the World Vision staff member, your sponsored child and his or her family. We will provide an estimate of the visit expenses once your visit has been accepted.
What if I have to cancel?
Canceling your visit will disappoint your sponsored child and should be avoided if at all possible. If you must cancel for unavoidable reasons, please contact us to discuss the situation. As the coordination of your visit may already be in process, you may be requested to reimburse the overseas office for any incurred expenses.
Do I need immunizations?
It is important that you visit a travel clinic or speak with your health care professional for information concerning tropical diseases, immunizations, prevention measures, advice on food, and out-of-country health insurance well in advance of your trip.
Should I contact the World Vision office when I first arrive in my sponsored child's country?
Yes, the office will expect to hear from you a day or two after your arrival. We will give you the name, address and telephone number of your contact person, with whom you can discuss the final details of your visit arrangements. This person can also inform you about unique greetings or customs in your sponsored child’s country or answer any general questions you may have.
Where will I meet my sponsored child?
The local World Vision staff person who accompanies you on your visit will introduce you to your sponsored child, as well as their family and community. During your visit you will see how your support is bringing about positive change in your sponsored child’s community.
It is important to note that in some countries, sponsors do not meet the child in the child’s own home or even community. Instead, the visit may be hosted at a community centre, school or project office, either in the child’s own community or in another community.
How will my sponsored child feel about my visit?
Sponsored children are usually very honoured to receive your visit. Remember, like many children, your sponsored child may initially be quite shy when meeting strangers. Give your sponsored child some time to get comfortable with you. You may receive a special welcome from the elders, leaders and even the entire community. Be assured that your sponsored child will cherish the memory of your visit for years to come.
How long will my visit last?
Sponsor visits typically take place on a weekday and can last up to a few hours, not including the travel time to and from the community. A longer visit will disrupt the normal daily routine of the sponsored child and community. Although you may want to prolong the visit, please respect the length of time that has been allotted for it.
Will I be able to take photographs?
Although it is usually acceptable to take photos of your sponsored child, you must ask permission. Our staff will advise you about this. Please respect the wishes of your sponsored child’s family if they do not want photos taken.
What should I wear?
When you are visiting your sponsored child, please keep in mind that clothing may be a sensitive cultural issue. Please dress modestly. Men and women should both avoid wearing shorts. A comfortable, sturdy pair of walking shoes is essential. Please contact your travel agent for information pertaining to the specific country you will be visiting.
May I bring gifts?
Yes. Gifts such as colourful books of Canada or school supplies are wonderful ice-breakers when you first meet your sponsored child. Practical gifts for the family like clothing or cooking utensils are also appropriate. When selecting gifts, please be sensitive to your sponsored child’s lack of possessions and remember that other children in the community will likely be gathered around as well.
It is important not to make promises to your sponsored child to provide more help. World Vision communities are designed to promote self-reliance. Please do not give money to your sponsored child, family or community members. Please do not give your address to your sponsored child, their family or others in the community to avoid requests for additional funds.
For more information, please send us an email at: canosponsorvisit@worldvision.ca or give us a call at: 1-866-595-5550 . We look forward to arranging this visit, as it should create positive memories for both you and your sponsored child.
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