On October 24, 2017, the Government of Canada has changed the definition of the age of dependants from <<under 19>> to <<under 22>>. This important change will help more immigrant families reunite and stay together.
This change applies to all new applications received by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on or after October 24, 2017. Parents who would like to see if their dependent qualifies, can try the new IRCC web tool.
Also, the government has introduced a public policy that would allow for the addition or sponsorship of some children whose parents had existing applications in process on May 3, 2017, or who have applied since that time.
A dependent child is considered a child who depends on his/her parent(s) for financial and other support.
As of October 24, 2017, a child is considered “a dependent child” if:
- is under 22 years old, and
- he/she does not have a spouse or common-law partner.
Also, a child 22 years old or older (also known as an overage dependent child) qualifies as a dependant if he/she meets both of these requirements:
- the child depended on his/her parents for financial support since before the age of 22, and
- the child is unable to financially support himself/herself because of a mental or physical condition.
Before completing your immigration forms and/or submitting your application package to IRCC, check with a legal representative or with IRCC if your child qualifies as a dependent.
For more information regarding the age of dependents, please check the following link: https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/glossary.asp#d
Source: IRCC website
