CIC Lowers Dependent Child Age

As of August 1, 2014, the definition of a dependent child as outlined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations will change.

For the purposes of Canada’s immigration programs, children will be considered dependent if they are under 19 years (instead of 22). Further, dependent children will no longer include those who are 19 or over and are financially dependent on their parents and are enrolled in full-time studies.

Children who are 19 years of age or older and have depended substantially on the financial support of the parent since before the age of 19, and are unable to be financially self-supporting due to a physical or mental condition, will continue to be considered dependent regardless of age.

Those who fall outside the definition of dependent child (i.e. young adults) can apply to come to Canada as foreign students or through Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s other programs.

Individuals who are already in the immigration process when these regulations come into force will continue to benefit from the previous definition of dependent child.