Change to definition of dependent children to help families stay together in Canada
October 27, 2017 – The Government of Canada has changed the definition of the age of dependants from “under 19” to “under 22,”. This completes a key mandate commitment of the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. The change will help more immigrant families stay together. When newcomer families are able to stay together, their integration into Canada, and their ability to work and contribute to their communities all improve.
This change applies to all new applications received by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on or after October 24, 2017.
A public policy has also been added by the government 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.
Those who do not qualify as dependants may still have several other options. Contact us to find out the ways someone may be eligible to immigrate to Canada.
This information is for general purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Go Canada Visas accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Go Canada Visas. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Go Canada Visas.