As of October 24, 2017, regulations have changed to raise the age of dependent children from “under 19” to “under 22”…
To enhance family unity and reunification, and in recognition that many young adults remain with their parents longer , the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) have been amended to introduce a new definition of “dependent child”.
The only change in this new definition is that the maximum age of a dependent child has increased from 18 to 21. The definition retains the requirement for a dependent child to be unmarried and not in a common-law relationship and for overage children with a physical or mental condition to have been continually unable to financially support themselves since before turning 22.
The new definition applies to applications received on or after October 24, 2017. Applications received between August 1, 2014, and October 23, 2017, will be processed based on the previous definitions…
Lock-in dates: The regulatory amendments related to the new definition of dependent child do not include any changes to regulations regarding when the age of a child of the principal applicant is locked in.
Transitional provisions: In addition, an amendment has been made to correct an inadvertent omission in the transitional provisions for the August 1, 2014, amendment, to include a dependent child who made an application as a principal applicant as a member of the family class on or before July 31, 2014…
Fees: The new definition of a dependent child has not resulted in any changes to the fee structure. The range of permanent resident fees for dependent children that apply on and after October 24, 2017, are based on the dependant type.
To read the full release, click here.