IRCC to Increase Age of Dependent Children from Under 19 to Under 22

The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship announced today that the maximum age of a dependent child will be increased from the current “under 19” to “under 22.” This change will come into effect on October 24, 2017, and will apply to all new applications under all immigration programs operated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

This change will return the definition of a dependent child to the one in place prior to August 1, 2014. The driving force behind increasing the dependent child age was the Government of Canada’s commitment to family reunification. As the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship has stated, this change will “bring economic and social gains to our country as it enhances our attractiveness as a destination of choice for immigrants and refugees.” By facilitating family reunification, the self-sufficiency and social and economic well-being of refugees and immigrants will also be improved.