Definition of a Dependent Child Changing

Effective August 1, 2014, the definition of a dependent child is changing for Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s (CIC’s) immigration programs.

The age at which a child will be considered a dependent is being reduced, from under 22 to under 19.

The exception for full-time students is also being removed. Children of applicants who are 19 or over but are financially dependent on their parents and are enrolled in full-time studies will no longer be eligible to be processed as dependent children.

All permanent resident applications in CIC inventories before August 1, 2014 will continue to benefit from the pre-amendment definition of dependent child.

Transitional measures will allow Provincial Nominee Program applicants who are already in the immigration process at the time these regulations come into force on August 1, 2014, but who have not yet submitted their application for permanent residence, to have their applications completed based on the previous definition of dependent child. The age of a child whose parent applies to the Provincial Nominee Program will be “locked in” on the date that the application for nomination is received by the province.

For more information, visit the CIC website.