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I am 23 years old, am I still viewed as a dependent for immigration to Canada with my family?

Blog posted on by Evelyn Ackah in Family Class

I am 23 years old, am I still viewed as a dependent for immigration to Canada with my family?

On May 3, 2017, the Government of Canada announced that there will be a change to the Canadian Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (“IRPR”) to increase the maximum age limit of a dependent child from 19 years to 22 years, to encourage family reunification. This change will come into effect on October 24, 2017 and upon coming into effect, principal applicants can include their dependent children aged 22 and under on their immigration applications.

The term “dependent child” under the IRPR refers to a foreign national who is a member of the family class of a sponsor. Currently, a biological or adopted child of the applicant and that of the spouse is a dependent, if the child is:

  • under the age of 19 and does not have a spouse or common-law partner; or
  • 19 years of age or older and is unable to be financially self-sufficient since before the age of 19 due to a physical or mental condition.

The changes to the age limit of a dependent child reflects the Canadian government’s commitment to family reunification as a priority within the immigration system. This change will also have positive social and cultural impacts by keeping families together. It will better address humanitarian and safety concerns by enabling more family members to qualify as dependents and will further help to enhance Canada’s economy by making it a destination of choice for skilled immigrants who want to keep their families together.

This change will apply to new applications for all immigration programs under the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada immigration applications, including permanent residence through economic, family, refugee, and humanitarian programs. Therefore, children who are 22 years of age or older who have depended substantially on the financial support of their parent before the age of 22 years, and who are unable to be financially self-supporting due to a physical or mental condition, will continue to be considered dependent children. For more information on this change, click on http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2017/2017-05-03/html/sor-dors60-eng.php


Evelyn L. Ackah, BA, LL.B.

Founder/Managing Lawyer

Ms. Ackah is passionate about immigration law because it focuses on people and relationships, which are at the core of her personal values. Starting her legal career as a corporate/commercial ...

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Our experience with Ackah Business Immigration Law was Superb! Ms. Evelyn Ackah, BA, LL.B, Founder/Managing Lawyer, is a Par Excellence, World Class, Dedicated, and Compassionate Lawyer. There is a reason why her Law Firm is a Premier Law Firm. Ms. Ackah has the most qualified and knowledgeable professionals as part of her team. The two members of her staff that my family had the privilege of dealing with before our consultation were Ms.Rizalie Ganelo - Executive Assistant, and Mr. Kamran Rizwan. Ms. Ganelo and Mr. Rizwan were attentive to our inquiries in an excellent, professional and courteous manner. Ms. Ganelo scheduled our consultation for the most convenient time. Ms. Ackah conducted the consultation to perfection.

Ms. Ackah thoroughly answered all of our questions. We had written down a list of questions for her before the consultation. She adeptly answered most of our questions before we even had a chance to go to our list! Ms. Ackah also described a thorough choice of options concerning our immigration possibilities. She described complex Canada Immigration legal processes regarding our situation in a way we could comprehend. Upon completing our consultation with Ms. Ackah, we did not doubt our path forward regarding immigrating to Canada. Above all, Ms. Ackah is the epitome of a brilliant attorney and the quintessential people person. Her bright personality put us completely and immediately at ease, by greeting us with a friendly smile as we were quite nervous before the consultation. Most esteemed, Ms. Ackah, you are quite simply the best at what you do, and we mean this with all of our hearts. Thank you very much for lighting our path forward regarding immigrating to Canada.

We will definitely be retaining your superb legal services as soon as we are ready. We highly recommend Ackah Business Law to everyone who wants the very best legal services. May your kindness and the hope you provide to your many clients be returned to you forever. You and your law firm make our world a beautiful place. God bless you and everyone that you love forever.

With the kindest regards, YMC and HC

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