x
Contact us

Contact Information

1 (403) 452-9515

1 (800) 932-1190

Learn how we can help you

More Options...

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 ...

More About Evelyn L. Ackah, BA, LL.B.

Spousal Sponsorship 2024: A Guide to Bringing Your Partner to Canada

Spousal sponsorship remains one of the most popular immigration pathways for families in Canada. In 2024, the process continues to offer a way for Canadian citizens and permanent ...

Read More

Canada Pledges to Prioritize Family Reunification Despite Provincial Hurdles

In a move emphasizing the human element of immigration, Canada's Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) Minister, Marc Miller, has announced a renewed focus on family reunification. ...

Read More

Episode 71: Family Reunification Made Easy: Family Program In Canada

Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah discusses family reunification in Canada through family immigration programs. On the Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast, ...

Read More

Episode 68 Family Class Sponsorship: Reuniting Loved Ones

On the Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah podcast, Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah discusses reuniting loved ones in Canada through family class sponsorship. ...

Read More

IRCC is still working through backlogs from the pandemic, and some groups are paying the price, says Calgary Immigration Lawyer Evelyn Ackah

Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah told CBC Calgary the frustrating delays a local Calgary man is experiencing waiting 5 years to reunite with his parents as their permanent ...

Read More

Canada Updates Super Visa Policy

BOOK YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa program allow Canadian permanent residents and citizens to invite their non-resident parents and grandparents ...

Read More

What I value most about Evelyn's counsel is her willingness to think outside the box when navigating complex or stressful immigration matters. When presented with a problem, Evelyn immediately envisions herself as the client and then draws from her broad experience to design a solution. Her unshakeable knowledge of immigration law and policy is obvious. However, what distinguishes her most from other practitioners is her intuitive and action-oriented advice. She understands us and is an absolute asset to our business.

– Marla Brock, CEO, KidCoover

View All Testimonials