Canada Immigration Raises Age of Dependent Children

It is sad to know that when you are applying for a Canadian Family Sponsorship, you won’t be able to bring your child because of the age limit. In the last three years, applicants who submitted a permanent residence application can only bring their dependent child if he or she is under 19 years of age. This regulation can be so disheartening that some families actually look for other countries where their families can stay together when they emigrate.

Fortunately, through the dedicated efforts of the Government of Canada to reunify families, more families will be able to stay together when they apply to move to Canada. In fact, just yesterday, the Government of Canada has published regulatory changes to increase the maximum age of a dependent child. Starting October 24, 2017, the new age limit of “under 22” will come into effect.

“Raising the age of dependants lets more families stay together. This will bring economic and social gains to our country as it enhances our attractiveness as a destination of choice for immigrants and refugees.” said the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.

The new age limit will apply to new applications for all immigration programs under Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, including for refugees. According to IRCC, the higher age limit will have more positive social and cultural impacts by keeping families together. Simultaneously, it will help enhance Canada’s economy by making it a destination of choice for skilled immigrants who want to keep their families together. The older immigrant children who will study in Canada can boost the pool of post-secondary students for Canadian universities and colleges. They will then boost the pool of employees once they graduate with a Canadian education, eventually contributing to Canada’s economy.

This is a great opportunity for families with older children to consider applying for a Canadian Family Sponsorship. Mga kababayan, this is it!

PhotoCredit: Maglalang Family