Immigration Law Update: Proposed Changes to the Definition of "Dependent Children"

This information update is provided courtesy of HALCO

In May 2013, the government announced proposed changes to Canada’s immigration regulations that will affect people who want to bring their children to Canada. In most cases, the law allows a person to include any “dependent children” in his or her application for permanent residence.  The law also allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their dependent children to come to Canada.  

The proposal would make two major changes to the definition of “dependent children”:

• the maximum age would be reduced to 18 years of age from the current 21 years. 
• full-time students over age 18 would no longer be eligible as dependent children.

The proposal is expected to become law on January 1, 2014. If you apply before January 1, 2014 (or have already applied), your children will be considered under the current law.