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In the world of immigration, timing is key. This is true not just for the main applicant but for their dependents too. Today, we want to show you the most important aspects to consider when including dependent children in your Permanent Residency applications, and how timing can significantly impact their eligibility.
Do you want to become a PR in Canada? At INGWE we could support you! Get a FREE email assessment with one of our licensed immigration consultants. We speak over +8 languages and we have helped applicants from +50 countries in their immigration path to Canada. Fill out our form, click here.
First, let's determine whether your child can be classified and included as a dependent in your PR application.
There are 3 main aspects to take into account:
1)Age
If your child is under 22 years old and not married or in a common-law relationship, they're considered a dependent.
2) Exemptions for Dependents Over 22
Children who are 22 or older can still qualify if they've relied on their parents financially since before turning 22 and cannot support themselves due to a physical or mental condition.
3) Marital Status
Your child must be unmarried and not in a common-law relationship while the application is being processed. If they are single, divorced, or widowed, they're good to go as long as they remain that way until they become a permanent resident.
A question we often get from our clients is what happens in the case of adopted children.
A dependent child can be your biological offspring or an adopted child.
For both, proof of the parent-child relationship will need to be shown through birth certificates, baptismal certificates, documents proving assisted human reproduction technologies, adoption orders, among others.
Bear in mind that accompanying dependent children of spouses, common-law partners and conjugal partners can also be included in the application.
In the event of custody issues with any of your dependents, it is important to know that IRCC will request proof that the child is allowed to be removed from their current jurisdiction.
If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada and you’re looking for some guidance and support, you’re at the right place! We are licensed and we have successfully supported applicants from more than 50 nationalities to apply for Canadian immigration through Studies, Working, Sponsorship, and Business. Get a FREE email assessment, click here.
This is when IRCC refers to what is called the “lock-in date”. When you apply for immigration, the age of your dependent children, whether they're coming with you or staying behind, is fixed or, "locked in", on the date your application is fully received. This means for family class and most applications at the Federal level, your child's age is determined based on the day your complete application package, including all required documents and fees, is received, as long as they meet the age and marital status requirements.
For provincial programs, children's ages are determined based on when the province receives the principal applicant’s complete nomination application.
If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada and you’re looking for some guidance and support, you’re at the right place! We are licensed and we have successfully supported applicants from more than 50 nationalities to apply for Canadian immigration through Studies, Working, Sponsorship, and Business. Get a FREE email assessment, click here.
An additional tip for those interested in Business immigration, the Startup Visa program is one of the most secure methods to lock in the age of your dependent children, especially when they are about to reach the age threshold. This is because the process typically involves a faster application and processing timeline, ensuring that your children's ages are locked in at the time of application submission.
In conclusion, whether it's through family or business immigration paths, the right timing can make all the difference for your children. Get ready and start early, especially if your child is nearing the age limit. Use these insights to smoothly include them in your journey to a new life in Canada. We hope this information helps you bring your loved ones by your side!
If you’re thinking about immigrating whether permanently or temporarily - you’re at the right place! Our team speaks over +9 languages, and we help applicants from over 50 different countries during their immigration process. Get a FREE email assessment, click here.
If you’re ready to apply and would like a 1-on-1 session with me or one of immigration team members at INGWE, you can also book a session directly using this consultation link.
