Amendment to Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations: age of dependent children raised from “

In recognition of changes in social realities indicating that more and more young adults continue to live with their parents in their respective family environment longer, and to enhance family unity and reunification, Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations have been amended to reflect a new definition for dependent child.

The new definition raises the age of dependent children from “under 19” to “under 22” years of age.

The new definition applies to applications received on or after October 24, 2017, with applications received between August 1, 2014 and October 23, 2017 being processed based on the previous definitions.