Determining who is eligible as a dependant under the Public Policy on the Age of Dependants

PDF version of the public policy flow chart

When did Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) receive parent’s application for permanent residence?

Before May 3, 2017 (and PR application wasn’t finalized as of May 3, 2017):

Was child 19, 20 or 21 on May 3, 2017 and not married or a common-law partner?

• No:
  Child not eligible for the public policy. Find out other ways someone may be eligible to immigrate to Canada.
• Yes:
  Child eligible for the public policy if still not married or a common-law partner. Parent must submit web form before January 31, 2018 to notify IRCC that they want to bring the child to Canada.
  • Have parents been issued a visa or confirmation of permanent residence before they notify IRCC that they wish to include a child?
    • If yes: Parent may sponsor the child up to one year after they are granted PR.
    • If no: Parent may submit an application to add the child to their application (or sponsor the child after they are granted PR, if they don’t want to delay their application).

Between May 3, 2017 and October 23, 2017:

Was child 19, 20 or 21 on date IRCC received application and not married or a common-law partner?

• No:
  Child not eligible for the public policy. Find out other ways someone may be eligible to immigrate to Canada.
• Yes:
  Child eligible for the public policy if still not married or a common-law partner. Parent must submit web form before January 31, 2018 to notify IRCC that they want to bring the child to Canada.
  • Have parents been issued a visa or confirmation of permanent residence before they notify IRCC that they wish to include a child?
    • If yes: Parent may sponsor the child up to one year after they are granted PR.
    • If no: Parent may submit an application to add the child to their application (or sponsor the child after they are granted PR, if they don’t want to delay their application).

To accurately determine if a child is eligible as a dependant, please use IRCC’s web tool.