Find out if your child is a dependant

 Your child doesn’t qualify as a dependant

It appears that your child does not qualify as a dependant because your child is married or in a common-law relationship.

To qualify as a dependant, your child must meet the requirements that came into force on October 24, 2017.

Your child may be eligible to apply for permanent residence on their own.

 Your child qualifies as a Type A dependant

It appears that your child is eligible as a dependant because your child is:

• 21 years old or younger, and
• not married and not in a common-law relationship.

Your child must continue to meet all the requirements that came into force on October 24, 2017, until we finish processing your application.

 Your child qualifies as a Type C dependant

It appears that your child is eligible as a dependant because your child is:

• 22 years old or older, and
• financially dependent on you due to a physical or mental condition.

Your child must continue to meet all the requirements that came into force on October 24, 2017, until we finish processing your application.

 Your child doesn’t qualify as a dependant

It appears that your child does not qualify as a dependant because your child is 22 years old or older.

To qualify as a dependant, your child must meet the requirements that came into force on October 24, 2017.

Your child may be eligible to apply for permanent residence on their own.

 Your child doesn’t qualify as a dependant

It appears that your child does not qualify as a dependant because your child is married or in a common-law relationship.

To qualify as a dependant, your child must meet the requirements that came into force on October 24, 2017.

Children who don’t qualify as dependants must:

• Apply for a visa or permit separately, online or at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
• Pay their application fees separately and provide their own payment receipt with their application. Find out more about how to pay your fees.

 Your child qualifies as a dependant

It appears that your child is eligible as a dependant because your child is:

• 21 years old or younger, and
• not married and not in a common-law relationship.

Your child must continue to meet all the requirements that came into force on October 24, 2017, until we finish processing your application.

Your dependent children must complete their own application forms.

You and your children may:

• Submit your applications together, at the same time, online or at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
• Pay the family fee and use one payment receipt for all the applications. Find out more about how to pay your fees.

 Your child qualifies as a dependant

It appears that your child is eligible as a dependant because your child is:

• 22 years old or older, and
• financially dependent on you due to a physical or mental condition.

Your child must continue to meet all the requirements that came into force on October 24, 2017, until we finish processing your application.

Your dependent children must complete their own application forms.

You and your children may:

• Submit your applications together, at the same time, online or at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
• Pay the family fee and use one payment receipt for all the applications. Find out more about how to pay your fees.

 Your child doesn’t qualify as a dependant

It appears that your child does not qualify as a dependant because your child is 22 years old or older.

To qualify as a dependant, your child must meet the requirements that came into force on October 24, 2017.

Children who don’t qualify as dependants must:

• Apply for a visa or permit separately, online or at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
• Pay their application fees separately and provide their own payment receipt with their application. Find out more about how to pay your fees.

 Your child doesn’t qualify as a dependant

It appears that your child does not qualify as a dependant because your child is, or was, married or in a common-law relationship.

To qualify as a dependant, your child must meet the requirements that came into force on October 24, 2017.

Your child may be eligible to apply for permanent residence on their own.

 Your child qualifies as a Type A dependant

It appears that your child is eligible as a dependant because your child:

• was 21 years old or under when your application was received, and
• continues to meet the other criteria of a dependent child.

Your child must continue to meet all the requirements that came into force on October 24, 2017, until we finish processing your application.

How to add your child to your application

To add a dependant to your existing application, fill out the web form and we will send you specific instructions.

For example, you may need to send us:

• a letter explaining why you want to add a dependant
• new forms – we’ll tell you which ones to fill out
• proof of payment for your dependant
• supporting documents such as proof of income, a birth certificate, a medical or police certificate

To be eligible to come to Canada with you, your child must meet the admissibility requirements to enter Canada. We may refuse your application if your child is inadmissible to Canada.

If you add a dependant to an existing application, it could take longer to process your application. If you don’t want a processing delay for your application, these are other ways your dependant could come to Canada:

• your child can apply for permanent residence on their own
• your child can visit you in Canada
• you can sponsor your child once you become a permanent resident of Canada

 Your child qualifies as a Type C dependant

It appears that your child is eligible as a dependant because your child:

• was 22 years old or older when your application was received, and
• is financially dependent on you due to a physical or mental condition.

Your child must continue to meet all the requirements that came into force on October 24, 2017, until we finish processing your application.

How to add your child to your application

To add a dependant to your existing application, fill out the web form and we will send you specific instructions.

For example, you may need to send us:

• a letter explaining why you want to add a dependant
• new forms – we’ll tell you which ones to fill out
• proof of payment for your dependant
• supporting documents such as proof of income, a birth certificate, a medical or police certificate

To be eligible to come to Canada with you, your child must meet the admissibility requirements to enter Canada. We may refuse your application if your child is inadmissible to Canada.

If you add a dependant to an existing application, it could take longer to process your application. If you don’t want a processing delay for your application, these are other ways your dependant could come to Canada:

• your child can apply for permanent residence on their own
• your child can visit you in Canada
• you can sponsor your child once you become a permanent resident of Canada

 Your child doesn’t qualify as a dependant

It appears that your child does not qualify as a dependant because your child was 22 years old or older when your application was received.

To qualify as a dependant, your child must meet the requirements that came into force on October 24, 2017.

Your child may be eligible to apply for permanent residence on their own.

 Your child doesn’t qualify as a dependant

It appears that your child does not qualify as a dependant because your child is, or was, married or in a common-law relationship.

For your situation, your child must meet the requirements that were in force between August 1, 2014, and October 23, 2017.

Your child may be eligible to apply for permanent residence on their own.

 Your child qualifies as a Type A dependant

It appears that your child is eligible as a dependant because your child:

• was 18 years old or under when your application was received, and
• continues to meet the other criteria of a dependent child.

Your child must continue to meet all the requirements that were in force between August 1, 2014, and October 23, 2017, until we finish processing your application.

How to add your child to your application

To add a dependant to your existing application, fill out the web form and we will send you specific instructions.

For example, you may need to send us:

• a letter explaining why you want to add a dependant
• new forms – we’ll tell you which ones to fill out
• proof of payment for your dependant
• supporting documents such as proof of income, a birth certificate, a medical or police certificate

To be eligible to come to Canada with you, your child must meet the admissibility requirements to enter Canada. We may refuse your application if your child is inadmissible to Canada.

If you add a dependant to an existing application, it could take longer to process your application. If you don’t want a processing delay for your application, these are other ways your dependant could come to Canada:

• your child can apply for permanent residence on their own
• your child can visit you in Canada
• you can sponsor your child once you become a permanent resident of Canada

 Your child qualifies as a Type C dependant

It appears that your child is eligible as a dependant because your child:

• was 19 years old or older when your application was received, and
• is financially dependent on you due to a physical or mental condition.

Your child must continue to meet all the requirements that were in force between August 1, 2014, and October 23, 2017, until we finish processing your application.

How to add your child to your application

To add a dependant to your existing application, fill out the web form and we will send you specific instructions.

For example, you may need to send us:

• a letter explaining why you want to add a dependant
• new forms – we’ll tell you which ones to fill out
• proof of payment for your dependant
• supporting documents such as proof of income, a birth certificate, a medical or police certificate

To be eligible to come to Canada with you, your child must meet the admissibility requirements to enter Canada. We may refuse your application if your child is inadmissible to Canada.

If you add a dependant to an existing application, it could take longer to process your application. If you don’t want a processing delay for your application, these are other ways your dependant could come to Canada:

• your child can apply for permanent residence on their own
• your child can visit you in Canada
• you can sponsor your child once you become a permanent resident of Canada

 Your child doesn’t qualify as a dependant

It appears that your child does not qualify as a dependant because your child is, or was, married or in a common-law relationship.

Your child may be eligible to apply for permanent residence on their own.

 Your child qualifies as a Type A dependant

It appears that your child is eligible as a dependant because your child:

• was between 19 and 21 years old on May 3, 2017, and
• is not married or not in a common-law relationship.

Your child must continue to meet all these requirements until we finish processing your application.

A new public policy has been developed for parents who had an existing application in process on May 3, 2017, or who applied between May 3, 2017, and October 23, 2017. The public policy gives you an option to sponsor your child, or an option to add them to your existing application.

1. You can sponsor your child if you:

   • received your permanent resident visa or Confirmation of Permanent Residence document before May 3, 2017, but, as of that date, had not become a permanent resident,

     or

   • had not yet received your permanent resident visa or Confirmation of Permanent Residence document on May 3, 2017, but you have it now.

   You must notify us on or before January 31, 2018, if you want to sponsor your child under the public policy.

2. You can add your child as a dependant to your application if you have not yet received your permanent residence visa or Confirmation of Permanent Residence.

   You must notify us on or before January 31, 2018, if you want to add your child to your application under the public policy.

If you add a dependant to an existing application, it may take longer to process that application.

 Your child doesn’t qualify as a dependant

It appears that your child is not eligible as a dependant because your child was 19 years old or older when your application was received.

For your situation, your child must meet the requirements that were in force between August 1, 2014, and October 23, 2017.

The maximum age for that definition is “less than 19” years of age. On October 24, 2017, the maximum age of dependants was changed to “less than 22.”

Your child is over the age limit according to both definitions. To qualify as dependants, children over the age limit must be financially dependent on their parent due to a physical or mental condition.

You can’t add your child as a dependant to your application.

Your child may be eligible to apply for permanent residence on their own.

Requirements for your dependant

For your situation, your child must meet the requirements that were in force on or before July 31, 2014.

To be eligible as a dependant, your child must not be married or in a common-law relationship.

Children 21 years old and under who are married or in a common-law relationship may qualify if they meet both of these requirements:

• have been a full-time student on an ongoing basis, and
• have depended largely on a parent's financial support since they became a spouse or partner.

How to add your child to your application

To add a dependant to your existing application, fill out the web form and we will send you specific instructions.

For example, you may need to send us:

• a letter explaining why you want to add a dependant
• new forms – we’ll tell you which ones to fill out
• proof of payment for your dependant
• supporting documents such as proof of income, a birth certificate, a medical or police certificate

To be eligible to come to Canada with you, your child must meet the admissibility requirements to enter Canada. We may refuse your application if your child is inadmissible to Canada.

If you add a dependant to an existing application, it could take longer to process your application. If you don’t want a processing delay for your application, these are other ways your dependant could come to Canada:

• your child can apply for permanent residence on their own
• your child can visit you in Canada
• you can sponsor your child once you become a permanent resident of Canada

Requirements for your dependant

For your situation, your child must meet the requirements that were in force on or before July 31, 2014.

To be eligible as a dependant, children 22 years old and older must:

• have depended on a parent's financial support since before the age of 22 because of a physical or mental condition

or

• have been a full-time student on an ongoing basis since before the age of 22, and
• have depended on a parent's financial support since that time.

If your child became a spouse or partner before the age of 22, your child may be eligible as a dependant only if your child meets both of these requirements:

• has been a full-time student on an ongoing basis since before the age of 22, and
• has depended on a parent's financial support since they became a spouse or partner.

How to add your child to your application

To add a dependant to your existing application, fill out the web form and we will send you specific instructions.

For example, you may need to send us:

• a letter explaining why you want to add a dependant
• new forms – we’ll tell you which ones to fill out
• proof of payment for your dependant
• supporting documents such as proof of income, a birth certificate, a medical or police certificate

To be eligible to come to Canada with you, your child must meet the admissibility requirements to enter Canada. We may refuse your application if your child is inadmissible to Canada.

If you add a dependant to an existing application, it could take longer to process your application. If you don’t want a processing delay for your application, these are other ways your dependant could come to Canada:

• your child can apply for permanent residence on their own
• your child can visit you in Canada
• you can sponsor your child once you become a permanent resident of Canada

Requirements for your dependant

To find out if your child qualifies as your dependant:

• Check the age of your child at the time we received your referral from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (or another referral organization).
  • This is the age we’ll use to check your child’s eligibility, no matter how old they are during processing.

• Make sure your child meets the age limit and requirements in force at the time we received your application for permanent residence.

  See requirements for dependants in force:

  • On or after October 24, 2017
  • Between August 1, 2014, and October 23, 2017

Requirements for your dependant

To find out if your child qualifies as your dependant:

• Check the age of your child at the time we received the sponsorship application. This is the age we’ll use to check your child’s eligibility, no matter how old they are during processing.

• Make sure your child meets the age limit and requirements in force at the time we received your application for permanent residence.

  See requirements for dependants in force:

  • On or after October 24, 2017
  • Between August 1, 2014, and October 23, 2017

Requirements for your dependant

To find out if your child qualifies as your dependant:

• Check the age of your child at the time we or the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) received your refugee claim. This is the age we’ll use to check your child’s eligibility, no matter how old they are during processing.

• Make sure your child meets the age limit and requirements in force at the time we received your application for permanent residence.

  See requirements for dependants in force:

  • On or after October 24, 2017
  • Between August 1, 2014, and October 23, 2017

Requirements for your dependant

To find out if your child qualifies as your dependant:

• Check the age of your child at the time the province of Quebec received your complete application for a Certificat de sélection du Québec (Quebec Selection Certificate). This is the age we’ll use to check your child’s eligibility, no matter how old they are during processing.

• Make sure your child meets the age limit and requirements in force at the time we received your application for permanent residence.

  See requirements for dependants in force:

  • On or after October 24, 2017
  • Between August 1, 2014, and October 23, 2017

Requirements for your dependant

To find out if your child qualifies as your dependant:

• Check the age of your child at the time the province of Quebec received your sponsorship undertaking application. This is the age we’ll use to check your child’s eligibility, no matter how old they are during processing.

• Make sure your child meets the age limit and requirements in force at the time we received your application for permanent residence.

  See requirements for dependants in force:

  • On or after October 24, 2017
  • Between August 1, 2014, and October 23, 2017

Requirements for your dependant

Under the One-Year Window of Opportunity provision, your dependant can submit an application for permanent residence if:

• you arrived in Canada less than one year ago,
• you had listed your dependant on your refugee application forms, and
• your child meets the requirements for dependent children below.

To find out if your child qualifies as your dependant:

• Check the age of your child when we received your complete application for permanent residence. This is the age we’ll use to check your child’s eligibility, no matter how old they are during processing.

• Make sure your child meets the age limit and requirements in force at the time we received your application for permanent residence.

  See requirements for dependants in force:

  • On or after October 24, 2017
  • Between August 1, 2014, and October 23, 2017

 Your child qualifies as a Type A dependant

It appears that your child is eligible as a dependant because your child:

• was between 19 and 21 years old when your application for permanent residence was received, and
• is not married or not in a common-law relationship.

Your child must continue to meet all these requirements until we finish processing your application.

A new public policy has been developed for parents who had an existing application in process on May 3, 2017, or who applied between May 3, 2017, and October 23, 2017. The public policy gives you an option to sponsor your child or an option to add them to your existing application.

1. You can sponsor your child if you have received your permanent resident visa or Confirmation of Permanent Residence document.

2. You can add your child to your existing application if you have not received your permanent residence visa or Confirmation of Permanent Residence document.

   You must notify us on or before January 31, 2018, if you want to add your child to your application or sponsor your child under the public policy.

If you add a dependant to an existing application, it may take longer to process that application.