Program delivery update: Lock-in age of dependent children for immigration applications

This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.

September 20, 2019

The immigration application instructions regarding dependent children have been updated to clarify the age lock-in date for dependent children of

The following note has been added for applications received on or after August 1, 2014, from protected persons applying for permanent residence:

Although the age is locked in at the time of the refugee claim, the applicable definition of “dependent child” is the one that is in effect at the time IRCC receives the complete application for permanent residence from the principal applicant.
For example, in the following case, the child qualifies as a dependent child:
- A permanent residence application is received on July 7, 2019 (the applicable definition is “under 22 years of age”).
- A child included in the application is 24 years old when the application is received.
- On the day the refugee claim was made, the child was 21 years old.

Updated instructions