Canada's Age Limit for Dependent Children Set to Increase to 22

Good news for prospective investors with older children: earlier this month, a long-awaited amendment to Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations was released. Starting October 24, 2017, an individual under the age of 22 will be considered a "dependent child." The increase from under 19 years of age to under 22 years of age acknowledges the trend that children are living with their parents for longer than they previously did, often to pursue higher education. The change in definition will allow families to be united in Canada more easily since dependent children may be included in their parents' application for permanent residency. In such circumstances, a separate family class sponsorship application is not required for dependent children.