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Section Title: Applications and Forms

Dependent Children

Your application must include all dependent children from your current and previous relationships, whether they are in Canada or not. Dependent children include:

  • Your dependent children
  • The dependent children of your spouse or common-law partner
  • The dependent children of your dependent children

Note: If your dependent children are outside Canada, the visa office overseas will contact them, or their guardian, using the address you provide in your application to instruct them on forms, medical examinations or interviews, as required.

Warning: Child custody disputes must be resolved before you submit your application.

Definition of dependent children

A child must meet the requirements of type A, B or C below to be considered a dependent child:

Type A

He or she is under the age of 22 and single, that is, not married and not in a common-law relationship.

Type B

He or she married or entered into a common-law relationship before the age of 22 and, since becoming a spouse or a common-law partner, has

  • been continuously enrolled and in attendance as a full-time student in a post-secondary institution accredited by the relevant government authority; and
  • depended substantially on the financial support of a parent.

or

He or she is 22 years of age or older and, since before the age of 22, has

  • been continuously enrolled and in attendance as a full-time student in a post-secondary institution accredited by the relevant government authority; and
  • depended substantially on the financial support of a parent.

Type C

He or she is 22 years of age or older, has depended substantially on the financial support of a parent since before the age of 22 and is unable to provide for him/herself due to a medical condition.

When must my dependent children meet the definition?

In order to be included in your application, your dependent children must meet one of the above definitions on the day CIC receives your application and for types B and C they must continue to meet this definition for permanent residence to be confirmed or for a permanent resident visa to be issued.

Having my dependent children examined

All family members, including all dependent children, whether they are in Canada or not, must be both declared on your application, and examined. If family members are not examined, it is generally not possible to sponsor them at a later date.

In addition, failure to declare family members on your application and have them examined goes against your duty to provide truthful and accurate information, and may cause you to be found inadmissible to Canada. In this instance, you would not be permitted to apply for permanent resident status for two years. You may also be subject to a removal from Canada after you have been granted permanent resident status, if you are found to have concealed family members at any time during your application for permanent residence.

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Last Updated: 2006-05-01 Return to top of page Important Notices