Do you or your partner have children that you are trying to bring into Canada? There are many requirements they will need to fulfill, depending on how long they are staying. For example, if they are only staying temporarily, they need to have no criminal record and meet the requirements for temporary residents in the country. On the other hand, if you want them to move into the country permanently, one of the requirements they need to fulfill is to qualify as dependents.
While qualifying for a dependent will have its own set of requirements, know that there have been some changes, especially to the age limit.
Age Limit
In the past, the age limit to qualify as a dependent child was that the individual had to be under 19 years old. This meant that anyone above 19 could not be eligible except under particular circumstances. For instance, if the child has passed the age limit but is still dependent due to mental or physical conditions, they may still qualify as a dependent.
However, recent changes in immigration programs, particularly those focused on dependents, now extend eligibility to anyone under the age of 22.
What this means for you
What does this increase in age limit mean to you? Obviously, you can now bring in your older children. This, of course, presents more opportunities to the dependents, allowing them to do different things such as come into Canada to further their education.
What this means for Canada
You will not be the only one to benefit from this change, as the country itself will. For instance, the surge in younger people entering the country can lead to plenty of social and economic gains. Plus, those seeking better education can positively contribute to the growth of Canada’s workforce.
This growth also allows Canada to become one of the best countries for skilled immigrants. At the same time, the change in age limit means that people can bring in their children away from countries that may be persecuting such people.
Other changes
Other than having the age limit changed, other changes, such as the removal of the conditional permanent residence requirement, have also been adopted. This condition can be found under specific programs such as spousal sponsorship, which adds to the lengthy process of moving into Canada, not to mention the fear of individuals being deported from the country.
Conclusion
These changes took place because Canada has prioritized the need to reunite families. With certain restrictions being lifted, plenty of families can know to bring in their dependents into the country, ensuring that they are happy and safe to be together once more.
These changes also help make the process of bringing dependents in easier and less time-consuming, making Canada a favourable option for families looking for a better future.
If you’re looking for professional help from a trusted firm, please contact our immigration consultants in Toronto at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.
