Dependent child
Statutory definition
IRPR s 2 defines "dependent child" as a child who is under 22 years of age and not a spouse or common-law partner; or is 22 years of age or older, has depended substantially on the financial support of the parent since before the age of 22, and is unable to be self-supporting due to a physical or mental condition. The age is assessed at the time of application, not at the time of final determination.
Explanation
The definition of dependent child is important in determining who can be included in a permanent residence application or family class sponsorship. Children who turn 22 during the processing of an application can be "locked in" under the Child Lock-in rule if they met the dependency criteria at the time of application. Parents should include all potential dependants in the application, even those who will not accompany the principal applicant, to prevent them from being "excluded dependants" who face future immigration challenges.