My child just turned 22. Can I still include them as a dependent in a family sponsorship?

Under current federal immigration regulations, a dependent child is defined as a person who is under 22 years of age and does not have a spouse or common-law partner. Once a child turns 22, they no longer qualify as a "dependent child" for immigration purposes unless they fall within the exception for children who have a physical or mental condition that has caused them to be continuously financially dependent on a parent since before the age of 22.

The age is calculated at the time the sponsorship application is submitted or, in some cases, locked in as of a specific date — the rules on when the age is locked can be technical and have been subject to regulatory change. It is important to apply promptly if your child is approaching the age cutoff, because delays in submitting the application can cause an eligible dependent to age out.

If your child is over 22 and does not qualify as a dependent, they cannot be included in your family sponsorship. They would need to explore independent immigration options such as Express Entry, a Provincial Nominee Program, or other pathways suited to their qualifications and situation.