Including children in a Canadian permanent residence application involves more than adding their names to a form. Parents must review the dependent-child definition, the applicable age lock-in date, medical examinations, custody documents and consent from a non-accompanying parent—even when a child is not moving to Canada immediately.

Who Qualifies as a Dependent Child?

For most Canadian immigration applications, a child qualifies as a dependant if they are:

• under 22 on the applicable lock-in date; and
• not married or in a common-law relationship.

A child aged 22 or older may qualify only when they have depended substantially on parental financial support since before turning 22 and cannot support themselves because of a physical or mental condition. Attendance at school or continued financial assistance does not, by itself, extend dependent status beyond age 22. Canada.ca

Applicants should review children from all family relationships. This can include the principal applicant’s biological or adopted children and qualifying children of a spouse or common-law partner.

How Does the Lock-In Date Work?

A child’s age may be “locked in” on a date established by the immigration program. The date is not identical for every pathway.

For most federal economic and family-class applications, it is the date IRCC receives a complete permanent residence application. For a Provincial Nominee Program application, the child’s age is generally locked in when the province or territory receives the complete nomination application. Under the Atlantic Immigration Program, the relevant date is generally when the province receives the complete endorsement application. Canada.ca

A child who was 21 on the correct lock-in date may therefore remain age-eligible after turning 22. However, age is only one part of the definition. The child must generally remain unmarried and not enter a common-law relationship while the application is processed.

Non-Accompanying Does Not Mean Undeclared

A child living with a former spouse, remaining overseas for school or not planning to move immediately should not simply be left off the application. Applicants must accurately declare family members whether they are accompanying or non-accompanying.

Non-accompanying dependants are generally required to complete the medical and admissibility examinations requested by IRCC. A family member who was not declared or examined can potentially be excluded from later family-class sponsorship, subject only to limited regulatory exceptions. ircc.canada.ca

A temporary public policy that provided relief to certain previously undeclared family members expired on September 10, 2026. New applicants should not assume that an omission can simply be corrected through that former policy later. Canada.ca

Medical Examinations for Children

IRCC generally requires accompanying and non-accompanying dependants to undergo an immigration medical examination. For permanent residence applications, IRCC normally sends instructions after receiving a complete application, and the examination must be completed within the deadline in those instructions.

If a former partner refuses to make a child available for an examination, the applicant should still disclose the child. Evidence of attempts to obtain cooperation, custody orders and a detailed explanation may be relevant, but the applicant cannot grant themselves an exemption. IRCC decides whether further steps or an exception are available. ircc.canada.ca

Custody, Consent and IMM 5604

A birth certificate proving parentage does not necessarily establish the legal right to relocate a minor permanently.

Depending on the family’s circumstances, the application may require:

• a birth certificate naming the parents;
• divorce and custody orders;
• proof of sole custody;
• permission to remove the child from the court’s jurisdiction;
• adoption documents;
• identification from the non-accompanying parent; and
• IMM 5604, Declaration from Non-Accompanying Parent/Guardian for Minors Immigrating to Canada.

IRCC instructs the non-accompanying parent or guardian to sign IMM 5604 by hand and provide a copy of their photo identification. Shared-custody families should verify both the immigration consent and the legal authority to relocate the child. canada.ca

What If the Other Parent Will Not Sign?

An applicant who cannot obtain the signature should not fabricate a consent form or claim that the other parent cannot be located when contact is possible.

IRCC’s guide says an applicant who cannot obtain the signature should provide a letter explaining the circumstances. Supporting material may include correspondence showing attempts to contact the other parent, returned mail, court orders, proof of sole custody or a death certificate, where applicable.

An explanation does not automatically replace consent. The officer reviews the evidence and determines whether additional documents or other steps are required. Canada.ca

Forms for Adult Dependant Children

Children aged 18 or older may need to complete their own background, family-information and travel-history forms, depending on the program. IRCC’s instructions for IMM 5406 require the principal applicant, spouse or common-law partner, and dependent children aged 18 or older to complete the form whether accompanying or not. canada.ca

Police certificates may also be required based on the child’s age, residence history and program checklist. Civil-status and custody documents not written in English or French must meet IRCC’s translation requirements.

Report Family Changes During Processing

Applicants should promptly report developments such as:

• a child marrying or entering a common-law relationship;
• the birth or adoption of another child;
• a change from accompanying to non-accompanying status;
• a new custody order or withdrawal of parental consent; or
• changes to identity or contact information.

Failing to update IRCC can affect the accuracy of the current application and the family’s ability to use future sponsorship options.

FAQ

Q1. My child was 21 when we applied but turned 22 during processing. Can they remain a dependant?
Potentially. If the child was under 22 on the correct lock-in date, their age may remain protected. They must generally remain unmarried and not become a common-law partner.

Q2. Must I declare a child who lives permanently with my former spouse?
Yes. The child should generally be declared as non-accompanying and complete any examination required by IRCC. Sole custody by the other parent is not a reason to omit the child.

Q3. What happens if my former spouse refuses IMM 5604 or the medical examination?
Provide a truthful explanation and evidence of your efforts, custody arrangements and any relevant court orders. IRCC—not the applicant—decides whether alternative steps or an exception are available.

This article provides general information and is not individualized legal advice. The applicable lock-in date, custody evidence and required forms depend on the immigration program and the family’s circumstances.