Age Lock-in: How Your Child's Age is Frozen for Sponsorship
Applicants for family sponsorship in Canada often have questions about the age lock-in concept and how it affects their dependent children. The age lock-in is a key part of the family sponsorship process, determining whether a dependent child is eligible to be sponsored. This article explains the age lock-in concept, how it works, and its significance in family sponsorship applications.
what is age lock-in in family sponsorship
Age lock-in refers to the process of fixing a dependent child's age on the date the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) receives a complete application. If a child is below the dependency age band at the time of application, they will still be considered a dependent child even if they turn older during the processing of the application. For example, if a child is 21 years old when the application is submitted, they will be considered a dependent child throughout the processing period, even if they turn 22 before a decision is made.
how age lock-in works
The age lock-in works by freezing a dependent child's age on the date the IRCC receives a complete application. This date is usually the date the application is submitted online or the date the paper application is received by the IRCC. The age of the dependent child is then locked in, and they will be considered a dependent child for the purposes of the application, regardless of their age at the time of processing. It's worth noting that the IRCC processes applications in the order they are received, which can sometimes lead to delays.
current dependency age band
The current dependency age band in Canada is 22 years old or under. Applicants should always check the official IRCC website for the most up-to-date information, as this age band may change. Dependent children who are 22 years old or under at the time of application will be considered dependents, regardless of their age at the time of processing. This means that even if a child turns 22 or older during the processing period, they will still be eligible for sponsorship if they were under 22 when the application was submitted.
delays and age lock-in
Delays in the processing of family sponsorship applications can be a concern for applicants. However, the age lock-in process ensures that dependent children who are eligible at the time of application will remain eligible, even if there are delays in processing. Delays can occur due to various reasons, including the complexity of the application or the need for additional documentation. In some cases, applicants may need to provide additional information or supporting documents, which can also cause delays.
what happens if a child turns older during processing
If a dependent child turns older during the processing of the application, they will still be considered a dependent child if they were below the dependency age band at the time of application. However, if a child turns older than the dependency age band during processing, they may no longer be eligible to be sponsored as a dependent child. In such cases, applicants may need to explore other options, such as applying for a study permit or a work permit. For instance, a child who turns 23 during the processing period may need to apply for a study permit if they want to study in Canada.
family sponsorship options
Applicants who are unsure about the age lock-in process or their eligibility for family sponsorship can visit our family sponsorship page for more information. We also have articles on visiting family in Canada and getting married in Canada, which may be helpful for those navigating the family sponsorship process. Official current rules are at canada.ca/immigration; this guide is independent reference content.