There are different types of dependent children. On your immigration application forms, you must select which type your dependent child is.

You can use our online tool to check which type of dependant your child is.

Type A

The dependant is under the age of 22 and single (not married and not in a common-law relationship).

Type B

This dependant type only applies if your child’s age was locked in before August 1, 2014.

The dependant has been continuously enrolled in, and in attendance, as a full‑time student at a post-secondary institution accredited by the relevant government authority and has depended substantially on the financial support of a parent either:

• since before the age of 22, or

• since marrying or entering into a common-law relationship (if it happened before the age of 22)

Type C

The dependant is 22 years of age or older, has depended substantially on the financial support of a parent since before the age of 22, and is unable to provide for himself or herself because of a medical condition.

Dependant types used on applications submitted between August 1, 2014, and October 23, 2017

Type 1

The dependant is under the age of 19 and single (not married and not in a common-law relationship).

Type 2

The dependant is 19 years of age or older, has been financially dependent on a parent since before the age of 19 due to a physical or mental condition.

A child who is under the maximum age and is not married or in a common law relationship. Generally, to qualify as dependants, children must

• be under 22 years old

• not have a spouse or common-law partner

Note: a child’s age is usually “locked in” when we get a complete application.

Use our online tool to check if your child qualifies as a dependant.

Exception: Children who are at the age limit or older can qualify as “over-age” dependants if they

• have depended on their parents for financial support since before they reached the age limit and

• can’t financially support themselves due to a mental or physical condition

Previous age limits:

The age limit has changed in recent years. If your application has been in process for a while, one of the older definitions of dependent child may apply. Generally, we use the rules in place when we get your complete application. Previous age limits for a dependent child:

• From August 1, 2014 to October 23, 2017: under 19 years old

• On or before July 31, 2014: under 22 years old

Note: The rules for over-age dependants are different for applications that were submitted on or before July 31, 2014.

A removal order issued by either a CBSA officer or the IRB.

It requires the person to leave Canada due to serious offences or serious violations of Canada’s immigration law. A person deported from Canada may not return without written permission from the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.

See Removals on CBSA website.

This is a private organization that has been designated by the Minister to participate in Start-Up Visa.

Angel investor groups are made up of members who invest their own capital in start-ups, usually in exchange for equity.

Angel investor groups help their members in a variety of ways, which can include:

• identifying investment opportunities

• pooling their capital

• standardizing the investment process for angel investors

This is a private organization that has been designated by the Minister to participate in Start-Up Visa.

Business incubators help start-ups grow by offering a range of services, which can include:

• physical space and facilities

• capital

• business mentoring

• networking connections

A school in Canada that a student must be accepted at before they can qualify for a study permit (as of June 1, 2014). Consult the designated learning institutions list (DLI) for schools at the post-secondary level.

All primary and secondary schools in Canada are automatically designated. They do not appear on the list. Applicants for primary and secondary schools do not need a DLI number on their application form.

See Secondary school.

This is a private organization that has been designated by the Minister to participate in Start-Up Visa.

Venture capital funds raise and manage capital to place equity investments in start-ups with high growth potential.

Venture capital funds support start-ups through their investment and can also provide:

• operational experience

• technical knowledge

• networks

• mentorship

This is a test that shows if your language skills meet our standards in each of these four categories:

• listening,

• speaking,

• reading, and/or

• writing.

There are agencies “designated” to give the tests. This means they are approved to do so by IRCC.

These tests are given to see if you meet the language requirement for your application.

A process for a child born and adopted abroad by Canadian parents to be granted citizenship without having to immigrate to Canada first.

Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship is the only official study guide for the citizenship knowledge test. An applicant should study from this guide to prepare for the citizenship test. If an applicant uses any other material to prepare for the citizenship test, they do so at their own risk.

Divorced means that a court has granted a divorce and that a marriage has ended. The two people are no longer married.

When a person is a legal citizen of two or more countries at the same time. Dual or multiple citizenship is permitted under Canada’s citizenship laws. Some other countries do not allow it.