Can a child still qualify if they turn 22 right after I apply?
We’re in the middle of applying for PR through the Express Entry pathway, and our youngest child is turning 22 on May 15th. Our application is scheduled to be submitted on April 28th. I’ve read about the "age lock-in" rule, but I’m still unsure if they’ll count as a dependent.
The key date is the application submission date — not when the visa is approved. If the child is under 22 on the day we submit, they’re eligible, even if they turn 22 during processing. But what if they’re 22 or older *before* we submit? That’s where confusion sets in.
We’ve already gathered birth certificates, proof of dependency (we support them financially), and custody documents since the parents are separated. But now I’m wondering:
1. If we submit on April 28th and the child turns 22 on May 15th, are they still included?
2. Should we wait until after the birthday to apply, or is there a risk of delay that could hurt our chances?
3. Does the province we’re applying through (say, Ontario vs. BC) affect how they assess the age?
4. If we get a request for documents later, how detailed do the dependency proofs need to be?
We’re not sure if we should submit now and risk losing eligibility, or wait and risk losing our CRS points. The processing time is already 12+ months, so timing feels like a minefield.
If you’ve been through this — especially with a child close to the 22-year-old cutoff — how did you handle it?
Please share your province, application type (e.g., Federal Skilled Worker, Provincial Nominee), and general timeline.
No need to share passport numbers, UCI, or bank details — just the big picture helps others decide.
The key date is the application submission date — not when the visa is approved. If the child is under 22 on the day we submit, they’re eligible, even if they turn 22 during processing. But what if they’re 22 or older *before* we submit? That’s where confusion sets in.
We’ve already gathered birth certificates, proof of dependency (we support them financially), and custody documents since the parents are separated. But now I’m wondering:
1. If we submit on April 28th and the child turns 22 on May 15th, are they still included?
2. Should we wait until after the birthday to apply, or is there a risk of delay that could hurt our chances?
3. Does the province we’re applying through (say, Ontario vs. BC) affect how they assess the age?
4. If we get a request for documents later, how detailed do the dependency proofs need to be?
We’re not sure if we should submit now and risk losing eligibility, or wait and risk losing our CRS points. The processing time is already 12+ months, so timing feels like a minefield.
If you’ve been through this — especially with a child close to the 22-year-old cutoff — how did you handle it?
Please share your province, application type (e.g., Federal Skilled Worker, Provincial Nominee), and general timeline.
No need to share passport numbers, UCI, or bank details — just the big picture helps others decide.
Check your province’s rules—some, like BC and Alberta, allow the "under 22" rule to apply as long as the child was under 22 at the time of application. Others may have stricter interpretations or require proof of dependency (e.g., full-time student status, financial support).
Common pitfalls:
- Assuming age is checked at decision time, not submission.
- Missing documentation like proof of full-time enrollment or financial support.
- Applying just after the child’s birthday without confirming the exact submission date.
To help narrow it down:
Could you share:
1. Your province of application?
2. Is your child currently a full-time student?
3. When exactly did you submit the application?
Please don’t post any personal IDs or documents in the thread.