Can Children Be Included in an Express Entry Application? A Simple Guide for Canadian Immigration Applicants

Yes. Children can generally be included in an Express Entry permanent residence application if they meet Canada’s definition of a dependent child.

For families planning to immigrate to Canada, this is an important part of the Express Entry process. A parent may be the principal applicant, but eligible children can be included as accompanying family members. In some circumstances, children can also be listed even when they will not move to Canada at the same time.

The key point is that you should not simply assume that every child automatically qualifies. Canada’s immigration rules define who is considered a dependent child, and applicants must provide accurate information about their family members.

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), a dependent child is generally a child who is under 22 years of age and does not have a spouse or common-law partner. There is also a limited exception for children aged 22 or older who meet specific dependency requirements.

This guide explains the rules in straightforward language and highlights some of the common issues parents should understand before submitting an Express Entry application.

Important: Canadian immigration rules and application procedures can change. Always verify your situation against the latest IRCC instructions before submitting an application.

What Is Express Entry?

Express Entry is Canada’s online system for managing applications for permanent residence under certain economic immigration programs.

It is not a separate immigration program by itself. Instead, it manages candidates and applications for programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program and Canadian Experience Class.

A person creates an Express Entry profile and enters the candidate pool. If they receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), they can then submit a permanent residence application.

When completing the profile, applicants provide information about themselves and their family. IRCC states that dependent children are not entered in the initial Express Entry profile in the same way they are in the permanent residence application; information about dependent children is requested if the applicant is invited to apply.

This means parents should have their children’s information and supporting documents ready before receiving an invitation.

Who Is a Dependent Child Under Canadian Immigration Rules?

The definition of a dependent child is particularly important.

Generally, a child qualifies as a dependent if:

• the child is under 22 years old, and
• the child does not have a spouse or common-law partner.

There is an exception for certain children who are 22 or older. They may qualify as dependent children if they have depended substantially on their parents for financial support since before turning 22 and cannot financially support themselves because of a physical or mental condition.

This distinction matters because simply being the applicant’s son or daughter does not necessarily mean the person qualifies as a dependent child for immigration purposes.

What About a Child Who Turns 22 During Processing?

Parents sometimes worry that their child will turn 22 after the application has been submitted.

Canada uses an age lock-in date when determining whether a child qualifies. In general, the child’s age on the relevant lock-in date is used for the age assessment, even if the child gets older while the application is being processed.

However, other requirements can still matter during processing. For example, the child generally must continue to meet the requirement concerning marital or common-law status.

Because the exact lock-in rules can depend on the type and stage of the application, families should check the current IRCC instructions for their specific case.

Do I Have to Include My Children in an Express Entry Application?

If your child qualifies as a family member under Canadian immigration rules, you should not leave the child out simply because the child will not travel to Canada with you.

IRCC states that applicants must include their family members, including dependent children, even when those family members are not coming to Canada.

This is one of the most important points for families.

For example, imagine that a parent receives an Express Entry invitation and plans to move to Canada with a spouse but wants their dependent child to remain temporarily in their home country. The child may still need to be declared in the application.

Failing to declare a family member can create serious immigration problems. IRCC warns that failing to include family members can affect the applicant’s ability to bring those family members to Canada later.

Therefore, “not accompanying” does not mean “do not declare.”

Can a Child Be Included Even If They Are Not Travelling to Canada?

Yes, in applicable circumstances.

A dependent child can be listed as a non-accompanying family member. The child may still need to undergo required immigration procedures, such as medical and background checks, depending on the circumstances.

IRCC specifically explains that family members may need to pass medical examinations and background checks even when they are not accompanying the principal applicant to Canada.

Parents should therefore avoid assuming that a child who is staying behind has no role in the application.

If you are unsure whether your child is considered accompanying or non-accompanying, carefully follow the instructions in the application system and the relevant IRCC guide.

What Documents May Be Needed for a Child?

The exact document checklist depends on the application and the family’s circumstances. However, parents should expect to provide information proving the child’s identity and relationship to the applicant.

Common documents may include:

• the child’s passport or travel document;
• birth certificate;
• documents showing the parents’ relationship to the child;
• adoption documents, where applicable;
• custody or guardianship documents, where applicable;
• photographs meeting IRCC requirements;
• medical examination documentation when required;
• police certificates where applicable based on age and residence history; and
• other documents specifically listed in the applicant’s personalized IRCC checklist.

IRCC’s application guidance emphasizes that applicants must submit the documents required by their individual checklist.

For families with complicated custody, adoption, separation or guardianship arrangements, additional documentation may be necessary.

What If the Child Is a Stepchild?

A child does not necessarily have to be the biological child of the principal applicant to be relevant to the immigration application.

Canadian immigration rules can recognize children of a spouse or common-law partner as dependent children when they meet the applicable requirements.

For example, if an applicant is married and their spouse has a child from a previous relationship, that child may potentially qualify as a dependent child.

The important issue is not simply whether the applicant is the biological parent. The family relationship and dependent-child requirements must be assessed under Canadian immigration rules.

What If My Child Is Married or Has a Common-Law Partner?

This is an important limitation.

The standard dependent-child definition generally requires a child under 22 to not have a spouse or common-law partner.

Therefore, a 20-year-old who is married may not qualify as a dependent child simply because they are under 22.

Likewise, a child who is in a qualifying common-law relationship may not meet the standard definition.

Because relationship status can have a direct effect on eligibility, applicants should answer the application questions accurately rather than relying only on the child’s age.

What About Children Over 22?

The rules for children aged 22 or older are much narrower.

An adult child may qualify as a dependent child if:

1. they have depended substantially on their parents for financial support since before they turned 22; and
2. they cannot financially support themselves because of a physical or mental condition.

Both requirements are important. Simply being financially supported by parents after turning 22 does not automatically make someone a dependent child.

IRCC’s current guidance confirms that this exception is intended for adult children who meet the specific dependency and inability-to-support-themselves requirements.

If your child is over 22, documentation proving the relevant circumstances may be especially important.

Can You Add a Child After Submitting an Express Entry Application?

Sometimes, yes, depending on when the change occurs and the status of the application.

For example, a child may be born after a permanent residence application has been submitted. In that situation, the applicant should notify IRCC rather than simply waiting until the application is finalized.

IRCC explains that an applicant who needs to add a dependent child to an existing application must send a request to add the child. IRCC may then provide instructions about the forms, fees and supporting documents required.

IRCC also states that a child cannot be added to an application after the applicant has already become a permanent resident.

This is why changes to your family situation should be reported promptly.

What If a Baby Is Born After Applying?

A new child can change the family’s immigration circumstances.

If a child is born after an application has been submitted, the applicant should inform IRCC as soon as possible and follow the instructions provided.

Depending on the situation, IRCC may require documents such as:

• the child’s birth certificate;
• passport or travel document;
• application forms;
• proof of payment of applicable fees;
• medical examination information; and
• other supporting documents.

The safest approach is to report the change instead of assuming that the child will automatically be added to the file.

Do Children Affect Express Entry Proof of Funds?

They can.

This is an area applicants should pay particular attention to when preparing their finances.

IRCC’s current proof-of-funds guidance says applicants must include their spouse or common-law partner’s dependent children when calculating the required settlement funds, even when those family members are not coming to Canada.

In other words, having a dependent child can affect the family size used for settlement-funds requirements.

However, proof-of-funds requirements depend on the immigration program and the applicant’s circumstances. Some applicants may be exempt from the settlement-funds requirement under the applicable rules.

Therefore, do not use an old blog post or outdated table to determine how much money you need. Check the current IRCC requirements for your specific Express Entry program before submitting your application.

Do Children Need Medical Examinations?

Family members may be required to complete immigration medical examinations.

IRCC explains that family members, including those who are not accompanying the applicant, may need to undergo medical examinations and background checks.

This is one reason it is important to declare all family members accurately.

A parent should not assume that a child can simply be omitted because the child is not travelling to Canada.

What If My Child Is Living With the Other Parent?

This situation is common among separated or divorced parents.

If your child is in the custody of another parent, you should still provide accurate information about the child. Depending on the circumstances, IRCC may require custody documents, consent documents or other evidence.

The purpose is to establish important facts about the child’s identity, relationship to the applicant and ability to immigrate.

Do not create or submit a document simply because you think it will make the application easier. Immigration documents must be genuine, accurate and consistent with the family’s actual circumstances.

Where custody or consent is complicated, professional immigration advice may be worthwhile.

What Happens If You Do Not Declare a Child?

This is one of the biggest risks to understand.

Applicants have a responsibility to provide complete and truthful information.

IRCC says applicants must include their family members, even when those family members are not coming to Canada. Failure to include a family member can have serious consequences, including problems with bringing that family member to Canada in the future.

Providing false information or leaving out important information can also lead to serious immigration consequences. IRCC warns that misrepresentation can result in an application being refused and, in some circumstances, a five-year bar from applying to come to Canada.

For this reason, parents should treat family information as one of the most important parts of an Express Entry application.

A Simple Example

Suppose Daniel is applying for permanent residence through Express Entry.

He has:

• a spouse;
• a 15-year-old daughter; and
• a 24-year-old son who has a physical condition and has depended financially on his parents since before turning 22.

Daniel should not assume that only his 15-year-old daughter needs to be declared.

His 15-year-old daughter may meet the standard definition of a dependent child because she is under 22 and has no spouse or common-law partner.

His 24-year-old son would require a different assessment because he is over 22. If Daniel wants to include him as a dependent child, the family would need to demonstrate that the specific requirements for an overage dependent child are met.

This example shows why age alone is not always enough to determine eligibility.

Express Entry Children: A Practical Checklist

Before submitting your permanent residence application, consider the following:

• Confirm the immigration status of every family member.
• Determine whether each child meets Canada’s definition of a dependent child.
• Check the child’s age on the relevant lock-in date.
• Confirm whether the child is married or in a common-law relationship.
• Declare eligible family members even if they are not accompanying you.
• Gather birth certificates and other relationship documents.
• Review custody or guardianship documentation if applicable.
• Check medical examination requirements.
• Review your personalized IRCC document checklist.
• Recalculate settlement funds if your family size changes.
• Notify IRCC promptly if a child is born or your family circumstances change.
• Never provide false or incomplete family information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I include my child in Express Entry?

Yes, if the child meets the Canadian immigration definition of a dependent child. Generally, children must be under 22 and not have a spouse or common-law partner. Special rules apply to certain children aged 22 or older.

Does my child have to travel to Canada with me?

Not necessarily. A dependent child may be non-accompanying, but you generally still need to declare the child in your application.

What age is a dependent child in Canada?

Generally, a child must be under 22 and not have a spouse or common-law partner. Children aged 22 or older can qualify only under specific dependency and medical-condition rules.

Can I add my child after submitting my application?

In some situations, yes. If your family circumstances change, such as the birth of a child, you should notify IRCC and follow its instructions for adding a dependent.

Can I add my child after becoming a permanent resident?

You cannot add a child to the original permanent residence application after you have already become a permanent resident. Depending on your circumstances, you may instead be able to sponsor the child if both you and the child meet the applicable requirements.

Does having children affect Express Entry proof of funds?

It can. For applicants who must show settlement funds, dependent children are included when determining family size, including children who are not accompanying the applicant.