Short answer: whether a child ages out depends on when age is counted (filing, approval or a lock rule). US employment/family cases may use CSPA; many CBI programmes use age at filing. Near the limit, prioritise time-sensitive routes.
Planning tips
- List each programme’s age limit and counting rule
- Leave buffer for documents and checks — do not cut it fine
- For US routes, ask whether CSPA applies
- If risk is high, consider independent talent applications for the child
Rules vary — confirm case by case.