Programme guides · US EB-5 Investor Immigration · US EB-1A Extraordinary Ability · Hong Kong Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) · Saudi Arabia Premium Residency
Planning Immigration Around Your Children’s Education: Which Routes Suit Families?
Global Immigrate consultants · Published · Updated
Written by Global Immigrate consultants · Reviewed by Oscar Yip, Founder & Managing Director
Summary
Children’s ages often set the immigration timeline. How destinations such as the US, Canada and Hong Kong affect education, the age limits for dependent children, the best timing at each stage and planning points.
Why children’s ages matter
Most programmes only allow unmarried dependent children to apply with you, with different age limits:
Destination
Age limit
US (EB-5, EB-1A and others)
Under 21 and unmarried
Hong Kong (talent schemes)
Under 18 and unmarried
Saudi Premium Residency
Under 25
Children over the limit must apply separately, so plan early.
Education advantages
Destination
Advantage
US
Public schools as residents, in-state university tuition under each state’s rules, work after graduation without a visa lottery
Canada
Free public schools; lower university fees than international students
Hong Kong
Dependants can study and build years of residence
New Zealand
Local schools as residents
Timing by age
Child’s age
Suggestion
8–12
An ideal time to start, adapting from primary or middle school
13–16
Aim to complete status before high school or university
17 and over
Start now, and check age protection (such as the US CSPA)
Planning points
Confirm each programme’s age limit for dependants.
Work back from your children’s school timeline.
Prefer routes with shorter processing.
Consider where your children will study and work later.
FAQ
What if my child is close to the limit?
Assess quickly; in the US, CSPA can freeze part of the processing time, calculated case by case.
Can children go ahead to study alone?
That depends on status; dependants generally gain status with the main applicant.
Can university-age children apply with us?
It depends on age and the programme, e.g. under 21 and unmarried for the US.
Hong Kong
Taiwan
Vietnam