Hi there,
I have the exact same situation that happened to me. (Applied through wife being principal applicant, CEC, and have two kids under 18 who are living in another country and are not accompanying). I JUST got an email from IRCC refusing my application for the same exact reason. I have two kids who are living with my ex-spouse and they are not accompanying me to Canada. I do not have any kids with my new spouse.
What did you end up doing? Do kids have to go through medical exam?
Please update me about your situation and the steps you took.
Best of luck with your application.
Waiting for your response.
