a question involving importing from ME2 to ME3

[IAmVeryBoring]

this is the situation.

ive only just got ME2 (i know, im a late player) and have 'bought' the free cerberus network DLC.

Cerberus downloads did not appear for me to acquire until after i completed the main storyline and defeated the collectors.

my question is this. if i continue to play after defeating the collectors, having my new DLCs now active, will the mercenary (and also the thief from another DLC) still be able to be imported into ME3 as l'iara 'the shadow broker' has, or are they only able to be imported if they take part in the battle against the collectors?

[Fred_vdp]

Characters you recruited after the suicide mission will show up in the next game. ME3 will act as if these characters joined you on the suicide mission.