The Parent and Grandparent sponsorship stream has been closed as the government works to reduce application backlogs. These efforts have been outlined in the Action Plan for Faster Family Reunification, which has also laid out a four step process to reforming and streamlining parental sponsorship. The process is as follows:

Step 1: In 2012 and 2013, CIC has set a goal of admitting 50,000 parents and grandparents through the Family Class of immigration. This is the highest admittance of parent in grandparents in 20 years, and will result in a reduction of the program’s backlog by 50 percent.

Step 2: 2012 saw the introduction of the Super Visa, a 10-year multiple entry visitor visa that provides another option for parent and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who wish to come to Canada. The Super Visa, formerly a pilot program, is set to become permanent.

Step 3: When the program opens on January 2, 2014, new eligibility criteria will be put in place that increases the financial accountability of Canadian sponsors.

Step 4: In 2014, an application intake cap of 5,000 will be instituted. This will ensure that CIC will be able to continue reducing both the application backlog and processing times.

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney believes these changes represent a win-win situation for both Canadians and family members abroad.

“These new criteria ensure sponsored family members are well supported by their sponsors throughout their time in Canada,” he said. “The redesigned Parent and Grandparent program reunites families faster while respecting Canadian taxpayers and the limited resources for health and social programs.”

With these changes, Canada will continue its tradition of having one of the most open family sponsorship programs in the world. Similar countries such as the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand do not allow grandparent sponsorship and have greater restrictions on the sponsorship of parents.

To find out if you and your parents/grandparents are eligible for this program, please fill out a free online assessment form today.