Canada Expands Family Reunification for Parents and Grandparents
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Increase in Sponsorship Applications for Family Reunification
The Canadian government is enhancing its efforts to reunite families by expanding the number of applications it will accept for sponsoring parents and grandparents. In 2019, up to 20,000 applications will be accepted, quadrupling the 5,000 cap set in 2014.
This decision reflects the ongoing high demand in the Parents and Grandparents (PGP) Program and the significant reduction in application backlogs from 167,000 in 2011 to just under 26,000 by mid-2018.
In 2018, the cap was increased to 17,000 applications. To accommodate this, IRCC held a second round of invitations for potential sponsors who expressed interest earlier in the year, with a deadline of October 5, 2018, to submit complete applications.
Changes to the application intake system have been announced to facilitate more accessible access to the program and improve the overall experience for applicants. By modifying the intake process, the government gains more flexibility in managing applications, ensuring the maximum number is received.
Streamlined Application Process for 2019
Starting in 2019, the Interest to Sponsor form will be available online at the beginning of the year, allowing eligible sponsors to express their intent. The selection process will prioritize the order of received forms rather than random selection, continuing until the 20,000 application cap is reached.
These changes aim to make the process more efficient and responsive to applicants’ needs. Further details about these enhancements will be released in the fall.
Minister’s Statement
“Over the last few years, we have made substantial improvements to the parents and grandparents sponsorship process and eliminated the backlog of applications. Now, by accepting even more applications this year and next as well as enhancing the intake system, the Government of Canada is demonstrating its commitment to helping families live, work and thrive together, in Canada.”
– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Key Facts
- IRCC will process 17,000 sponsorship applications in 2018 and 20,000 in 2019.
- Projected admission numbers for parents and grandparents are 20,000 in 2018, increasing to 20,500 in 2019 and 21,000 in 2020.
Related Resources
Associated Links
Contact Information
Contacts for media only
Mathieu Genest
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
