Application period for popular program for parents, grandparents closes

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The application period for the Sponsors of Parents and Grandparents permanent residency program has closed after Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada received more than 14,000 applications for 5,000 spots.

What does the change mean? Canada is unlikely to accept any more applications under the program until 2017. Those who are interested in bringing parents or grandparents to Canada for an extend period of time and who do not secure one of the 5,000 spots may want to consider other options, including the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa program.

• Implementation time frame: The application period closed Thursday, Jan. 7.
• Visas/permits affected: Permanent residency for parents and grandparents.
• Who is affected: Qualifying Canadian citizens and permanent residents seeking to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency.
• Next steps: Canada’s new liberal government is expected to double the 5,000-application cap to 10,000 before next year’s application period opens.

Background: The Sponsorship of Parents and Grandparents residency program is extremely popular and, as expected, the program’s quota was filled in a matter of days. Intake closed on Thursday, and the first 5,000 complete applications received will be placed in line for processing. IRCC will retain the first 10,000 complete applications. IRCC said it will release information about its plans for returning unprocessed applications soon. Applicants can check this IRCC website for updates.

BAL Analysis: In just four days, IRCC received nearly three times the number of applications for which it has spots available. Those whose applications are not retained by IRCC are encouraged to explore other options with their BAL representative, including the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa, which is valid for up to 10 years and allows parents and grandparents to visit family for up to two years without renewing their status.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Canada. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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