Parent, grandparent sponsorship program to reopen Jan. 3

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Canada’s parent and grandparent sponsorship program will reopen Jan. 3, 2017.

What does the change mean? Canadian citizens and permanent residents seeking to sponsor a parent or grandparent for permanent residency should apply as soon as the program reopens on Jan. 3, as demand is extremely high.

• Implementation time frame: Jan. 3, 2017.
• Visas/permits affected: Permanent residency.
• Who is affected: Canadian citizens and permanent residents sponsoring a parent or grandparent to become permanent residents.
• Next steps: Eligible applicants should begin their applications now. The program accepts new and completed applications on a first-come, first-served basis and typically reaches the quota and closes within several days.

Background: The Parent and Grandparent Program, which reopens Jan. 3, is expected to be capped at the first 10,000 applicants. The Trudeau government doubled the limit last year from the previous cap of 5,000.

BAL Analysis: Applicants interested in bringing a parent or grandparent to settle in Canada should begin preparing their applications now for this popular program, as spaces are limited and will be filled quickly after the application period reopens. Applicants who do not make the quota should explore alternatives such as 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 exiting or renewing their visa.

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.

Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.