Parents and Grandparents Program To Reopen - Update

On December 22, 2017, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (“IRCC”) announced that Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be able to take the first step in applying to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada, when the Parents and Grandparents Program reopens in 2018.

IRCC introduced a new process in 2017 of application intake for sponsoring parents and grandparents. Potential sponsors must first notify IRCC that they are interested in sponsoring their parents and grandparents by submitting an “Interest to Sponsor” form. Using a random selection process, IRCC will then invite potential sponsors to apply to sponsor their parents and grandparents.

On December 22, Minister Hussen announced that the “Interest to Sponsor” form will be available at noon EST today (January 2, 2018). We understand that it will only be available until noon on February 1, 2018.

As a limited number of spots will be available, if you are interested in sponsoring a parent or grandparent in 2018, please do not hesitate to contact us.

This update has been compiled with the latest available information for the general information of Border Law clients and other interested parties. This Update is not comprehensive and should not be relied upon without appropriate legal advice.