Ottawa, April 25, 2017 – This year we introduced a new application intake process for the Parent and Grandparent Program. We did this to improve people’s access to the application process by making it more fair and transparent.
Between January 3, 2017, and February 2, 2017, interested sponsors first had to fill out an “Interest to Sponsor” web form. Just over 95 000 people completed the form. This demonstrates the popularity of the Parent and Grandparent Program. Of those, we randomly chose 10 000 sponsors and emailed them inviting them to submit their application. We also emailed everyone who wasn’t randomly selected to inform them of the results.
Why a limit on applications is necessary
Each year, the Department accepts a certain number of new and complete applications for the Parent and Grandparent Program. In 2016, the number was doubled – from 5 000 to 10 000. These 10 000 applications represent approximately 17 000 people, as a sponsorship application can include more than one person.
The Department has been making a concerted effort to process the existing backlog, which has dropped to around 41 500 persons by the end of 2016. Another factor that comes into play is the annual immigration levels plan which is currently set at 20 000 for Parents and Grandparents.
Supporting Canada’s economic and social growth through a balanced immigration levels plan
By November 1 of each year, the Government of Canada presents an immigration levels plan for the upcoming calendar year. The plan reflects the Government’s key priorities for immigration by setting the number of permanent residents it plans to admit overall and through the various immigration categories and programs….
Ottawa, April 25, 2017 – This year we introduced a new application intake process for the Parent and Grandparent Program. We did this to improve people’s access to the application process by making it more fair and transparent.
