Today, December 14, 2016, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the changes to the application process to sponsor parents and grandparents this coming 2017 intake period.  The intake period begins on January 3rd, 2017.  Canadian sponsors (either Citizens or Permanent Residents) will be required to complete an online application form and submit their information indicating their interest in sponsoring their parent(s) or grandparent(s).

IRCC will make the online form available beginning at 12:00 PM (EST) on January 3rd, 2017 and will close the intake period at 12:00 PM (EST) on February 2nd, 2017, allowing sponsors 30 days to make an expression of interest.  Immigration Canada will randomly select 10,000 sponsors and send them invitations to submit a complete application.  IRCC recommends that sponsors submit their information once, as duplicate copies will be removed from the system.

How will it work?

Sponsors who have submitted an online application and have been selected (or invited) will have 90 days to submit a complete paper application with all of the necessary and required supporting documents.  The paper application kit along with guide is expected to be available on January 9th, 2017.  It is important to remember that only those sponsors who have been randomly selected may submit their application packages.

A sponsor will receive notification from IRCC if they have been selected to apply.  Those who are not selected for 2017 intake period will have the opportunity to apply once again in 2018.

Why the sudden change in the intake process? 

In the past, IRCC would accept first-come, first-serve applications beginning on a specific day and time.  IRCC would receive thousands of applications and some of these would be returned to the sponsors if they were incomplete or did not meet the minimum requirements.  The submission of so many applications at one time would fill the cap (allowed number of applications) within just a few days.  IRCC has made the changes to the way they accept applications to ensure a fair process to all applicants.

“We’re listening to what past applicants had to say and making the process fairer for people who want to sponsor their parents or grandparents. We’re ensuring everyone can access the application process by giving them the same chance to have their name chosen.” – IRCC Minister John McCallum.

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