Canada Strengthens Family Reunification with Expanded Sponsorship Program

October 11, 2022—Brampton, Ontario — Family reunification stands as a cornerstone of Canada's immigration strategy, playing a pivotal role in attracting, integrating, and retaining immigrants who contribute significantly to the nation's success. The country's robust family sponsorship program provides Canadian citizens and permanent residents with the opportunity to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada as permanent residents.

In a joint announcement today, Member of Parliament Sonia Sidhu, representing the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and Member of Parliament Shafqat Ali, revealed that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will continue its commitment to family reunification. This year, IRCC is set to accept up to 15,000 complete sponsorship applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program. Invitations to apply will be dispatched to 23,100 prospective sponsors over the next two weeks, ensuring the target of 15,000 applications is met.

Selection Process

Due to the residual pool of interest from the 2020 submissions, the IRCC will send invitations to a randomly selected group from this existing pool, rather than opening a new interest form. This mirrors the selection process adopted for the 2021 intake. Individuals who submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020, but did not receive an invitation in January or September of 2021, are advised to check their email for potential invitations.

Application Modernization

Participants invited to apply will benefit from the streamlined process facilitated by the new Permanent Residence Portal or the Representative Permanent Residence Portal. This digital transition is part of Canada's broader initiative to modernize its immigration system, aiming to expedite and simplify the application process.

Adjusted Financial Requirements

Acknowledging the economic challenges faced by many sponsors due to the pandemic, the IRCC will maintain a reduced income requirement for the 2020 and 2021 tax years. Sponsors are only required to meet the minimum necessary income, rather than the typical threshold of minimum necessary income plus 30%. Furthermore, regular Employment Insurance benefits and temporary COVID-19 benefits, such as the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, can be included in the sponsor’s income calculations. These adjustments ensure that sponsors and applicants are not unduly disadvantaged by temporary financial setbacks during the pandemic.

Alternative Pathways: The Super Visa

For those not invited to sponsor this year, the super visa remains a viable alternative. This multiple-entry visa, valid for 10 years, allows parents and grandparents to reside in Canada for up to five years per visit, with the possibility of extending their stay by up to two years without departing the country. Enhancements made to the super visa in the summer of 2022 further facilitate extended family visits, providing greater flexibility for Canadian citizens and permanent residents eager to reunite with their loved ones.

As Canada continues to evolve its immigration policies, these initiatives underscore a commitment to family unity and the strengthening of community bonds across the nation.