Caps on Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship

Summary#

The Department of Citizenship and Immigration published Ministerial Instructions under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act that set who and which parent/grandparent sponsorship files will be accepted for processing and when. They authorize up to 30,000 sponsorship applications received in 2021 to be processed in 2022, and limit processing of applications received in 2022 to up to 15,000 in 2023.

What it does#

• Limits how many parent and grandparent sponsorship files will be taken forward:
  • Authorizes up to 30,000 sponsorship applications received in 2021 to be accepted for processing in the 2022 calendar year (January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022).
  • Authorizes up to 15,000 sponsorship applications received in 2022 to be accepted for processing in the 2023 calendar year (January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023).
• Requires most sponsorship and related permanent resident visa applications to be submitted online (with alternative formats available for people with disabilities).
• Keeps a randomized “interest to sponsor” and invitation process for who may submit full sponsorship applications.
• Sets timing and document rules for invited sponsors:
  • Sponsors must submit their sponsorship application within 60 days of invitation (normally an extra 30 days can be granted to provide missing documents, for a total of 90 days).
  • Permanent resident visa applications from sponsored parents/grandparents must follow the same timing and document requirements.
• Says accepted applications are processed in the order received.
• Says humanitarian and compassionate requests from outside Canada that accompany applications not accepted under these Instructions will not be processed.
• Repeals earlier Ministerial Instructions published on December 25, 2021 and takes effect with some parts in force upon signature and the 2023-specific limits coming into force January 1, 2023.

Who's affected#

• People in Canada who want to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence (potential sponsors).
• The foreign nationals who are the sponsored parents or grandparents.
• Immigration representatives who help prepare these sponsorship and visa files.
• People who relied on earlier instructions or who missed invitation windows — they may be blocked from submitting new applications until future instructions.
• Applicants who cannot apply online because of disability — the department says alternate formats will be provided.

Why it matters#

• The rules decide how many families can move forward toward reunification in a given year. Caps of 30,000 and 15,000 mean some sponsors who planned to bring parents or grandparents could face delays or be unable to have their applications processed that year.
• The online filing requirement affects how people prepare and submit applications; those without easy internet access or assistance may need extra help.
• The stated timelines (invitations, 60- and 90-day windows) are strict: invited sponsors must act quickly or risk having applications returned.
• If you are planning to sponsor a parent or grandparent, watch for invitations from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and be ready to apply online with the required documents.