Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Rules 2024

Summary#

Department of Citizenship and Immigration published new ministerial instructions under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act about how applications to sponsor parents or grandparents are handled. They say which 2023 and 2024 sponsorship and visa applications can be accepted for processing in the 2024 calendar year and set limits, deadlines and conditions for those files.

What it does#

• Confirms the rules that let some sponsorship and permanent-resident-visa applications from 2023 be accepted and processed in 2024 (the year runs January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024).
• Allows a new intake of sponsorship applications in 2024, subject to the same conditions.
• Limits processing to a maximum of 37 000 sponsorship applications accepted into processing in 2024 (this total includes both applications received in 2023 and new applications received in 2024).
• Requires that applications be submitted by electronic means (online). Alternate formats are available only for people who cannot apply online for accessibility or other specified reasons.
• Repeats the earlier eligibility rules for sponsors:
  • Only people who submitted an interest to sponsor during October 13, 2020 (noon EDT) to November 3, 2020 (noon EST) and who were later invited may submit a sponsorship application.
  • Invitations were (or will be) issued by random selection from non-duplicate interests submitted in 2020 and are not transferable.
• Sets application content and timing conditions:
  • A sponsorship application must match the information on the 2020 interest or explain and document any changes.
  • Sponsors must submit their full application no later than the deadline on their invitation, which will be at least 60 calendar days from the invitation date.
  • If fees and the application arrive on time but some required documents are missing, the department will normally grant an extra 30 calendar days to provide them.
• States that applications not meeting the conditions will be returned and processing fees refunded.
• Says the instructions take effect upon signature (document dated April 12, 2024).

Who's affected#

• People in Canada who want to sponsor a parent or grandparent under the family class and who filed an interest to sponsor between October 13, 2020 and November 3, 2020.
• Parents and grandparents who are the intended sponsored permanent residents and people preparing visa applications linked to those sponsorships.
• Immigration representatives and community groups who assist sponsors and family applicants.
• It is clear who is affected: anyone who did not submit an interest in that 2020 window is generally not eligible under this intake.

Why it matters#

• These instructions set who gets considered for family reunification under the parents-and-grandparents intake for 2024, and they cap how many applications will be processed (37 000). That affects how quickly families can reunite.
• The online-only rule and strict documentation and deadline requirements mean missed forms or late materials can cause an application to be returned or delayed.
• If you submitted an interest in 2020 and later received an invitation, this explains the exact conditions and time limits you must meet to keep your application in play.