Changes to Parent and Grandparent Visa Program

The Parent & Grandparent Visa Program allows families to reunite in Canada and is a very important component of Canada’s immigration system.

However, this program was suspended last year because the applications had become so backlogged that it was taking several years just to process one application for parents and grandparents. But there’s good news! There recently was an announcement that said the parent & grandparent visa program would be re-opening so that these family members can be sponsored again.

There will be several changes to the parent & grandparent visa program before the program re-opens in January of 2014.

Changes to the Parent and Grandparent Visa to Canada Program

Anyone who is sponsoring someone (whether spouse, parent, relative) to come to Canada must be able to demonstrate that they have the means to be financially responsible for them. In the case of parents and grandparents, the financial requirements have increased by 30% to sponsor parents and grandparents, while sponsors will have to be responsible for their parents or grandparents for 20 years, not 10 as is required now.

Another change is that the Parent & Grandparent Visa, which was introduced when the program was suspended, will be made to be a permanent offering to parents and grandparents who wish to come to Canada for long-term visits as opposed to permanent residence.

New Applications for the Parents and Grandparent Visa

Approximately 50,000 parents and grandparents are expected to be admitted into Canada during 2012 and 2013, but only 5,000 new applications will be accepted in 2014 when the program re-opens. This is to ensure that the government can still tackle the backlog while keeping the program open.

Learn More About the Parent & Grandparent Visa Application Process

Do you want to bring your parents or grandparents to Canada? We have a team of qualified immigration lawyers who can help. The first step is to complete our Free Online Assessment Form to determine your eligibility to sponsor your family members through the Parent & Grandparent Visa Program.