Canadian Government Reopens Sponsored Family Visa

Canadian Government PM Justin Trudeau reopened the Parents and Grandparents Program at the beginning of 2018 despite many thinking it might not be a right decision. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada had introduced it back in late 2016. Hundreds and thousands of people showed interest in the program, but they selected only 10,000 applications. The Parents and Grandparents Program is a significant part of Canada’s family reunification goal, which is second most important and crucial immigration goal of the government. Since they only took 10,000 applicants in the first draw, the government agency picked another 10,000 in 2017. They didn’t confirm if they were going to bring the policy in for another year, but they did. This time around, it is more foolproof. They have added more questions to the Interest of Sponsor, which makes sure that only the most eligible get selected to sponsor their parents or grandparents’ Canadian residency. Ahmed Hussen, Immigration Minister of Canada, said that family reunification is always a priority of the Canadian government. In his press release on January 2nd, 2018, he invited eligible sponsors to fill applications for their parents and grandparents. Through this, the Canadian government wants people to know that they want to keep families together. The family is every person’s strength, and Canada strongly believes in it.

Details of the 2016 lottery

The Canadian government is currently taking applications. You can send applications until February 2nd, 2018. Once they receive your ‘Interest in Sponsor’ form, they’ll notify you via an email. To be eligible for the lottery, you need to show funds for looking after your parents or grandparents for minimum three years. Your salary should be more than the Minimum Necessary Income as mentioned by the IRCC. You also need to sign an agreement that makes you responsible for looking after your parents for minimum 20 years.