Notice – Closing of the parent and grandparent application period

Ottawa, January 7, 2016 – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) received more than 14,000 new parent and grandparent applications since the program re-opened on January 4, 2016.

Intake is now closed while we review the applications received. The first 5,000 complete applications received will be placed in the inventory queue.

Canada is committed to reuniting families and the Government of Canada is seeking to increase the intake of parent and grandparent sponsorship applications from 5,000 to 10,000 per year. In light of this commitment, IRCC will retain the first 10,000 complete applications.

More information on this increase will be forthcoming, including information on when we will be returning applications not added to the inventory. Check our website for updates on the next program opening date.

Parents and grandparents who wish to spend an extended period of time with their families in Canada also have the option to apply for the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa. The Super Visa offers holders the option of staying in Canada for up to two years, whereas the regular visa provides a six-month maximum.