Canada’s new Parents and Grandparents sponsorship program yesterday closed to expressions of interest from eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents, mere minutes after opening.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) had said it would accept 27,000 Interest to Sponsor forms on a first-in, first-served basis this year as a first step in the annual application cycle for its Parents and Grandparents Program.
However, the form was available for only a matter of minutes before IRCC announced that it had received enough submissions and ended the intake.
IRCC tweeted that those who successfully submitted the Interest to Sponsor form should receive an email within 24 hours confirming receipt.
The Parents and Grandparents program allows eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents over the age of 18 to sponsor their parents and grandparents for immigration to Canada.
Submitting the Interest to Sponsor form and the required proof of status in Canada document is not an application but it is the mandatory starting point for those who want to participate in the program
Prior to yesterday’s opening, IRCC had announced that at least one round of invitations will be held, with the possibility of others, until its target of 20,000 complete applications is met.
The situation has sparked a huge backlash online, with many people taking to social media to criticise the perceived unfair nature of the program.
Article published 29th January 2019