Canada freezes new parent and grandparent sponsorship applications for permanent residence -…
Canada has frozen new parent and grandparent sponsorship applications for permanent residence. This decision was announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. The freeze takes effect immediately.
This move marks a significant shift in the country's family sponsorship policies, which have undergone several changes in recent years. Previously, the parent and grandparent sponsorship program allowed Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence, with a limited number of applications accepted each year. The freeze on new applications is likely to impact thousands of candidates who were planning to submit their applications in the coming months. The parent and grandparent sponsorship program has been a key component of Canada's immigration policy, aiming to reunite families and promote social and economic integration.
The specific mechanics of the freeze are still being clarified, but it is expected to affect all new applications submitted after the effective date. Eligibility criteria, document requirements, and processing procedures for existing applications will continue to be assessed according to the existing guidelines. The freeze does not affect applications that have already been submitted and are currently being processed. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will continue to process applications received before the freeze, and applicants can check their status online through their IRCC account.
Minister Lena Diab said "applications will be processed" but the details of the freeze are still being worked out. The department will provide further guidance on the implications of the freeze and the next steps for applicants in the coming weeks.
The freeze on new parent and grandparent sponsorship applications will primarily affect Canadian citizens and permanent residents who were planning to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence. This includes applicants from countries such as India, China, and the Philippines, where family sponsorship is a common pathway to Canadian permanent residence. The freeze may also impact applicants who have already submitted their applications and are waiting for processing, although existing applications will continue to be processed according to the existing guidelines.
Applicants who have already submitted their applications can check their status online through their IRCC account and should continue to monitor their email and account for updates on their application. For those who were planning to submit new applications, it is recommended to check the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website for the latest information on the parent and grandparent sponsorship program and to sign up for email updates to receive notifications on any changes to the program.