Names will be drawn at random from a list of interested candidates in a new application procedure for Canada’s Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Previously, January has seen a huge rush to submit applications by mail or courier, with some companies charging extortionate fees to make sure the paperwork arrived at the Mississauga processing centre.

Now those wanting to bring parents and grandparents to Canada will have 30 days to fill out an online form with basic details.

After that time, 10,000 applicants from those who filled out the form will be selected at random and invited to send in completed application forms.

Immigration Minister John McCallum says the change is in response to feedback from those who have been through the process.

“We’re listening to what past applicants had to say and making the process fairer for people who want to sponsor their parents or grandparents,” he said.

“We’re ensuring everyone can access the application process by giving them the same chance to have their name chosen.”

The form will be available from January 3 to February 2, 2017. Those selected will have 90 days to apply. Those not selected will be able to follow the same process in 2018.

The initial form will ask for the individual’s first name, family name, date of birth, country of birth, main home address, postal code and email address. Once submitted, applicants will get a confirmation number. Duplicates will be deleted.

Canada expects to welcome 20,000 parents and grandparents under the 2017 immigration plan.

The government recently introduced a new 12-month standard processing time for family reunification immigration applications.

IRCC has made a concerted effort to reduce processing times since the Liberal government came to power.

After successfully reducing the wait by 15 per cent for in-Canada applicants and 10 per cent for those applying from outside, now the immigration department says it will get most applications processed inside a year, although it admits complex cases will require more time.

Parents and grandparents also have the option of applying for a super visa to enter Canada, valid for 10 years and allowing them to stay for up to two years at a time.

Interested employers: Kindly contact us here to receive further information.

Interested candidates: Find out whether you qualify to Canada by completing our free on-line evaluation. We will provide you with our evaluation within 1-2 business days.

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