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Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino today announced details of the new parent and grandparent sponsorship program opening on Oct. 13 for a three-week window to help people fill online forms in bringing their relatives to Canada which was suspended due to the global pandemic.
After the end of three weeks period, IRCC will select random potential sponsors and invite them to submit applications within 60 days. Normally 20,000 spots are available, but due to the suspension caused by COVID-19, 10,000 will be available spots this year and 30,000 in 2021.
Marco Mendicino told CBC News that this is the fairest way to administer the intake and to invite expressions of interest and knew there was a high demand last year, some people were disadvantaged by the intake process and so we wanted to create a level playing field as much as possible.
The Liberal government scrapped the controversial lottery system and moved to a first-come, first-serve online application system last year which left tens of thousands of people frustrated and furious as they couldn’t access the form or fill it out quickly on first come first serve.
The lottery system has also been contentious, with critics claiming it gambled with peoples’ lives.
The lottery process in 2018 replaced another first-in system which was also unpopular because it led to a mad rush every January — with people lining up overnight at the doors of processing centers or paying placeholders to stand in line and deliver applications prepared by consultants or lawyers.
‘Super visa’ another option
Some people have pushed for a weighted system that would promote an individual’s chances in the lottery according to the number of years they express interest in sponsorship.
Marco Mendicino said the government will continue to look for ways to improve the application system. “I’m not closing the door to reassessing the intake process after this year.”
Canadian citizens and PR also can apply to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada with a Super Visa for up to two years at a time allowing multiple entries for up to 10 years.
Under that program, applicants must show proof of private medical insurance and financial support. During the COVID 19, applicants have been expected to meet travel restrictions and follow public health guidelines.
Conservative MP and immigration critic Raquel Dancho suggested the Liberals were accusing the pandemic of the delayed launch of a program that has failed people for the past two years.
“Justin Trudeau has failed to ensure a fair and compassionate immigration process for those hoping to call Canada home. Frankly, it’s unacceptable and those that depend on the immigration system deserve better,” she said.
NDP MP and immigration critic Jenny Kwan said it’s “unbelievable” that, after months of delay, the government chose to return to what she called a “failed” lottery system.
“This is not building back better. It’s going backward and it’s a disgrace,” she said.
Kwan has urged the government to lift the cap on the number of sponsorships and set processing standards so that families can reunite with their loved ones in a reasonable, predictable way.
Reuniting families and loved ones should not be ‘luck of the draw’, it’s wrong that the parent and grandparent sponsorship program is the only immigration stream based on a lottery, said Kwan.
Non-Resident Indian, Vishnu Kaginkar arrived in Canada as a PR in 2009 and began working to find a job, buy a home and settle into the new culture with a plan of sponsoring his parents.
He said I have been trying without luck since 2015 — while a friend who landed in Canada in 2016 was able to sponsor his parents the next year.” I am not jealous of him but it’s frustrating to see his parents are here and I have been waiting for the last five years,” he said in an email exchange with CBC.
“At least I expected they would give priority to the people who have been here … contributing to the economy and society.The new system they introduced today has left me nervous and hopeless because it’s the lottery system again.
