Effective October 13th, the Government of Canada will implement a lottery system for sponsoring parents and grandparents. There will be a three week window for those interested in this program to submit their application of interest. Following this, applicants will be drawn from the lottery to be able to apply for a sponsorship. Those chosen will have 60 days to apply. In addition, these spots have been reduced from 20,000 last year, to only 10,000 this year, with the remainder added to next years intake of 30,000.
This is the third change to the system in three years. In 2017, the Government had a “first-in” system, where those waiting in line at the registration offices would be the first ones through. In 2018 this system changed to the lottery program, similar to the one coming into place this month. This system than changed again in 2019, to an online version of the “first-in” system of 2017. Now finally the Government changed once again to the new lottery system.
These constant changes in immigration processes can make these programs confusing and difficult for many applicants. It’s because of this that keeping up to date and well informed is so important.
Sponsorship Process
There are a total of 6 steps in the sponsorship process.
The first step in this new lottery system is the submittal of what is called a “Interest to Sponsor” form. This form will be posted on the Governments website on October 13th at noon (EDT), and will close on November 3rd at noon (EST). Additionally, this form will be your “lottery ticket” for an opportunity to be able to apply for this program.
Second comes the invitation to apply. This is a completely passive step, and only requires the applicant to wait and see if they have won a spot in the lottery.
After being accepted, each applicant must fill out an application package. It is very important that this is the 2020 form and not the 2019 form, as there have been changes made since the last intake.
The fourth step in the process is the payment of application fees. Keep in mind that these are non-refundable; making it very important that the application is filled out properly the first time. Included are, biometric fees, police certificates, medical exams, processing fees, and Right of Permanent Residence Fee.
Following the payment of fees, the application can be sent in. Without exception, this application must arrive at the immigration office within 60 days of acceptance into the program. This application must be sent by post (mailing service). However, if the application is not complete, fees are missing, or the application doesn’t arrive by the deadline, it will be sent back.
Finally, the officer handling your case will request additional documentation. These are for the person being sponsored and the initial applicant. These documents are, medical exams, biometrics, and police certificates.
Getting Help
Sponsoring can be difficult, and a small mistake can mean another year of waiting for the next intake. More importantly with the new lottery system, getting documents correct the first time has gained more importance. This is mainly because it is unclear if applicants will receive a second chance to apply in the next lottery intake.
If you are interested in maximizing your chances of a successful application, we can help. Taraz Immigration Services reduce all the pain points in the application process. We take care of all organization of documents, filling of applications, and send them to your immigration officer.
Call, email, checkout our website, or drop by for more information. Click the link to get in contact with our team.