CIC imposes temporary moratorium on sponsorship of parents and grandparents
On November 5, 2011, a temporary pause (i.e., a moratorium) was imposed on the sponsorship of parents and grandparents under the Family Class. However, to temper the effect of this decision, the Government of Canada has announced that it will increase the number of sponsored parents and grandparents that Canada will admit next year, from nearly 15,500 in 2010, to 25,000 in 2012, in order to clear out the existing backlog. It will also introduce a Parent and Grandparent Super Visa, which will allow parents and grandparents to remain in Canada for up to 24 months at a time. Parent and Grandparent Super Visa applicants will be required to obtain private Canadian healthcare insurance for their stay in Canada but the visas will be valid for up to 10 years.
