Canada’s family sponsorship programs in 2021
Family sponsorship is one of the three major immigration options to Canada. Of course, the other two are economic immigrants and refugees. Roughly speaking, about 25 to 30 percent of immigrants fall under family sponsorship programs. However, this is about to change in the upcoming year. In this article, I explore Canada’s family sponsorship programs in 2021.
- Introducing family sponsorship programs
- Refugee resettlement versus family reunification
- Family sponsorship targets in 2021
- Let us help!
What do family sponsorship programs cover?
Before I discuss Canada’s family sponsorship programs in 2021, let’s explore these options. Regardless of the underlying options, in a typical sponsorship program, a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada sponsors their family members. Consequently, they could immigrate to Canada without adding direct economic value to our country. In other words, these programs focus on the reunification of family members in Canada rather than their contributions. Therefore, it is no surprise some Canadians have opposed these programs in the past. Nonetheless, as a first-generation Canadian, I know the importance of family and how they could help you settle in Canada and be a contributing citizen.
We can divide family sponsorship programs into these major groups:
- Spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners and children outside Canada
- Common-law partners or spouses inside Canada
- Parents or grandparents
- Adopted children
- Orphan minor siblings
- Other family members such as nieces or nephews, uncles or aunts, and adult brothers or sisters
Unfortunately, the sponsorship of the last group could happen only under exceptional circumstances. Regardless, the presence of humanitarian and compassionate factors could help.
Family sponsorship is different from refugee programs.
Some refugee programs, such as PSR, allow Canadians to cover the expenses of refugees. Therefore, they can resettle in Canada. However, these programs fall under refugee resettlement programs. Consequently, Canada’s family sponsorship programs in 2021 do not include PSRs, such as the Group of Five.
Canada’s family sponsorship targets in 2021
If we look back, Canada accepted 91,311 family class immigrants in 2019. Consequently, about 27% of all immigrants in 2019 were under family sponsorship programs. We do not have access to the 2020 statistics. However, there will be a significant drop due to the coronavirus pandemic. Although the government has decided to accept 401,000 new immigrants in 2021, this group will not benefit from the increase. Unfortunately, the 2021 targets for family sponsorship programs are 81,000 only. Thus, only 19% of the immigrants will be family class.
Considering the current backlog in parental and spousal applications, the new target means even more delays for these groups. However, I don’t want to disappoint you completely. There is light at the end of this tunnel. For example, IRCC will accept 30,000 parental applications in 2021. Moreover, they have recently increased their spousal sponsorship taskforce by 66%. As a result, we could see some positive movements under these two programs.
Let us help!
If you wish to sponsor a family member in 2021, fill out the following form. Canada’s family sponsorship programs in 2021 are not that promising. However, there is still hope. Regardless, you want your family members with you, no matter what. Of course, if your case is complicated, consider booking a consultation session with me.
Of course, you may click here to explore other options in 2021.
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Al Parsai, MA, DTM, RCIC
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
Ashton College Instructor – Immigration Consulting
Author – 88 Tips on Immigration to Canada
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