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Why this is the best time to apply for Canada Family Class Immigration
On November 1st, 2017, Canada’s Minister for Immigration, Ahmed Hussen announced the country’s immigration plan for 2018-2020. In the next three years, Canada is planning to welcome 9,80,000 permanent residents to the country. While the majority of these newcomers will be economic migrants, the second largest category will be from the Family Class migrants.
Below is a comparison of the targets in 2017 to the targets for the next 3 years for Family Class immigration:
| Year | Target |
| 2017 | 84000 |
| 2018 | 86000 |
| 2019 | 88500 |
| 2020 | 91000 |
This is seen as Canada’s efforts over the past two years to make the process of sponsoring a family member faster and simpler. Under the broader category of Family Class, the citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, dependent children, parents and grandparents.
Open Work Permit Pilot Program
Another factor that has turned favourable for Family Class Immigration is the Open Work Permit Pilot Program. It entitles the spouses and common-law partners of the citizens and Permanent Residents to hold an open work permit. So the sponsored persons can economically support themselves and their families during the processing time of their application for permanent residence.
Conditional PR
On April 28, 2017, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirmed the removal of the conditional permanent residence (PR) provision. Under this provision, the spouses or common-law partners had to undergo a period of conditional permanent residences status. This was aimed to deter people from immigrating to Canada through non-genuine relationships. This change is expected to encourage many Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their spouses and common-law partners to Canada.
Minimum Age of Dependent Children
Starting October 24, 2017, the definition of dependent children was changed, raising the minimum age to be eligible under this category from under 19 to under 22. This means more Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their children.
More ITAs under PGP
Under the Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP), Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their parents and grandparents. As per the new immigration plan, there will be a gradual increase in the number of permanent residents admitted through the program. It is expected that around 21,000 new permanent residents will be admitted under this program by 2020.
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