UPDATE: Parent/Grandparent interest to sponsor form will be available at noon EST on January 28, 2019.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) kept eager applicants guessing until the very last minute, but finally announced on December 31, 2018 that the much anticipated reopening of the 2019 Parent/Grandparent Sponsorship program would not occur right at the dawn of the new year, but would instead be reopening “in late January”.  The announcement, which was done via Twitter also indicated that IRCC would give “advance notice” of the reopening of the program.

For 2019, IRCC will be using a first-come, first-serve basis. Interested applicants would want to complete their Expression of Interest forms as soon as possible once the program does reopen as IRCC will invite individuals to submit their Parent/Grandparent Sponsorship Applications based on the time that they submit that online form. Click here for our previous article on the changes to the intake process for 2019.

We understand there is much excitement about the re-opening of the Parents and Grandparents Program. Please be advised that the program will be opening in late January, not on the 2nd, but rest assured we will give you advance notice before it opens. https://t.co/jQYKUNQgeT

— IRCC (@CitImmCanada) December 31, 2018