Canadians will soon be able to sponsor their parents and grandparents, thus opening the door for thousands of new elderly immigrants amid a healthcare crisis.The Parents and Grandparents Program intake is set to go live in late July."Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will accept up to 10,000 complete applications for sponsorship under the Parents and Grandparents Program this year," the agency wrote in a press release. "Starting on July 28, and over the course of approximately two weeks, IRCC will send invitations to apply to interested potential sponsors."IRCC noted that not everyone who wants to bring their older relatives to Canada will be able to via the program, and suggested that those who miss out consider having them apply for a super visa. A super visa allows holders to stay in Canada for 5 years at a time, and is valid for 10 years, with in-and-out privileges..The move was first announced in March."Family reunification is an important part of Canada’s immigration system, helping Canadian citizens and permanent residents sponsor their loved ones to live and work alongside them in Canada," IRCC wrote at the time. "Through the Parents and Grandparents Program, the government is committed to reuniting as many families as possible."As of February, processing times sat at 24 months for everywhere but Quebec, with those hoping to enter la belle province expected to wait 48 months.Canada's healthcare system has been in crisis for years, with staff shortages and bureaucracy leading to long wait times. Elderly Canadians have been disproportionately impacted, with many missing out on necessary care."Canada, like many other countries is experiencing a significant demographic shift," the Canadian Institute said in June. "The number of older adults — led by the baby boomer generation — is growing. While many seniors are living longer healthier lives and can remain at home, others will need additional support in the years ahead."They argued that "the current system is not equipped to handle the volume and complexity of long-term care needs."
