A lottery system was used earlier for this program, enabling a random selection of candidates. However for the year 2019 it was changed to a first come, first serve system, wherein interested candidates were required to submit an Interest to Sponsor Form. From the applications submitted, the IRCC invited about 20,000 complete applications in the order they were received. It was announced that the program delivery would be significantly changed for the year 2020, however, the details of the program for the year 2020 are yet to be announced. 

Eligibility criteria for sponsors:

1. Must be at least 18 years old.
2. Must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident living in Canada.
3. Must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirement for Family Sponsorship.
4. Must be willing to sign an undertaking for 20 years.